Online Michigan Boater
Safety Course

Get your official Michigan Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $45.99 + $10 TPWD Fee

 

Official Course Approved By the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

This course has been developed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the Michigan Boater Safety Certificate. Website: [michigan.gov/dnr](https://www.michigan.gov/dnr) Address: 525 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933

Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by the Michigan DNR and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this Michigan boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local Michigan boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boating Safety Certificate (commonly referred to as the Michigan Boating License).

Who Needs This Course?

It’s the law in Michigan! In Michigan, if you were born on or after 7/1/1996 you must complete a boating safety course.

Helpful Resources

The Pathway to Safe and Certified Boating

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course

3 Hours

Instant Certificate

1 Minutes

Go Boating

Instantly

Boater say

What Boaters Say About CertifiedBoater

See how CertifiedBoater has helped boaters like you get certified, stay safe, and enjoy the water with confidence.

trusted by

Wanda Lawson Students

CertifiedBoater makes getting your boating license simple, fast, and official. The best course I’ve taken—clear, engaging, and easy to get certified!

Dicky Tenue Students

Highly recommend CertifiedBoater for boater certification! The course is interactive, well-structured, and packed with essential knowledge for safe and responsible boating.

Luna Houston Students

CertifiedBoater exceeded expectations! The lessons are easy to follow, the material is top-notch, and certification is quick and hassle-free. Truly the best!

What Is In The Michigan Boating Course?

This section provides an overview of boating safety fundamentals, including why safety is critical, basic rules, and how to stay safe on the water. Perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher.

Learn key boating terms and phrases to communicate effectively on the water. This section ensures you understand the language of boating, from parts of a boat to navigation terms.

Discover the essential equipment required for safe boating, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and more. This section ensures you’re fully prepared and compliant with safety regulations.

Get step-by-step guidance on planning your boating trip, from checking the weather to inspecting your boat and packing the right gear. Preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.

Learn how to handle emergencies on the water, including man-overboard situations, engine failure, and first aid. This section equips you with the knowledge to stay calm and act quickly.

Understand the “rules of the road” for boating, including right-of-way, speed limits, and how to avoid collisions. This section ensures you navigate safely and responsibly.

Explore the purpose and use of buoys, markers, and other navigation aids. This section helps you interpret these tools to stay on course and avoid hazards.

Learn how to safely coexist with other water activities like fishing, swimming, and water sports. This section covers etiquette and safety tips for shared waterways.

certifiedboater course features

Instant Certification

Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.

Affordable & Aboveboard

Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!

Safety with a Splash of Fun

This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click

Live Support

Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.

Michigan Boating Course FAQs

How much does the Michigan certifiedboater Course cost?

The Michigan certifiedboater fee is $29.50.

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course

Do I have to be a resident to take the Michigan certifiedboater Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Michigan to take this online course.

Is my Michigan Boating Safety Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Online Course Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam

What is the permanent Michigan Boating Safety Certificate?

The Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. You can print the Boating Safety Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.

How do I replace my Boating Safety Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

To replace a lost or destroyed Boating Safety Certificate, log in to the course and print a new one.

What if I lose my boater safety certificate?

If you lose your Texas Boater Education Card, you should contact the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. There may be a process and fee for issuing a replacement.

Boating in Michigan

Michigan offers a diverse range of boating experiences with over 7,000 lakes and reservoirs and 367 miles of coastline along the Great Lakes. Popular spots include Lake Michigan, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River, where you can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports. The state’s seasonal climate provides unique boating opportunities year-round. To fully enjoy these waters, Michigan requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, ensuring safe and responsible boating on its waters.

Coming Soon States

Select the State to view resources

Alabama

Course approved by the Alabama Department of Natural Resources

Alaska

Course approved by the Alaska Office of Boating

Arizona

Course approved by the Arizona Game & Fish Department

New Hampshire

Official New Hampshire Marine Patrol boating license course

Colorado

Course approved by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Connecticut

Course approved by the Connecticut Dept of Energy & Environment

Delaware

Course approved by the Dept of Natural Resources & Environmental Control

Arkansas

Official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating license course

Boating Courses Coming Soon!

🚤 Courses on the Way!

At Certified Boater, we’re dedicated to expanding boating education nationwide. Our courses are currently available in multiple states, and we’re working toward full NASBLA approval to ensure they meet the highest safety and legal standards. Once approved, they will be recognized by state agencies.