At High Favor Insurance, the agents know how much people who live in the Birmingham, MI area love to take to the water when it’s time to relax or go fishing. People of all ages love spending time boating, swimming, and fishing. Many kids learn to drive their parents’ boats and watercraft at an early age, but when is too early?

Under the Age of 21

Individuals between the age of 12 and 21 must have a safety certificate that indicates they have attended the mandatory safety class and passed. In order to legally drive the boat, the safety certificate must be in their possession while they are in the boat. The Boat Ed class can be found online and includes a series of quizzes that will test your knowledge of what to do if an emergency occurs. In order to pass the class and receive the safety certificate, the applicant must score 70% or higher. 

Size Matters

If a boat has a motor that produces less than 35 horsepower, kids under the age of 12 can drive it but there are key restrictions that must be adhered to. To operate any watercraft that produces over 6 horsepower, kids 12 and under must have a safety certificate and have someone 16 years of age or older in the boat to supervise. If the boat operates under 6 horsepower, there are no restrictions on age.

If you have questions about the boating laws in Birmingham, MI and whether or not your child can legally drive your boat, call the agents of High Favor Insurance today. They have the answers you’re looking for and can get you on the right track in a matter of minutes.