Who May Operate a PWC
No one less than 12 years old may legally operate a PWC.
A person who is 12 or more and less than 14 years of age may operate a PWC only if:
• He or she obtained a boating safety certificate prior to January 1, 1999, or...
• All of the following conditions are satisfied:
- The person is accompanied solely by his or her
parent or legal guardian.
- Both the person and the parent or legal guardian have obtained a boating safety certificate.
- The PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch and the parent or legal guardian has the lanyard attached to his or her person, clothing or PFD.
- The PWC is designed to carry at least two people.
Those 14 years of age or older:
• A person born after December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC only if he or she has obtained a boating safety certificate.
• Those born December 31, 1978, or earlier may operate a PWC without restrictions.
Michigan definition of a Personal Watercraft
Jet skis are an example of personal watercraft; however, the definition of a personal watercraft is: a vessel that uses a motor-driven propeller or internal
combustion engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of
propulsion, is designed without an open load carrying area that would
retain water, and is designed to be operated by one or more people
positioned on, rather than within, the confines of the hull.
So, as far as I can see, Michael can operate the boat as long as I can find a way to get him a Boating Safety Certificate