FREE Boater Safety Course & Certification – Antrim County Sheriff’s OfficeThe Antrim County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol is offering a FREE Boater Safety Course and Exam as part of the:
“2026 Boat Smart, Boat Safe, Boat Legal” Training Initiative
Students who successfully complete the course and exam will receive their Boating Safety Certificate (BSC). This course, exam, and certification are provided at no cost to participants.
Why Take This Course?Knowledgeable boat and personal watercraft operators are key to safe and enjoyable use of Antrim County’s lakes and waterways.
Michigan law requires:
Boats:
Anyone born after July 1, 1996 must carry a Boating Safety Certificate (BSC) to operate a boat with a motor greater than 6 horsepower.
Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis):
Anyone born after December 31, 1978 must carry a Boating Safety Certificate (BSC) to operate a PWC/Jet Ski.
Class Locations & DatesAll classes run 8:00 AM – approximately 3:00 PM
April 11, 2026 – Mancelona High School April 18, 2026 – Elk Rapids High School April 25, 2026 – Bellaire High School May 2, 2026 – Ellsworth High School May 9, 2026 – Central Lake High School
Lunch ProvidedLunch will be provided thanks to our generous community partners:
• Elk-Skegemog Lake Association (ESLA)
• Friends of Clam Lake (FoCL)
• Three Lakes Association (TLA)
• Torch Lake Protection Alliance (TLPA)
• Intermediate Lake Association (ILA)
Registration InformationParticipants age 12 and up (including adults) are welcome to attend.
Students may:
• Pick up registration information at their school office, or
• Register online
To register online:
Search “Boater Safety Education Events – Kalkomey”
Enter your postal code
View Course
Click Register Now
Create an account
Log in
Register for the class
Students should also review the Michigan pre-study guide:“A Course on Responsible Boating.”
Classes fill quickly, so reserve your spot soon!
Course DetailsThe course includes approximately 4.5 hours of instruction, followed by a 60–90 minute exam and certificate awarding.
Participants will also learn about:
• Local Antrim County boating rules and regulations
• Safe boating practices
Courses are conducted by MDNR-certified Boating Safety Instructors from the Antrim County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol.
