The Marine Division is supported partially through grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This division consists of one sergeant and 12 part time deputies. The unit is dedicated to ensuring a safe boating experience, and to the education of the boating public in Allegan County. Officers patrol all the navigable lakes in the county along with the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. Boater safety classes are also taught by marine deputies each summer to allow students to earn their boating safety certificate.

Boating Safety Classes

The Allegan County Sheriff's Office will be conducting several Boater's Safety Courses this spring. Upon the successful completion of this class, attendees will receive their Boater's Safety Certificates. Classes are open to anyone 12 years of age or older. We ask that participants bring a pencil and a sack lunch. All course materials are provided and there is no charge to attend any of these courses. Attendees need only to attend and complete one of these classes to receive their Certificate.

Boater’s Safety Certificates are required for persons 12-15 years of age who wish to operate a motorboat in Michigan. A Boater’s Safety Certificate is also required for anyone born after December 31, 1978 to operate a personal watercraft. A Certificate is also required of any adult who will be supervising a child age 12 or 13 in the operation of a personal watercraft.  Adults are encouraged to attend with their children.

Who should take this course?
People who need a boating safety certificate, and people of all ages who are interested in safe boating. A boating safety certificate is required for persons 12-15 years of age to operate a motorboat.

A boating safety certificate is also required to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) if the operator was born after December 31, 1978. The new minimum age for PWC operators who obtain a boating safety certificate after Jan. 1, 1999 is 14 years of age.

What is covered?
Safe operation of personal watercraft, age requirements for operators of different types of watercraft, equipment and registration requirements for different types of watercraft, personal floatation devices; types and uses, and the rules of the road for boaters.

How long is the class?
The class takes about 6 hours, depending on class size.

How much does it cost?
There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. 
To register, refer to the instructions for the class you are interested in.

Boating Safety Class FAQs 

Current Class Schedule

We ask that participants bring a pencil and a sack lunch.  All course materials are provided and there is no charge to attend any of these courses.  Attendees need only to attend and complete one of these classes to receive their Certificate.