The main purpose of the boater safety education course is for the Branch County Marine Patrol Deputies to train knowledgeable, safe and responsible boaters. Topics covered include general boating and water safety, navigational rules, causes and prevention of crashes, operation and fueling techniques, environmental concerns and reporting responsibility. These classes will be a traditional classroom setting, with a written exam requiring a 75% or better to pass. There’s no age requirement, however, those under 12 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult.  Free lunch will be provided courtesy of Coldwater Lake Association and the Marble Lake Improvement Association.

         

Any motorized boat operator born after June 30, 1996, is required by law to pass an approved boater safety course and to carry a boater safety certificate. In addition, boater education is also required for all PWC operators born after December 31, 1978. Michigan’s boater education course is taught by a dedicated core of certified volunteer instructors, sheriff’s deputies and Michigan conservation officers.

View the Boaters Safety Handbook for additional safety information.

Boaters Safety Handbook

Classes will be held at:

All Spring/Summer 2022 classes completed.  Check back for more classes.

Coldwater Lake Association – Building
516 Warren Road, Coldwater

Sunset Cove – Marble Chain of Lakes Improvement Assoc.
931 Sunset Drive, Quincy

Branch County Sheriff’s Dept. – North Chain Lake Assoc.
379  Keith Wilhelm Dr., Coldwater

 

Online

It is possible to go online for the boaters education class. The website is www.boat-ed.com/Michigan., There is a fee for this online class. We encourage those taking a boater safety class to do so through the class offered by the Sheriff’s Office, this allows for questions and interaction with other students, and the Marine Patrol Deputies.