Michigan

 

Question

Data

Commercial Vessels

Does your state/territory regulate commercial vessels on sole state waters?

Yes

Other, please specify

If you answered yes to the previous question, is your agency responsible for enforcing regulations on commercial vessels on sole state waters?

Yes

Other, please specify

If you answered "No" to the previous question, which state agency is responsible?

White Water

Does your state regulate vessel operation in white water areas?

No

Other, please specify

Does your state regulate commercial white water operations?

Yes

Other, please specify

Search & Rescue

Does your agency have a dive team?

No

Other, please specify

What agency is responsible for Search and Rescue operations?

Sheriffs and State Police

What agency is responsible for victim recovery?

Sheriffs and State Police

Boating Education Requirements

Does your state require mandatory boating safety education for some segment of the population?

Yes

Who is required to complete a boating education course in your state?

Those less than 12 years of age: May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower (hp) legally without restrictions. May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp but no more than 35 hp legally only if they are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age. May not operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 hp legally under any conditions. Those 12 to 15 years of age: May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 hp legally without restrictions. May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp legally only if they: Have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have on board their boating safety certificate or ... Are accompanied on board by a person at least 16 years of age

Are only residents of your state required to complete a boating education course?

Other, please specify

Education Exemptions

Are non-residents exempt from having to take a boating education course in your state?

No

Other, please specify

Are U.S. Coast Guard licensed operators exempt from having to take a boating education course in your state?

No

Other, please specify

Are any other persons exempt from having to take a boating education course in your state? Please list.

No

Exams and License/Certificate Issuance

Is issuance of a license/certificate dependant upon passing an exam in your state?

Yes

Other, please specify

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the passing score in your state?

80%

Providers of Education Courses

State Agency

US Coast Guard Auxiliary

X

US Power Squadrons

X

Public School System

Private Company

Other, please specify

County Sheriffs

Minors, Powerboats Personal Watercraft

Does your state require an adult to be on board when a minor is operating a motor-powered vessel other than a PWC?

Other, please specify

Other, please specify

See answer 11

Does your state require an adult to be on board when a minor is operating a PWC?

Other, please specify

Other, please specify

For 13 and 14 yr. olds

Minimum Ages for Education Certification

Does your state certify minor boaters?

Yes

Other, please specify

What is the minimum age someone can be certified in your state?

No minimum

Does your state have reciprocity for accepting out of state certification of minor boaters if the certification course meets NASBLA's Education Standards?

No

Mandatory Boat Operator Licensing

Does your state require mandatory boat operator licensing?

No

Other, please specify

Minimum Ages for Non-PWC Vessels

Does your state set a minimum age requirement to operate a motor powered vessel other than a PWC?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the required age and any other details such as horsepower rating.

Does your state set any minimum age requirements to operate a PWC?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the requirements.

Age 14 and older

Minimum Ages for Non-Powered Vessels

Are there any minimum age requirements in your state to operate non-powered vessels such as sailboats, canoes or kayaks?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the requirements.

Education Reciprocity

Do you accept out-of-state boating education certificates in your state?

No

Other, please specify

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, which type of certificates do you accept?

Does your state honor NASBLA-approved course reciprocity for non-residents?

No

Other, please specify

Wallet-Sized Certificates

Does your state issue wallet size boating certificate cards?

Yes

Other, please specify

How long are education certificates/student wallet cards valid in your state?

Lifetime

Challenge Exams

Does your state allow students to take a challenge exam to meet your state boating education requirement?

No

Other, please specify

Online Courses & Proctoring

Does your state have any laws in place which expressly prohibit online boating safety courses?

Yes

Other, please specify

Does your state require boating safety tests to be proctored?

Yes

Other, please specify

Water Skiing

Does your state require an observer to be present when pulling a skier?

Yes

Other, please specify

Does your state require a mirror to be present when pulling a skier?

No

Other, please specify

Does your state prohibit water skiing during any specific time of the day/night?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe the time(s) when skiing is prohibited.

Unlawful from 1 hr. after sunset until 1 hour before sunrise.

Water Skiing

Does your state require a skier to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD?

No

Are self-propelled skis allowed to be used in your state?

No

Does your state require the use of a skier down flag?

No

Describe any other water skiing restrictions in your state.

Motorboat Noise

Is there a maximum noise level for motorboats in your state?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please give the levels and standard used.

Amuffler with noise in excess or 90 decibels at idle at 3 feet and 75 decibels measured from shore.

Is there a factory muffling alteration law in your state?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the law?

Is boat noise governed by local ordinance in your state?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the local ordinance?

Marine Sanitation Devices

Does your state prohibit Y-valve through-hull discharge in waters of state jurisdiction?

Yes

Other, please specify

Does your state require Y-valves to be locked/closed in waters of state jurisdiction?

Yes

Other, please specify

Marine Sanitation Devices

What are the penalties for misuse or failure to equip a vessel with a Marine Sanitation Device in your state?

It is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 92 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

What are the penalties for illegal dumping/discharge of a Marine Sanitation Device in your state?

It is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 92 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

Personal Watercraft Operation

Does your state require users to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD when operating a PWC?

Yes

Does your state require PWC rental operators to provide any instruction or education in PWC operation prior to use?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how much instruction is required?

A person who is not required to obtain a boater safety certificate issued by the department under the personal watercraft safety act, 1998 PA 116, MCL 281.1401 to 281.1445, before operating a personal watercraft, unless the person obtains training in the safe use of a personal watercraft from the boat livery prior to the lease, hire, or rent of the personal watercraft. The department shall provide to boat liveries guidelines for the training required under this subdivision. This is a tri-folded phamplet.

Does your state prohibit PWC operation at any specific times?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the times.

1 hour before sunset until 8 AM the following day.

Personal Watercrafts and Skiers

Does your state allow PWCs to pull water skiers?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, are there any restrictions?

Must have an observer and everyone wearing a PFD.

Personal Watercraft Restrictions

Is there a speed limit specific to PWCs other than slow/no wake zones in your state?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the speed limit.

Is PWC operation restricted within any area or zone in your state?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the restricted area or zone.

Are limitations imposed on wake jumping with PWCs in your state?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe the limitations.

Cannot pass within 150 feet of another vessel

Is there a kill switch or safety lanyard requirement for PWCs in your state?

Yes

Life Jackets

Which persons in your state are required to wear a PFD and under what circumstances?

All vessels must be equipped with a personal flotation device for each person on board. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requires that all vessels have at least one Type I, II, or III personal flotation device that is USCG—approved, wearable, and of the proper size for each person on board. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size. Michigan's PFD law permits a vessel that is less than 16 feet long, or is a canoe or kayak, to choose to have either a wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) or a throwable PFD (Type IV) for each person on board. In addition to the above requirements, one Type IV USCG—approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer and readily accessible. Michigan law requires all children under 6 years of age to wear a USCG—approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel. Each person riding on or towed behind a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard—approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed on PWCs. All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible.

What are the penalties for violating PFD regulations in your state?

A person who violates this section is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $100.00 for a child 6 yrs. and under violation. For all other violations a person may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00. History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 2007, Act 8, Imd. Eff. May 11, 2007

Blood Alcohol Content

What is the BAC level at which a person is considered intoxicated in your state?

0.1

Does your state have a lower threshold for BAC for minor boaters?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the BAC level for minors?

Boating Under the Influence

Does a BUI conviction impact an offender's automobile driving privileges in any way in your state?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how are their privileges impacted?

BUI Saturation Patrols & Checkpoints

Are BUI saturation patrols utilized in your state?

Yes

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how are they used?

High visibility group patrols

Are BUI checkpoints utilized in your state?

No

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how are they used?

Alcohol Testing for BUI

Does your state allow blood tests to determine BAC or BUI?

Yes

Does your state allow breath tests to determine BAC or BUI?

Does your state allow urine tests to determine BAC or BUI?

Yes

Test Usage in Criminal Evidence

Blood

Breath

Urine

Field Sobriety Tests

Does your state require field sobriety tests to be conducted on shore?

Yes

Other, please specify

Can refusal of a test be used against a boater in criminal prosecution in your state?

Other, please specify

Other, please specify

Civil ticket

Do marine officers utilize random BUI inspections that include boarding the boat in your state?

No

Negligent Operation of a Vessel

Does your state allow officers to issue citations for negligent operation of a vessel?

Yes

Portable BUI Equipment

Does your state allow the use of hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment?

Yes

Does your state allow the use of hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment to be used for probable cause?

No

Does your state allow the use of hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment to be used for evidentiary purposes?

Yes

What percentage of law enforcement officers have access to hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment in your state?

90 % estimated

Probable Cause

Does state law require probable cause for marine officers to stop a vessel?

Yes

Other, please specify

Does state law require probable cause for marine officers to board a vessel?

Yes

Other, please specify

Towing Distressed Vessels

Do marine officers utilize random safety inspections that include boarding the boat in your state?

No

Other, please specify

Are marine officers allowed to tow vessels in distress in your state?

Other, please specify

Other, please specify

In case of life or property safety

Are seaplanes "on the water" treated as vessels in your state?

No

Other, please specify

Liability Insurance

Does your state mandate liability insurance for boaters?

No

On-Water Pursuits

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on on-water pursuit?

Yes

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on interstate on-water pursuit?

Yes

Transporting Subjects, Accident Victims, Guests

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on transporting subjects?

Yes

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on transporting accident victims?

Yes

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on transporting guests?

Yes

Officer Safety

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on requiring officers to wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs?

Yes

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on skin care safety for officers?

No

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on hearing safety for officers?

No

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on back safety for officers?

No

Towing Distressed Vessels

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on towing distressed vehicles?

Yes

First Responders, First Aid, Good Samaritans, Search and Rescue

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on being a first responder at an accident?

Yes

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on the use of first aid?

Yes

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on the Good Samaritan law?

Yes

Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on search and rescue?