MICHIGAN BOATING LAWS

1. Improper Direction

is defined as the failure to operate in a counterclockwise direction except in areas marked by well-defined channels or rivers.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-4_recklessoperation.htm

2. Improper Distance

Defined as not maintaining a proper distance while operating a vessel or towing a person. To maintain a proper distance when you are operating at greater than “slow, no wake speed” the vessel or persons being towed must not be within 100 feet of:

A shoreline (if operating in water less than three feet deep)

Any moored or anchored vessel

A dock or raft

Any marked swimming area or person(s) in the water

Improper Distance for PWCs means that, if operating at greater than “slow, no wake speed,” PWCs also must:

Stay at least 200 feet from any Great Lakes shoreline.

Not cross within 150 feet behind another vessel other than another PWC.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-4_recklessoperation.htm

3. Failure To Regulate Speed

Defined as operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger to the life or property of any other person or at speeds that will not permit you to bring your vessel to a safe stop. It is illegal to:

Operate a vessel in excess of 55 mph

Operate a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake speed” when a person is in the bow of a vessel without proper seating.

Operate a vessel faster than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions (weather, vessel traffic, etc.).

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-4_recklessoperation.htm

4. DO NOT Drink and Drive any Watercraft.

Michigan law prohibits anyone from boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes operating any boat, sailboat, or personal watercraft. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-5_alcoholdrugs.htm

5. The Legal Requirements of Boating Navigation Lights

Vessel operators must make sure that their vessels are equipped with the proper navigation lights and use the lights during these conditions:
When away from the dock between sunset and sunrise,
During periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain .

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-9_navlights.htm

6. Reckless Operation

of a vessel or reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or similar device is defined as operation which disregards the safety or rights of others or endangers the person or property of others. Some examples of reckless operation are:

Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic or swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision

Jumping the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is restricted

Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel

Causing damage from the wake of your vessel

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-4_recklessoperation.htm

7. Riding on Bow

It is illegal if the vessel is not equipped with bow seating and the vessel is operating at greater than “slow, no wake speed.” Persons also are not allowed to ride on the gunwale. While underway, persons on a vessel may not sit, stand, or walk on any portion of a vessel not designed for that purpose.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-4_recklessoperation.htm

8. Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)

All vessels must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, called personal flotation devices (PFDs). The quantity and type depend on the length of your vessel and the number of people on board and/or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, be the proper size for the intended wearer, and very importantly, be readily accessible! Readily accessible means you must be able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.). PFDs should not be stowed in plastic bags or in locked or closed compartments, and they should not have other gear stowed on top of them.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-7_pfds.htm

9. Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWCs or Jet Skis)

In addition to adhering to all boating laws, personal watercraft (PWC or Jet Skis) operators have requirements specific to their vessel.

Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs may not be used.
You may not allow a child under 7 years of age to ride on or be towed behind a PWC unless with a parent or guardian or a designee of the parent or guardian.
The lanyard of a PWC’s ignition safety switch must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
It is illegal to operate a PWC during the period that begins at sunset and ends at 8:00 a.m. “Sunset” means that time determined by the national weather service.
PWCs must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. For example, the following operations are illegal:
- Jumping the wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to the other vessel
- Weaving your PWC through congested traffic
- Swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid a collision
A PWC must be operated at “slow, no wake speed” if crossing within 150 feet behind another vessel unless the other vessel is also a PWC.
You may not operate a PWC within 200 feet of a Great Lakes shoreline unless traveling at “slow, no wake speed” perpendicular to the shoreline.
You may not operate a PWC in waters less than two feet deep unless you are operating at “slow, no wake speed” or are docking or launching your PWC.
It is illegal to harass wildlife or disturb aquatic vegetation with your PWC.

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p4-12_reqspectopwc.htm

10. Who Can Operate a Watercraft.
This is very specific and dependent on age certification and type of watercraft. Please see Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft

There is also some good information on How to Avoid Accidents at

http://www.boat-ed.com/mi/course/p5-1_riskmgmt.htm#WearPFDs.

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