A series of articles outlining safe boating on Michigan waters.

Please Note: This article is incomplete. It will include a number of articles, links and resources related to having a safe time on our lakes and rivers.

Each article includes a link to it’s origin.

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79144_80298-37313–,00.html

Life Jacket Rules

Boating accident statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that 90 percent of people who drown in a boating or water accident would be alive today if they had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

Who must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket?

  • Children less than 6 years of age must wear a Type I or Type II PFD when riding in the open deck area of a boat.
  • Each person operating, riding on or being towed behind a personal watercraft (jet ski) must wear a Type I, Type II or Type III PFD (not an inflatable device).
  • Each person less than 12 years of age riding or being towed behind a personal watercraft (jet ski) must wear a Type I or Type II PFD.

What type of PFD do I need to carry on my boat in Michigan?

  • Vessels less than 16 feet (including canoes and kayaks) must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or IV PFD for each person on board.
  • All vessels less than 16 feet and used on the Great Lakes or connecting waterways are required to carry one approved Type I, II or III device for each person on board.
  • Vessels 16 feet and longer, in addition to the Type I, II or III for each person on board must carry one type IV. (Canoes and kayaks over 16 feet are exempt from the Type IV requirement.)
  • All PFDs must be ready at hand and not enclosed in plastic bags or other containers.

TYPE I
(Off-Shore Life Jacket) (22 lbs. Buoyancy) Best for open, rough or remote water where rescue may be slow in coming.

Advantages: Turns most unconscious wearers face-up in water. Highly visible color. Floats the person the best.

Disadvantages: Bulky.

Sizes: Two sizes to fit most children and adults.

TYPE II
(Near-Shore Buoyant Vest) (15.5 lbs. Buoyancy) Good for calm, inland water or where there is good chance of fast rescue.

Advantages: Turns some unconscious wearers face-up in water. Less bulky, more comfortable than Type I PFD. Inexpensive.

Disadvantages: Not for long hours in the water. Will not turn some unconscious wearers face-up in water.

Sizes: Infant, Child Small, Child Medium, Adult.

TYPE III
(Flotation Aid) (15.5 lbs. Buoyancy) Good for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of fast rescue.

Advantages: Generally the most comfortable type for continuous wear. Freedom of movement for most active water sports. Available in many styles. Freedom of movement for water-skiing, small boat, sailing, fishing, etc.

Disadvantages: Wearer may have to tilt head back to avoid going facedown. In rough water, a wearer’s face may often be covered by waves. Not for extended survival in rough water.

TYPE IV
(Throwable Device) For calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always nearby.

Advantages: Can be thrown to someone. Good back-up wearable PFDs. Some can be used as a seat cushion.

Kinds: Cushions, Rings and Horseshoe buoys.

Disadvantages: Not for unconscious persons. Nor for non-swimmers or children. Not for many hours in rough water.

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79144_80298-37311–,00.html

Boat operator age restrictions – who may operate a boat?

WHO MAY OPERATE A BOAT

Those less than 12 years of age :

  • may legally operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 horsepower (hp) without restrictions.
  • may legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp, but no more than 35 hp, only if they:
    • have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board; and
    • are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age.
  • may not legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 35 hp legally under any conditions.

Those born on or after July 1, 1996 may legally operate a boat only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board.

Those born before July 1, 1996 may legally operate a boat without restrictions.

WHO MAY OPERATE A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT 

Those less than 14 years of age may not legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC) (ie. jet ski, wave runner).

Those 14 and 15 years of age may legally operate a PWC if they have obtained a boating safety certificate; and is

  • accompanied on board by their parent, legal guardian or by a person who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian and is at least 21 years of age; or
  • operating or riding the PWC at a distance of not more than 100 feet from their parent, legal guardian or by a person who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian and is at least 21 years of age.

Those at least 16 years of age and born after Dec. 31, 1978 may legally operate a PWC only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate.

The Handbook of Michigan
Boating Laws and Responsibilities –
opens in new tab
https://www.boat-ed.com/michigan/handbook/page/1/Introduction/