Section 8 Michigan State Laws Revised 2015

Registration Hull Identification Number: Federal Documented Vessels: Boats built after 1972 Engraved or permanently attached to transom Similar to VIN of auto Federal Documented Vessels: Must be registered with Michigan Follow USCG guidelines Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 25

Registration ALL – except: Certificate of Number (Registration): Must be carried aboard vessel Expires on March 31 Good for 3 years ALL – except: non-motorized - under 16 feet, canoes, kayaks Registered in other states & in Michigan for 60 days or less Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 25

Registration Registration Numbers and Validation Decal Display: Affixed to bow – both sides 3 inch BLOCK letters Validation Decal: space 3” after letters Contrasting colors to bow Space or hyphen between letters and numbers Example: MC 3717 ZW or MC-3717-ZW No other numbers displayed on bow Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 25

Boat Operation Valid Boating Safety Certificate - Issued By: MI DNR United States Coast Guard Auxiliary United Sates Power Squadrons Other NASBLA approved course providers Boat Rentals - Must Meet: Michigan age requirements Boating Safety Certificate requirements Mich. House Bill # 4441 Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 48

Boat Operation Who May Operate: Less than 12 years old: 6 hp or less: Without Restrictions 6 – 35 hp: Valid Boat Safety Certificate AND on board supervision Supervision = at least 16 years old More than 35 hp: Never 12 – 15 years old: 6 hp and less: Without Restrictions More than 6 hp: Valid Boat Safety Certificate 0R on board supervision 16 and older: Born before 07/01/1996: Without Restrictions Born on or after 07/01/1996: Valid Boat Safety Certificate Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 26

PWC Operation Who May Operate: Less than 14 years old: Never Valid Boat Safety Certificate AND Onboard Parent or Legal Guardian or designated 21 year old OR Less than 100’ from - Parent or Legal Guardian or designated 21 year old 16 years and older: Born on or before 12/31/1978: Without Restrictions Born after 12/31/1978: Valid Boat Safety Certificate Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 26

Alcohol & Drugs All drivers have given consent to be tested Under the influence if: 21 & older: 0.08% or greater by weight of alcohol Under 21: “Any Bodily Alcohol Content” 0.02% or greater by weight of alcohol Ref. Mich. HB # 4441

Alcohol & Drugs Conviction Penalties: 3rd conviction: Felony 1st Offence: Misdemeanor - May get 1 or more of the Following: Community service Imprisonment Fine may loose motor boating privileges 3rd conviction: Felony Great bodily injury or death: Felony Owner knowingly permit intoxicated person to drive: Misdemeanor Ref. Mich. HB # 4441

PFD Requirements: Available for each person on board: Type I – Offshore – Turn unconscious person face-up Type II - Near Shore – might turn person face-up Type III - Floatation Aid – will not turn person face-up Type IV – Throwable – not to be worn Type V – Special Use Device – vest, suits - used according to label Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 29

PFD Requirements: All PFD’s Must Be: Proper size Readily accessible Serviceable condition Under 6 years old on open deck of boat: Must wear Offshore or Near Shore PFD Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 29

PFD Requirements: Vessel 16’ or over: must have Throwable Mich. Law - Vessel less than 16’ must have: Offshore or Near Shore or Flotation Aid or Throwable Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 29

Requirements - PWC All must wear a PFD: Must be: Offshore or Near Shore or Flotation Aid Rider under 7 years old: not without parent or legal guardian or designated guardian Lanyard must be attached to operator May operate between 8:00 am and sunset only Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 35

Requirements - PWC Illegal Reckless Operation: Must be at “Slow - No Wake” speed: Within 150’ behind another vessel (unless PWC) Within 200’ of Great Lakes shoreline Less than 2’ deep water Less than 100’ from, docks, anchored vessel, marked swim area Illegal to disturb wildlife & aquatic vegetation Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 27

Towing Behind Vessel Towed person must wear PFD – not inflatable PWC: Between 8:00 am and 1 hour before sunset Boat: 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset Must have an observer, in addition to the operator Must have rear view mirrors Keep the towed person at least 100’ away from: Moored or anchored vessel, dock or raft, marked swim area or person in the water. Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 29 & 35

Stay Clear of Divers Alpha Flag: Vessel unable to maneuver Diver: within 100’ of flag Vessels: at least 200’ from flag No one in the 100’ – 200’ zone Alpha Flag: Vessel unable to maneuver Diver-Down: Diver in the water Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 34

Unlawful Operation: Weaving in and out of congested area Jumping Wakes (minimum distance) Chasing, Harassing, Disturbing Wildlife or Vegetation Causing damage from wake Operating at greater than “slow, no wake” speed: Within 100 ft. of another boat at anchor, except in well defined channels, canals, rivers, or stream courses. Near shoreline if less than 3’ of water (boat) More than 55 mph: unless 1 mile offshore on Great Lakes Loading beyond capacity stated on the capacity plate. Improper direction: must be counter-clockwise (keep to right) In restricted areas Bow riding – walking, standing in areas of boat not designed to Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 27

Accident Report Filed Must report immediately to nearest police if: A person Dies A person disappears from vessel MI DNR report within 48 hours if: Death within 24 hours of occurrence Loss of consciousness, receives medical treatment or is disabled for more than 24 hours Within 5 days if property damage is over $2000 Ref. Mich. 2013 Handbook, page 38

United States Power Squadrons Questions / Comments Welcome to USPS. You are invited to joined (when given by a local presenter, include the name of the local squadron, and include the phrase “a unit of…”) United States Power Squadrons, the nation’s preeminent boating education organization. Your membership opens up to you a broad range of opportunities to develop and sharpen your boating skills, to become involved in USPS civic service activities, and to have lots of fun in the company of a growing family of like-minded people. These opportunities don’t require a great deal of time or effort. All you need is a willingness to actively participate in your squadron’s programs and activities. The information in this short introduction will help you to get started on your USPS adventure. It will provide you with a basic understanding of USPS and your local squadron. You will learn: - who we are - what we do - how we are organized - what opportunities and benefits are available to you as a member You will learn a great deal more about USPS over time through your continuing participation in classes and other squadron activities. Don’t hesitate to ask any of the squadron members present today, or anytime you need help to understand something about USPS or your local squadron. As with so many new members in the past, we are confident that you will discover that USPS offers a rich return on the investment of your time. Once again, welcome and welcome aboard!” United States Power Squadrons