1. Section 8
Michigan State Laws
Revised 2015

2. 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 Handbook, page 25

3. 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 Handbook, page 25

4. 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 ZW or MC-3717-ZW
No other numbers displayed on bow
Ref. Mich Handbook, page 25

5. 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 Handbook, page 48

6. 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 Handbook, page 26

7. 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 Handbook, page 26

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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 Handbook, page 29

11. 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 Handbook, page 29

12. 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 Handbook, page 29

13. 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 Handbook, page 35

14. 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 Handbook, page 27

15. 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 Handbook, page 29 & 35

16. 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 Handbook, page 34

17. 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 Handbook, page 27

18. 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 Handbook, page 38

19. 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