No one under 14 may operate a PWC.
(Those
who are 12 - 14 years of age before January 1, 1999,
and have their
Boaters Safety Certificate before that date,
may operate a PWC but MUST have their
certificate with them.)
No one born after December 31, 1978,
may operate a PWC without a Boater's Safety
Certificate.
The owner or person in charge of the PWC shall not allow anyone to violate
this section.
Did not apply to Non-Michigan residents until January 1, 2000.
Anyone, 12 or older, on or towed by a PWC
must
wear a Type 1, 2, or 3 PFD.
Anyone under 12 on or towed by a PWC must wear
a Type 1 or 2 PFD.
Operator is responsible for everyone wearing a proper
PFD, not an inflatable PFD.
No one under 7 years old
is allowed on or can
be towed
by a PWC unless a parent or guardian (or their
designee) is on board.
If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard
(safety
cut-off switch), it must be properly attached.
No operation of a PWC
between one hour before
official sunset and 8:00 a.m.
No crossing within 150 feet behind another vessel,
other than another PWC, unless at slow, no-wake speed.
No operating a PWC in water less than 2-feet deep,
unless at no-wake speed or docking/launching.
The following are considered Reckless Operation:
Weaving through congested traffic.
Jumping the wake of a vessel unreasonably close
or when visibility is obstructed.
Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve
to avoid a collision.
Operating a PWC with more persons on board than
it was designed to carry.
Over 55 mph closer than one mile from shore.
On the Great Lakes,
you must be at least 200 feet
from shore,
unless traveling perpendicular to the shoreline at no-wake speed.
PWC must stay at least 100 feet away
from docks,
rafts, swimming areas, persons in the water, moored, anchored, or drifting
vessels, unless at slow, no-wake speed.
Click here for the Michigan DNR Fishing Report
Michigan
Department of Natural Resources
