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 Boaters
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.
