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2011
Watercraft Regulations
Michigan DNR Personal Watercraft Regulations
Who may operate a personal watercraft:
· No one under twelve years of age may operate a PWC.
· 12 and 13 year olds may operate a PWC only if they have obtained a boater’s safety certificate prior to 1/1/1999
or
· Accompanied by a parent or guardian and both have a boater’s safety certificate.
· PWC equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch and the adult has the switch attached to them.
· The PWC is designed to carry two persons.
· 14 years and older must have a boater safety certificate unless they were born before 12/31/78. Those individuals
need no certificate.
While most operate their Wave Runners responsibly, those who race close to shore, docks, and other boats frustrate
and anger lake users.
PWCs must be operated at slow no-wake speeds under these conditions:
· Within 150 feet behind boats other the PWCs.
· In less than 2 feet of water.
· All watercraft must be operated at slow no-wake speed within 100 feet of docks or rafts, marked swimming areas,
people in the water, moored or anchored vessels, and shorelines.
Michigan Law makes it illegal to run personal watercraft in the last hour after sunset or before 8 AM.
New state law makes it illegal to launch a boat with an aquatic plant attached.
A summary of the bill is as follows:
A person shall not place a boat, boating equipment, or boat trailer in Michigan waters with an aquatic plant
attached. A law enforcement officer may order the owner or operator to remove aquatic plants from the boat, boat
trailer, or equipment. The DNR shall prepare a notice that contains the summary of this law and make it available
to owners of public boat access sites, who are required to post it and maintain it. A person who violates this law
may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.
This bill helps stop the introduction of invasive plants into Michigan waters.
To report unsafe or illegal PWC or boating activities call Wexford County Sheriff at 779-9211or DNR at
1-800-292-7800.
A complete listing of boating regulations is listed at www.boat-ed.com/mi/handbook as well as at the DNR and Sheriff offices.
What you can do to keep Invasive species out of Lake Mitchell
INSPECT your boat and your equipment and remove all weeds from your trailer propeller, anchor, and any
other place found on your boat.
DRAIN all water from the boat motor, bilge, live well, and bait buckets on dry ground.
DISPOSE of leftover bait in a trash receptacle, not in the water.
RINSE your boat and all fishing equipment with hot tap water, OR thoroughly dry your boat outdoors for at least
five days before traveling to a new lake or stream.
TEACH and help others to do the same.
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