Michigan Boating Laws and Tips for Safe Usage.   Retain for Reference.  Boating/Water Enforcement is governed by the United States Coast Guard, Dept. of Natural Resources/DNR, County’s Dept., and any other law enforcement officer/agency.  All have the right, at any time, to board and check vessels for state and federal law compliance.  The Law:§   Do not operate in less than 2feet of water and within 100ft from shore, swimmers and vessels.  200ft away from shore in Great Lakes.  No crossing within 100ft from another vessel.  §   Always provide/wear USCG approved life jackets for the amount of passengers onboard.§   It is illegal to operate any vessel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.   §   It is illegal to operate a vessel/pwc greater than 55mph, except if at least 1mile off Great Lakes shoreline. §   It is illegal to operate or manipulate recklessly, ie. weaving, swerving, jumping, chasing, harassing, racing, etc. §   It is illegal NOT to operate vessel in a counter-clockwise direction.  Proper direction is counter-clockwise.§   It is illegal for anyone under the age of 7years to operate a vessel without a guardian.§   Slow-no wake speed is required for any passenger in bow or vessel without proper seating.§   Slow-no wake is required of vessel within 100ft of shoreline, any marked swimming areas and persons, docks, rafts, and anchored vessels,  About Fueling:  §   Touch the fuel pipe/tank with the spout to prevent build-up of static electricity, preventing sparks. §   Never fill tank to the brim! Leave room for gas to expand.  §   After fueling, put the cap on tightly to prevent vapors from escaping.§   When wiping up spilled fuel, air out the rag to dry. Do not put in the boat or in water.

About Navigation:    §   Stand-on:  the vessel that maintains it’s course and speed. §   Give-way:  the vessel that takes action to avoid the other by yielding, stopping changing course, etc. §   Meeting head-on:   Power vs. power – neither is stand-on, both vessels keep to the right/starboard. Power vs. sail – sailboat stands-on, keeps course and power gives-way, acts to avoid. §   Crossing situations: Power vs. Power – vessel on right/starboard is stand-on; vessel on left/port gives-way. Power vs. sail – sailboat stands-on and power gives-way, acts to avoid. §   Overtaking – the larger, overtaking vessel in any situation, gives-way, acts to avoid.  The smaller, overtaken vessel is the stand-on.