Michigan Boating Rules & Regulations

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has published an excellent handbook which outlines the boating laws in Michigan as well as personal responsibilities when operating a powered vessel. Information contained in the handbook includes:

• Boating Basics, including topics such as Fueling a Vessel; Encountering Other Vessels; Steering and Stopping; Reboarding a Personal Water Craft (PWC); Courtesy; and Environmental Considerations.



• Boating Laws, including:
• Registering Your Vessel


• Who May Operate a Boat


• Who May Operate a PWC


• Personal Floatation Devices


• Navigation Lights


• Unlawful Operation


• Alcohol and Drugs


• Requirements for PWC


• Requirements for Towing Skiers




• Good to Know Information, such as Department of Natural Resources District Offices and Required Equipment Checklist.

Here is the official Michigan Boating Rules & Regulations Handbook.