State of
Michigan’s
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT RULES/LAWS
(EFFECTIVE SINCE JANUARY 1, 1991)
1. Each person operating, riding on or being towed behind a personal
watercraft (PWC)must wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, Type II, or
Type III personal flotation device.
2. When personal watercraft are equipped with a lanyard type engine
cutoff switch, the lanyard must be attached to the operator’s person,
clothing or personal flotation device.
3. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft between the
hours of sunset and 8:00 am.
4. Maneuvers that: endanger life, limb or property, including
weaving through congested traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel
unreasonably or unnecessarily close to the other vessel or when
visibility around the other vessel is obstructed, swerving at the last
possible moment to avoid a collision, constitute reckless operation of a
vessel.
5. Carrying more persons than the vessel is designed to carry is
prima facie evidence of reckless operation.
6. A person shall not cross within 150 feet behind another vessel
other than another personal watercraft, that is moving at greater than
slow-no-wake speed.
7. Personal watercraft shall not be operated by anyone under 14
years of age.
8. Persons 14 and 15 years of age can operate a PWC only under the
following controlled situations:
* they must have boater certificate *
* they must be riding with parent, guardian, or designated 21
year old, or if on separate PWC’s, must be within 100′ of parent,
guardian, or designated 21 year old *
9. Anyone born after Dec 31, 1978 must have a boater safety
certificate to operate a PWC.
10. Owners or the person in charge shall not authorize or knowingly
permit the watercraft to be operated in violation of number 7 or 8.
11. Performers engaged in a professional exhibition or a person
preparing to participate in a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament
or exhibition held in compliance with this act are exempted.
12. The owner of a personal watercraft is liable for any injury or
damage caused by a negligent operator.