The following are the most frequent boating law violations compiled by the Michigan Marine Publications, based on interviews with experienced law enforcement officials.
Operating Violations:
- Skiing, tubing, or towing without a proper observer.
- Excessive noise, both on water and on the shoreline.
- Coming closer than 100 feet to docks, boats, swimmers, and other provisions of the 100 foot rule. (PERSONAL WATERCRAFT ARE FREQUENT VIOLATORS.)
- Lights not displayed between sunset and sunrise or not using proper red/green bow light and all around white light.
- Operating a Personal Watercraft after sunset.
Safety Equipment Violations:
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s):
- Not the proper types on boats.
- No type IV (throwables) on boats over 16 feet.
- Insufficient number for passengers aboard.
- Not readily available or accessible.
- Not the proper size (especially for children).
- Not being worn by children 6 years and under.
- Fire Extinguisher requirements not met:
- None aboard.
- Not serviceable.
- Not the proper type.
Registration Violations:
- Certificate of registration not aboard.
- Improper display of numbers (location, size, spacing).
- Failure to transfer ownership within 15 days of sale.