What safety equipment is required on a boat in Michigan?
3 min read
Asked by: David Sanden
Michigan state law requires that boats have certain safety equipment, including PFDs, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, ventilation systems, backfire flame arrestors, mufflers, sound producing devices, and visual distress signals in accordance with USCG guidelines.
Do I need a horn on my boat in Michigan?
All boats also must carry a device capable of producing 4-second sound bite that can be heard for a half-mile. This could be a siren, a horn, or even a whistle. Boats longer than 39.4 feet also must have a bell.
What must be carried on a boat?
5 Must-Have Safety Equipment for Your Boat
- Life jackets and wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs) An accessible, wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) is a life jacket that must be available for each person on board. …
- Throwable flotation devices. …
- Fire extinguishers. …
- Visual signaling devices. …
- Sound signaling devices.
What do I need for a safety kit on a boat?
For general onboard safety, you should also include some of the following equipment in your boating emergency kit:
- Fire extinguishers.
- Additional food and water.
- Manual bilge pump or bailing device.
- Small tool kit.
- Weather gear including raincoats or ponchos, a warm jacket, sunscreen and sun hat.
- Dry change of clothes.
What additional equipment must be on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?
In addition to the above requirement, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one USCG–approved throwable Type IV device on board and immediately accessible. Canoes and kayaks are exempt from this requirement. All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and readily accessible.
Do I need a fire extinguisher in my boat in Michigan?
All boats operating on Michigan waters must carry and, if required, have in operation, acceptable personal flotation devices (PFDs), visual distress signals, fire extinguishers, sounding devices, backfire flame arrestor, ventilation systems, and navigation lights as required by federal law.
Can passengers drink on a boat in Michigan?
Michigan law does not prohibit drinking on the water. Passengers—and the watercraft operator—can openly cruise around with a bottle or two. But that’s where the leniency stops. Just as operating a motor vehicle under the influence is illegal, so is jumping behind the wheel of a boat.
How many life jackets are required on a boat?
Every ship shall carry at least one (11 approved-type lifejacket for each and every person authorized on board.
Do I need a bell on my boat?
To comply with Navigation Rules and for distress signaling purposes all boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for ½ mile. *Boats larger than 39.4 ft. are no longer required to have a bell (see Navigation Rules.)
Which of the following pieces of safety equipment is required on your boat and must appear as an item on your pre departure checklist?
Equipment. Make sure that you have the required number of lifejackets or PFDs, that they are in good condition, and that they are the proper sizes for the persons on board. Encourage everyone to wear a lifejacket or PFD.
What should you require from others who operate your vessel?
Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for operation in your state. Make sure they know basic boating safety and navigation rules. Show them how to use the lanyard with the ECOS and require them to use it.
What flares do I need on my boat?
Many recreational vessels are required to carry two hand-held red distress flares and two hand-held orange smoke signal flares, of an approved type, when operating on coastal and enclosed waters.
