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Marine Division

3/23/2020 NOTICE: Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, our classes have been cancelled/postponed, resuming at the end of May through July. Following is a news brief. Any updates to this schedule will be updated here.
 
ACSO20200323_Boater_Safety_Classes_Cancellation.pdfACSO20200323_Boater_Safety_Classes_Cancellation.pdf
 
 
 
The Marine Division consists of one full-time sergeant and 18 part time deputies. It is supported by local county funding and through grants obtained from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Marine Deputies patrol all the navigable lakes in Allegan County along with the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. Deputies are responsible for responding to boating and water related emergencies, enforcing marine laws, local watercraft controls and the investigation of boating accidents.  Deputies work hand in hand with the United States Coast Guard. They are dedicated to boater safety education and ensuring citizens have a safe boating experience in Allegan County. Although the Marine Division responds to boating incidents throughout the entire year, patrols are mostly visible during the summer boating seasons.
 

Local Watercraft Controls


Special watercraft controls are in effect on various lakes and rivers within Allegan County.  These bodies of water include Big Lake, Dumont Lake, East Lake, Ely Lake, Goshorn Lake, Hutchin’s Lake, Kalamazoo Lake, Lake 16, Round Lake, Selkirk Lake, Wetmore Lake, Saugatuck Harbor and various parts of the Kalamazoo River.
 

Slow No Wake Zones


Various areas of the Kalamazoo River located within the Cities of Saugatuck and Douglas as well as Saugatuck Township has special watercraft controls consisting of “No-Wake” zones. Operators of watercraft are required to travel at the slowest possible speed a boat can operate at safely, while maintaining control of steering.
 

Boating Safety Classes


Boater safety classes are taught annually by marine deputies allowing students to earn their Boating Safety Certificate.

Upon the successful completion of this class, attendees will receive their Boater's Safety Certificate. Classes are open to anyone 12 years of age or older and are provided in 1 or 2 day sessions.
 
We ask that participants bring a pencil and a sack lunch. All course materials are provided and there is no charge to attend any of these courses. Attendees need only to attend and complete one of these classes to receive their certificate.
Marine Rescue
 

 
 

 Resources

 
Type
  
Name
  
Kalamazoo River No-Wake Zones Maps.pdf
  
Local Watercraft Ordinances.pdf
  
Recreational Boating Safety Facts.pdf
  
Paddling Safety - Kayaks and Canoes.pdf
  
 

 Frequently Asked Questions

 
Question
  
Answer
  

​To operate a motorboat in the State of Michigan a Boater’s Safety Certificate is required for anyone born on or after July 1, 1996.  Boater’s Safety Certificates are required for persons 12-15 years of age who wish to operate a motorboat in Michigan and they must be under the direct supervision of a person who is 16 years of age or older.

A Boater’s Safety Certificate is also required for persons between 14 & 15 years of age who wish to operate personal watercraft (PWC). He or she must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or designated person at least 21 years of age.  Those at least 16 years of age and born after December 31, 1978 may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) only if they have obtained a valid Boater Safety Certificate. 

Anyone born on or before December 31, 1978 may operate a personal watercraft without restriction.

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-324-80141

  

​People who need a boating safety certificate.

A boating safety certificate is required for persons 12-15 years of age to operate a motorboat.

A boating safety certificate is required to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) if the operator was born after December 31, 1978. The minimum age for PWC operators who obtain a boating safety certificate after Jan. 1, 1999 is 14 years of age. A Certificate is also required of any adult who will be supervising a child age 12 or 13 in the operation of a personal watercraft regardless of the age of the adult.

People of all ages who are interested in safe boating.

  
  • ​Safe operation of personal watercraft
  • Age requirements for operators of different types of watercraft
  • Equipment and registration requirements for different types of watercraft
  • Personal floatation devices: types and uses
  • The rules of the road for boaters
  

The class takes about 6 hours, depending on class size. Some classes are taught over a two day period (3 hours each day).

  
There is no cost, but pre-registration is required.  To register, refer to the instructions for the class you are interested in.
  

​Lost boater safety certificates can be obtained from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources as long as you participated in a class held in the state of Michigan.  Visit this website:
 
https://secure1.state.mi.us/dupcertrequest/

 

Marine Team