Grant Township, Cheboygan, Michigan

8908 Twin Lakes Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721   231-625-2055   

www.granttwpcheboygan@yahoo.com

Welcome to the Grant Township, Cheboygan County, Michigan website! We're here to make

you smarter . . . about how your township tax dollars are being spent . . . about decisions concerning local governmental power and services . . . and many other issues that directly concern you as a resident of Grant Township, Cheboygan County, Michigan. 

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

by Sheriff Dale V. Claremont 

The owner of a personal watercraft is liable for any injury

The use of Personal Watercraft (PWC) sometimes referred to as "jet skis" has increased

considerably in recent years. Although a PWC is considered an inboard vessel and comes under the same rules and requirements of any other vessel, there are specific considerations for the PWC operator.

Who may operate a PWC

    No one less than 12 years old may legally operate a PWC. 

    A person who is 12 or more and less than 14 years may operate a PWC only if ALL of the         following conditions are satisfied: 

    • The person is accompanied soley by his or her parent or legal guardian.

    • Both the person and the parent or legal guardian have obtained a boating safety           certificate.

    • The PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition switch and the parent or guardian has        the lanyard attached to his or her person - clothing or PFD (life jacket)

    • The PWC is designed to carry at least two people.

Those 14 years of age or older:   

       A person born after Dec. 31, 1978, may operate a PWC only if he or she has obtained a boating safety certificate.

    • PWC operators born after Dec. 31, 1978  must carry their boating safety certificate and           display it upon the demand of a peace officer.  

    Those born Dec. 31, 1978 or earlier may operate a PWC without restrictions.

Requirements Specific to PWC's 

    • Each person riding on or towed behind a PWC must wear a US Coast Guard approved type I,        II or III PFD. Inflatable PFD's may not be used. 

    • You may not allow a child under 7 years of age to ride on or be towed behind a PWC,                unless with a parent or guardian, or designee of the parent.

    • The lanyard of a PWC's ignition safety switch must be attached to the person, clothing or        PFD of the operator. 

    • Each personal watercraft must be equipped with one B1 type fire extinguisher. 

    • It is illegal to operate a PWC one hour before sunset and before 8:00 A.M.

    • PWC's must be operated at slow-no wake speed if crossing withing 150 feet of another                vessel, unless the other vessel is also a PWC.

    • You may not operate a PWC in waters less than 2 feet deep unless you are operating at            slow-no wake speed, or docking or launching your PWC. 

    • You may not operate (includes both PWC and person being towed) within 100 feet of:

           Any moored or anchored vessel.

           A dock or raft.

           Any marked swimming area or person(s) in the water.

    • A person shall not operate a PWC, or be allowed to operate one by a person in charge or in        control of a personal watercraft,  if either of the following conditions exist:

         • The person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, or                 both.

         • The person has a blood alcohol content of 0.10% or more. 
Courtesy on PWC's

    • Vary your operating area and avoid repetitious operation. 

    • Avoid congregating with other PWC operators near shore as this can increase annoying            noise levels.

    • Avoid making excessive noise near residential and camping areas, particularly early in the        morning. Excessive use in one area can be an irritant to people who are there to enjoy a        quiet and relaxing time. 

    • Do not chase or harass any wildlife.