Marine Safety Unit

Office:
1-231-256-8650

Fax: 1-231-256-8611
Toll Free: 1-877-256-6911
E-mail: marine@leelanau.gov

Responsibilities of Marine Safety Deputies:

Enforce State of Michigan Boating Laws as well as Special Local Watercraft Controls.
Patrol the Lake Michigan shoreline from Empire to Traverse City, including both Manitou Islands and both Fox Islands. Offshore County waters: 2,154.74 sq. mi.
Patrol of the 5 inland lakes of Leelanau County.
Patrol Sanctioned Marine Events – numbering from 18 to 20 per year.
Investigate marine-related incidents.
Recover lost and/or abandoned watercraft.
Remove navigation obstructions.
Assist distressed boaters and tow when necessary.
Investigate boating accidents and complete reports for the Sheriff’s Office and the State of Michigan.
Perform Basic First Aid.
Conduct vessel safety checks.
Teach Boater Safety Classes and award Boater Safety Certificates.
Conduct boat livery Inspections of rental boats at a minimum of 24 boat livery locations.
Responsible for maintenance and storage of 5 vessels and 2 vehicles.
Assist the United States Coast Guard with Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue Operations.
Assist local Fire and Rescue Units with Search and Rescue Operations.
Assist the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Dive Team in Underwater Recovery operations.
Provide transportation for LCSO Maritime Security Team.
Assist the DNR and neighboring law enforcement agencies with Marine Law Enforcement Activities.
Support the National Park Service with offshore Search and Rescue Operations.
Member of both Sector Sault Ste. Marie and Sector Lake Michigan Area Maritime Security Committees.

Who May Operate a Boat?
Those born on or after July 1, 1996, may operate a boat legally only if they have been issued a Boating Safety Certificate and have it on board the boat.

Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft?
Persons at least 16 years of age and those born after December 31, 1978, may operate a PWC legally only if they have obtained a Boating Safety Certificate and have it on board the PWC.

If you have misplaced your Boating Safety Certificate, you may request a duplicate by following this link:

https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/DupCertRequest

Additional Resources: (both also have Facebook presence)

http://www.lakeleelanau.org
http://www.glenlakeassociation.org

Official Online Michigan Boating Safety Course:
http://www.boat-ed.com/michigan/

Harbors: