In 2024, we're inviting enthusiastic individuals to volunteer as harbor hosts at DeTour, Presque Isle, Straits, and Tawas state harbors. In return, your harbor slip fees will be waived. Here are a few examples of harbor host duties:

• Assist boaters in and out of slips.
• Host a weekly coffee hour.
• Check bathrooms.
• Maintain bulletin boards, brochures and/or weather updates.
• Pick up trash.
• Clean sidewalks and docks of debris.
• Create and maintain a local services directory.
• Provide after-hours assistance to boaters.

Eligibility

• Must be 18 or older and provide your own boat, mooring lines, hoses, electrical hookup cables and dock bumpers.
• Must be able to volunteer at least five days a week (totaling 30 hours) for a minimum of four weeks, including weekends and holidays. The majority of opportunities fall between mid-May and mid-September, although there will be some needs during the shoulder season due to fishing or boating events.
• Must pass a background check.
• Applicants may not be DNR employees.
• All hosts are required to attend an in-person training within the first two years of their acceptance date into the host program.
• All harbor hosts will be provided uniforms and nametags.
• A new application is needed for each calendar year, but not for repeat terms of service at the same unit within a calendar year.

How to apply

Harbor hosts are screened and interviewed by staff and selected on availability, familiarity with boating, special skills and knowledge of the area. Please complete the application and liability waive and email to OkellyM1@Michigan.gov. Applications are accepted year-round until vacancies are filled.

Download application and liability waiver »

Questions?

Please contact Michelle O'Kelly via email or call 517-899-5211.