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Vessels carrying passengers for hire

Vessels carrying passengers for hire

The following process is for vessel owners or captains who want to carry passengers for hire.

  • Review the following laws and administrative rules:

  • Refer to definitions of water bodies defined in Part 445 of Public Act 451 of 1994, MCL 324.44501.

      Navigable waters

      • Waters of the state over which this state and the United States Coast Guard exercise concurrent jurisdiction, including the Great Lakes and waters connected to the Great Lakes, to the upstream limit of navigation as determined by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
      • If you are operating on “navigable waters” you will require a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License. To begin the exam process, please contact the National Maritime Center Hotline at 1-888-427-5662, or visit the website to request an exam packet.
      • List of navigable waters as defined in MCL 324.44501 available upon request by emailing: DNR-LED-RecSafety@Michigan.gov

      Inland waters

    • The following vessel classes as defined per MCL 324.44501 are inspected by DNR conservation officers and contracted marine surveyors:

      Class A

      • A vessel, except a sailboat, that carries for hire on navigable waters not more than 6 passengers.
      • If you want to carry more than 6 passengers, you will need to contact the U.S. Coast Guard.

      Class B

      A vessel, except a sailboat, that carries for hire on inland waters not more than 6 passengers.

      Class C

      A vessel, except a sailboat, that carries for hire on inland waters more than 6 passengers.

      Class D

      A vessel that is propelled primarily by a sail or sails and carries for hire on navigable waters not more than 6 passengers or carries passengers for hire on inland waters.

      Class E

      These vessels are not required to be inspected, however the operator still needs to be a licensed pilot. A vessel that carries not more than 6 passengers for hire and meets either of the following requirements:

      • Is utilized primarily as a river-drift boat that is propelled primarily by hand.
      • Is a vessel that is 18 feet or less in length operated primarily on a river or tributary to the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, or their connecting waterways. 

      If you are unsure of which class your vessel is, please email DNR-LED-RecSafety@michigan.gov

    • First time vessel inspections will require a drydock and dockside inspection. Inspections will then take place in accordance with Part 445 of Public Act 451 of 1994, as amended. Refer to MCL 324.44507 and Administrative Rule Vessels Carrying Passengers for Hire, R 281.3101.

      Drydock inspection R 281.3101 (k)

      • Conducted by a marine surveyor contracted by the Department of Natural Resources. 
      • An examination of a vessel when the vessel is out of the water and supported so that all of the exterior and interior of the vessel may be examined.
      • When required: Once every 72 months
      • Refer to the drydock charter boat inspection checklist for additional information.

      Dockside inspection R 281.3101 (j)

      • An examination of a vessel when the vessel is moored alongside a dock and afloat in the water so that all of the exterior above the waterline and the interior of the vessel may be examined.
      • When required: Once every 24 months
      • Refer to the dockside charter boat inspection checklist for additional information.
       

    • Upon successful completion of required inspections, a certificate of inspection will be issued to the vessel owner. Starting in 2026, the certificate will be issued electronically by email and decals will be available from a local DNR Customer Service Center by appointment.

      If you have questions about your certificate of inspection, please email DNR-LED-RecSafety@michigan.gov.

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