Livery Inspections

The Boat Livery Act (PA 257 of 1952) requires that any person or business that rents out watercraft be issued operating certificates. It also requires all rental watercraft to be issued operating certificates and that all rental watercraft be inspected by the Sheriff's Department.

Livery inspection procedure for Presque Isle County is as follows:

  • Make an appointment with the Marine Division for your inspection. At this time, notify the Marine Officer of any vessels you have that were not inspected or rented the previous year. (Remember, your vessels may not be rented until your inspection is completed and your certificate is issued.)
  • Have your current registrations available for all your vessels that are required to be registered.
    • Registration numbers and decals must be properly attached as per the requirements of the Marine Safety Act.
    • Replace or repaint any illegible numbers or decal before the inspecting officer arrives.
  • Have all vessel available, preferably out of the water, so that a complete hull inspection may be performed.
  • Have all equipment required by the Boat Livery Act available for inspections, in proper condition, and adequate numbers.
  • The livery operator, or his representative, must be present at the inspection.

    (NOTE: any pontoon vessels not previously inspected must have a certified weight slip or the manufacturer's specifications before it can be inspected.)

    Inspection of Watercraft Equipment - Minimum Safety Standards:
  • The watercraft shall be of sound and substantial construction and in good seaworthy condition.
  • Each watercraft shall be equipped BY THE BOAT LIVERY OPERATOR with an anchor of sufficient size and weight and an anchor line of sufficient strength and length to accommodate the watercraft in normal depth of the waters on which it is to be used. This requirement does not apply to canoes.
  • Each watercraft shall be equipped BY THE BOAT LIVERY OPERATOR with one personal flotation device, in good condition, per person. Personal flotation equipment shall be of the type approved by the US Coast Guard and shall bear a stamp or label indicating such approval.
  • Each watercraft shall be equipped BY THE BOAT LIVERY OPERATOR with all other equipment currently prescribed by law.
  • Each watercraft shall be equipped BY THE BOAT LIVERY OPERATOR with oars or paddles which shall be of sturdy construction and without holes, large chips or cracks which will diminish their operation, effectiveness or structural strength. This applies to all watercraft including those propelled by machinery or sail. Watercraft with oarlock sockets shall be equipped with not less than 2 oars and 2 oarlock horns. Watercraft without oarlock sockets shall be equipped with not less than 2 paddles.
  • Each watercraft shall be provided BY THE BOAT LIVERY OPERATOR with sufficient buoyance to keep the watercraft from sinking when it is filled with water and passengers are clinging to it if the aggregate weight of motor, passengers and equipment carried in or attached to the watercraft does not exceed its maximum weight capacity formula as contained in these rules. Watercraft newly placed in operation after January 1, 1970 shall meet this requirement.