Section R. 281.512 - Inspection of watercraft and equipmentRule 2. Watercraft subject to the act shall be:
(a) Of sound and substantial construction and in good seaworthy condition.(b) Equipped by the livery operator with oars or paddles, as hereinafter provided, which shall be of sturdy construction and without holes, large chips, or cracks which will diminish their operation effectiveness, or structural strength. This subdivision 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.(c) Equipped by the 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.(d) Equipped by the livery operator with 1 life-saving cushion or other approved life-saving device, in good condition, per person. Life-saving equipment shall be of the type approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and shall bear a stamp or label indicating such approval. Other equipment currently prescribed by law shall also be carried on board.(e) Provided with sufficient buoyancy 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, as determined by the maximum weight capacity formula contained in these rules. This requirement shall not become effective until January 1, 1973,except that watercraft newly placed in operation after January 1, 1970, shall meet this requirement.(f) Pontoon boats shall meet the following deck requirements: (i) The deck shall not exceed the width at the pontoons.(ii) The deck shall not be greater than 6 inches above the pontoons.(iii) The deck length within railings shall not be greater than 80% of pontoon length and shall not overhang the pontoons.(iv) The deck shall drain freely.Mich. Admin. Code R. 281.512