Foreword
Between 1994 and 1996, 34 boating accidents on the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan resulted in eight deaths. The Lake Michigan Marina Development Commission has recently urged the Department of Natural Resources to place renewed emphasis upon Lake Michigan boater safety. Similar sentiments were expressed by local citizens who participated in a 1995 public workgroup process directed to the issues of Northwest Indiana. The boating safety record on Lake Michigan must be improved.
In addition, boaters have a major role in supporting the environmental health of the lake. Concerns for occasional bacterial contamination of Lake Michigan and its beaches mean that boaters must properly dispose of sewage at pumpout facilities. The spread of zebra mussels, gobies, and other aquatic nuisance species can be slowed or stopped by a conscientious boating public.
When the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced the development of the Lake Michigan Coastal Coordination Program in 1996, an important function of the program was directed to improved boater safety. That year the DNR's Law Enforcement Division sponsored the first multi-agency meeting of law enforcement officers who are concerned primarily with Lake Michigan enforcement. Police officers from the U.S. Coast Guard, counties, and municipalities attended. The Healthy Beaches Initiative in 1997 formed the "Marine and Other Sources Committee," with one of its purposes being to provide better education to boaters on the laws governing sewage disposal from vessels, as well as the human and social reasons for complying with those laws.
Boating Laws on the Indiana Waters of Lake Michigan is one effort to provide better public information concerning boating laws. Maps and tables identify marinas, gaming boats, and swimming beaches. State and federal boating laws are compiled and indexed, including selected rules and regulations. Sewage collection control from boats is emphasized, and pumpout facilities are located. New efforts are previewed to control or slow the spread of zebra mussels and other "aquatic nuisance species." In addition, boating education courses are made more accessible. For more helpful information regarding boating in Indiana, with an emphasis on the state's many inland waters, see the Indiana Boating Guide.
More information concerning boating courses may be found at 1-800-336-BOAT. See also the Boating Safety Program of the U.S. Coast Guard.
This publication is arranged in two basic parts. The first part follows the Foreword and includes useful information such as a general shoreline map, how public marinas and gaming boats may be accessed, marina facilities, pumpout locations and requirements, and efforts to control zebra mussels and similar troublesome species. The second part begins with an unofficial listing of the Ten Most Violated Boating Laws on Lake Michigan, then provides an extensive compilation of boating laws which apply to the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan.
Although the publication does not include every possible violation, the effort is to provide a reasonably comprehensive compilation of laws which might impact the recreational or pleasure boater on Lake Michigan. The compilation is lengthy. There are two major reasons:
First, both federal and state laws apply. Lake Michigan is part of the Great Lakes, the world's greatest international freshwater system. This publication reflects its international character with the presence of the U.S. Coast Guard. Indiana state laws also govern the lake.
Second, the diversity of boats and the dangers presented by the open waters of Lake Michigan make safety regulations diverse and demanding. There are differing regulations for vessels of different size, for motorboats, for personal watercraft, and for sailboats.
Boating Laws on the Indiana Waters of Lake Michigan is a "first try" by the Lake Michigan Coastal Coordination Program. Such a "first try" is certain to require refinement and clarification in coming months and years if it is to serve as a useful tool for boaters. Your comments and suggestions for improvement will be appreciated. Call (317) 233-3322 or send your email comments to the following: coastal@dnr.state.in.us For more helpful information regarding boating in Indiana, with an emphasis on the state's many inland waters, see the INDIANA Boating Guide.
