Safety Tips and Required Boater Info for the Great Lakes - DK Open East Applies

[djkimmel]

I posted this already in the signup thread but it is important for everyone to be aware.

Please review the required equipment in this Michigan DNRE boating handbook. Look on the right under "It's the Law."

In addition, please know the following:
Just a note, especially for the new people, do not get out there running full speed all over, particularly in low light. Every spring there a number of floating logs, trees and other debris in the lake and some of it will not be floating right up high on top of the water.

I've never hit anything out there, but I came close to a huge chunk of tree trunk once. This is a big river system with a ton of current from the various channels and wind driven.

It will be chilly anyway, so take it easy out there and have everyone in the boat on the lookout for floaters. The odds are rare but not 0. Most of it floats through the system by Memorial weekend, but there are always floaters out there somewhere throughout the season. Of course, kill switches and life jackets are mandatory for everyone any time the big motor is running.

Tuna boat traffic will probably not be real high but beware of boating regulations and responsibilities also.

#1 EVERY BOATER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AVOIDING A COLLISION. Don't ever leave it up to 'the other guy' to do the turning. Some boaters out there have no clue - have never read any boating guides. I definitely go by the rule - jerk or not, I will give way to the big tuna boat.

When two boats are approaching, the boater on the right always has the right of way. Concede the right of way to be safe. Don't try to beat him/her. He/she may try the same thing. See rule #1.

Do not cut off a large boat that is traveling a limited depth and width marked channel. I'm talking about the channels into the various canals, marinas and small rivers.

Stay to the right in any limited width channel when coming in or out. If a large boat is coming in or out of such a channel, you must get out of their way. Even if you are fishing, you still have to get out of the way of any large craft coming in or out. You cannot cause the large craft to have to risk leaving the marked channel and damaging their boat. Yes, they are responsible for their wake (though later in the summer you wouldn't know it), but in the end, if you cause the large craft to leave the marked channel or risk it, you will be at fault, not the large craft. And if you stand your ground and they swamp you, there will be no winners. Move out of the way and let them pass.

The impact should be minimal for this event. Nothing like the full blown madhouse the US side of the lake can be later in the summer on a warm, sunny afternoon. It should be very enjoyable. Just stay alert to any boat traveling towards you from any direction. Especially if you are in front of canals, channels and rivers. Some of them will run by you like you are a channel marker. That is just part of the fun of boating in a state with a ton of boats and no requirements for knowing boating safety before you buy a boat. Have your horn ready and if someone looks like they might not turn, remember rule #1 above. ALWAYS!! Be safe and enjoy some of the best bass fishing in the world!

[djkimmel]

Please make sure for any boat over 16 feet that you have a Type IV throwable cushion flotation device in the boat, readily accessible with a rope in addition to 1 life jacket per person on board.