The Macomb County Sheriff's Marine Division

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The Marine Division patrols Lake St. Clair, which has been called the busiest freshwater lake in the world. Michigan has over one million registered boats. Many of them wind up in our patrol area at some time. On a hot summer weekend there are more people and boats on Lake St. Clair, and it's connecting waterways, than any other freshwater lake. Our patrol area covers approximately 85 square miles, 30.5 miles of shoreline, and 57 miles of rivers and streams.

Our Marine Division has five full time personnel, one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, and 3 deputies. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, four additional officers are transferred out to the Division. By adding additional staff this enables the Sheriff to have the ability to increase patrol time hours.

There are also approximately 70 Marine Safety Officers. These are private citizens who volunteer their time to assist our division. The purpose of this program is to assist Sheriff in promoting safer boating on Lake St. Clair and its connecting waterways.

The Sheriff’s Marine Division continuously attempts to improve our relationship with the Federal, State and local authorities by forming partnerships and recognizing the value of volunteer programs. Volunteer programs such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadron and our very own Sheriff’s Marine Safety Officers have worked out extremely well. As a matter of fact if it wasn’t for these volunteer groups our full time law enforcement agencies would have a difficult time assisting in all the various special events that are hosted on the waterways through out the year.

The Sheriff’s Marine Division is responsible for enforcing Michigan Marine law, investigate boating accidents, conduct livery inspections, conduct search and rescue operations, body recovery and instruct safe boating classes.

The Marine Division is currently teaching Michigan Boating Basics Course through the Macomb County Community Education programs. This course is instructed by Marine Division Deputies and /or Marine Safety Officers. There may be a site fee applied by the hosting Community Education program. The course covers basic equipment requirements, discusses the “Rules of the Road” navigation, and water safety. The course may also cover any new law pertaining to boats and personal watercraft. Michigan Boaters Safety Certificates are then issued upon successful completion of the course.

The Marine Division teaches more people the Boating Basics/Water Safety Program than any other agency in the state. The dedication of the deputies and the Marine Safety Officers exhibited in this program is due to the belief that this program has saved lives and has prevented injuries to those using the waterways. Most accidents on the water have been due to operators being unaware of the "Rules of the Road" or their responsibilities. By making people aware of the rules on the water, required safety equipment and navigation rules many accidents can be avoided. Everyone operating a vessel should consider taking a safe boating class for their own sake as well as that of their family and friends. Hopefully by working together this will enable us to fulfill our mission. Through education, regulation and enforcement we hope that boating continues to grow in safety and popularity.
 

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