Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Vessels Carrying Passengers For Hire
Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section R. 281.3122 - State pilot's license; requirements

(1) An applicant for a state pilot's license shall be not less than 18 years of age.

(2) When an applicant for a state pilot's license has been convicted by a court of record for a felony violation of the laws of the United States or the state of Michigan within 5 years of the date of application, the marine inspector shall investigate the circumstances of the conviction. When the investigation shows continued illegal or questionable activity on the part of the applicant, the application shall be denied by the state boating law administrator.

(3) When an applicant for a state pilot's license has been convicted by a court of record for a serious violation of the marine laws of the United States or the state of Michigan within 3 years of the date of application, the marine inspector shall investigate the circumstances of the conviction. When the investigation shows continued illegal or questionable activity on the part of the applicant, the application shall be denied by the state boating law administrator. A serious violation includes all of the following:

(4) An applicant for a state pilot's license shall have not less than 90 days' experience, within the preceding 24 months, operating a noncommercial vessel of a type similar to the vessel for which the pilot's license is sought or 90 days' experience, within the preceding 24 months, as a full-time crew member on a commercial vessel of a type similar to the vessel for which the pilot's license is sought and shall have received instruction from a licensed pilot in the operation of the vessel.

(5) An applicant for an original state pilot's license shall pass a physical examination given by a licensed physician of this state and shall present a certificate signed by the physician attesting to the applicant's general physical condition. Epilepsy, insanity, senility, acute general disease or neurosyphilis, badly impaired hearing, or other defect that would render the applicant incompetent to perform the ordinary duties of a licensed operator may be cause for denial of the application.

(6) The department, when it has reason to doubt the operator's physical or visual abilities, may require him or her, at any time, to obtain a new physical examination. Notwithstanding, a physical examination shall be required once every 36 months.

(7) An applicant for a state pilot's license shall not be color-blind and, in the opinion of a qualified physician, shall have adequate vision, in at least 1 eye, to safely operate a vessel.

(8) A qualified applicant for a state pilot's license shall successfully complete examinations, both written and practical, administered by a marine inspector.