Marine Division

Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office has five certified Marine Officers who patrol most of the lakes of Grand Traverse County. If a lake has an access, we try to patrol it. Our officers are specialized Law Enforcement Officers, enforcing state and local laws established to help everyone safely enjoy the waters of the area. That enforcement may include routine safety inspections, warnings, tickets, and arrest for Marine Law violations. Violations range from improper registration to operating a vessel while intoxicated. Most commonly, we see people missing important safety equipment like personal flotation devices (life jackets) and people operating watercraft in an unsafe manner. It is the responsibility of the vessel operator to know and obey the Marine Laws. We have Boaters Safety Guides and classes available to assist those interested.

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DIVE TEAM

By State Statute, the Sheriff is responsible for underwater recovery of drowning victims. The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office has taken that a few steps further, and maintains an active dive/rescue recovery team which currently consists of ten certified officers, including two officers from neighboring agencies. All divers have pagers and respond to possible drowning calls and marine emergencies.

BOATERS SAFETY COURSE

Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office has taught between 500 and 600 students in our Boating Safety Courses. Boater Safety Certificates are generally needed for boat operators between the age of 12 and 16, and Personal Watercraft operators age 14 or born after 1978. That means persons 14 to 27 need certificates, and that age will continue to rise each year.  We have to limit the class to 50 students, so call early in the boating season.

For information on our next class call us at 231-922-2112.