If you need to contact Law Enforcement while on the water the best way is on CH 16 on your VHF Marine radio. While on patrol the Huron County Sheriff's Office Marine Division monitors CH 16, the United States Coast Guard also monitors CH 16 24 hours a day and is able to get an approximate position of where a distress call may have came from using the newly implemented Rescue 21 system. A cellular phone may be used by calling 911, however cellular phones may not be as reliable as using a VHF Marine Radio. For more information on Rescue 21 go to:
Huron County Sheriff's Office Marine Division
Huron County has over 90 miles of Lake Huron shoreline running from Sebewaing on the west side to White Rock on the east side. Huron County also has 1,300 square miles of lake Huron within its county boundaries. On the water Huron County has boundaries with five other counties (Sanilac, Tuscola, Bay, Arenac, and Iosco) and Canada. Huron County waters range from the shallow Saginaw Bay on the west side of the county to the deeper waters of Lake Huron on the east side county. The waters of Huron County contain several islands and shallow reefs. With this much diversity it is easy to see why Huron County is a popular destination for water related recreational activities, and why it is important to have trained personnel and proper equipment to respond to emergencies on Huron County waterways.
Marine Patrol
One way to be sure that you have the safety equipment necessary to comply with state boating laws is to have your vessel examined. The Huron County Sheriff's Office Marine Division will be more than happy to inspect your vessel. Marine Officers work weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day and can be found at Huron County Marina's. Marine Officers usually start their shifts at the Sebewaing, Caseville, and Port Austin Marina's and can be contacted there for a safety inspection. For information on what is required on your boat go to:
3,308 miles of Great Lakes shoreline
11,037 inland lakes & 36,350 miles of rivers and streams
Great Lakes hold about 6 quadrillion gallons of water, 1/5th of world's fresh water
38,075 square miles of Great Lakes surface area
1,194 square miles of inland water surface area
Michigan borders on 4 of the 5 Great Lakes
In Michigan you are never more than 6 miles from a lake or stream
Stand anywhere in Michigan and you are within 85 miles of a Great Lake
Lake Superior is the second largest lake in the world
Michigan has 930,136-registered watercraft (as of 5/03/2010)
The Huron County Sheriff's Office Marine Division consists of 4 part time Marine Officers and one supervisor. After attending training sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division and the Michigan Sheriff's Association Marine Officers are certified to enforce the Michigan Marine Safety Act. Marine Division Operations are funded by grants received from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and these grants typically cover from 75% to 100% of the Marine Divisions total operating costs. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources gets the funding for the Marine Safety Grant Program from a portion of Michigan vessel registrations and from United States Coast Guard grant funding.
Duties of Marine Officers Include:
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Boating Safety Education
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Enforcing the Michigan Safety Act through patrol operations
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Search and Rescue
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Vessel Safety Inspections
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Boat Livery Inspections
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Investigation of Boating Accidents
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Body Recovery
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Regatta patrols
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Support to the Huron County Sheriff's Office Dive Team
Huron County Marine Division Goal
The goal of the Huron County Sheriff's Office Marine Division is to make the waterways of the State of Michigan safe and enjoyable for everyone through education and enforcement if necessary. If at anytime you have boating related questions or concerns please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
One way to be sure that you have the safety equipment necessary to comply with state boating laws is to have your vessel examined. The Huron County Sheriff's Office Marine Division will be more than happy to inspect your vessel. Marine Officers work weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day and can be found at Huron County Marina's. Marine Officers usually start their shifts at the Sebewaing, Caseville, and Port Austin Marina's and can be contacted there for a safety inspection. For information on what is required on your boat go to:
If you need to contact Law Enforcement while on the water the best way is on CH 16 on your VHF Marine radio. While on patrol the Huron County Sheriff's Office Marine Division monitors CH 16, the United States Coast Guard also monitors CH 16 24 hours a day and is able to get an approximate position of where a distress call may have came from using the newly implemented Rescue 21 system. A cellular phone may be used by calling 911, however cellular phones may not be as reliable as using a VHF Marine Radio. For more information on Rescue 21 go to:
3,308 miles of Great Lakes shoreline
11,037 inland lakes & 36,350 miles of rivers and streams
Great Lakes hold about 6 quadrillion gallons of water, 1/5th of world's fresh water
38,075 square miles of Great Lakes surface area
1,194 square miles of inland water surface area
Michigan borders on 4 of the 5 Great Lakes
In Michigan you are never more than 6 miles from a lake or stream
Stand anywhere in Michigan and you are within 85 miles of a Great Lake
Lake Superior is the second largest lake in the world
Michigan has 930,136-registered watercraft (as of 5/03/2010)