Sheriff's Office

Marine Unit

This 11 member Marine Unit is responsible for education and enforcement of all Michigan Marine Laws. The officers patrol all waterways in Kent County using, boats, personal watercraft, and might even be seen in kayaks.

Safety on our waterways is the #1 concern of the Kent County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit. The best way to keep our lakes safe is to educate the public on the laws and safety rules that apply. At the successful completion of a boater’s safety class, a boater’s safety certificate is issued to the student.

The Kent County Sheriff's Office instructs approximately 2,400 students each year in boating safety. These classes are a state certified class that are also NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved. Because of our commitment to education, we have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of boating accidents.

Don Hamilton
don.hamilton@kentcountymi.gov
616) 632-6223

Take a class before you get in your boat or climb aboard a personal watercraft.