Section 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:

(a)   Careless operation.

(b)   Reckless operation.

(c)   Operation under the influence of alcoholic beverage or controlled substance.

(d)  Negligent operation.

(e)   Operation causing death or injury.

(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.

History: 1982 AACS.