Torch Lake, nestled in the northwestern region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, is renowned for its stunning, crystal-clear waters, lush forested shores, and gently rolling hills. Stretching roughly 19 miles in length and up to 3 miles wide, it’s a top destination for boating, swimming, camping—and of course, fishing. Anglers are drawn here for trout, salmon, perch, walleye, and more.

For Getmyboat operators, ensuring compliance with local and state regulations is critical. Below is an updated breakdown of the key legal and operational requirements for commercial boating on Torch Lake.

Key Boating Regulations & Requirements on Torch Lake

1. Watercraft Registration and Titling

  • All vessels operating in Michigan generally must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State.
  • Registrations are now issued for three years, expiring March 31 of the third year.
  • Titles are required for:
    • Boats 20 feet or longer; and
    • Any boat with an engine.
  • Exemptions remain for certain non-motorized craft: oar- or paddle-powered boats 16 ft or less (when not used commercially), as well as canoes, kayaks, rafts, swim floats, etc., that are non-motorized and non-commercial.

2. Boater Education / Safety Certificate

  • Michigan requires a boater safety certificate for certain operators: while the original text mentioned birthdate cutoffs, be sure to check the latest DNR or Secretary of State guidance, as boater education laws evolve.
  • For personal watercraft rentals (PWCs), livery operations must confirm that renters have the certificate or provide training. Under Michigan law, a livery may not rent a PWC to someone under age 14, and must require proof of a boating safety certificate (or provide training) before allowing operation.

3. Insurance

  • Commercial operators should maintain robust insurance coverage. While not always directly mandated by state statute, good insurance protects both your business and your customers. (If you use a broker or partner, make sure their policies cover commercial passenger operations.) For more information about options from our partner, check out Boat Charter Insurance for a quote.

4. Captain Licensing / Credentials

  • For commercial passenger operations, captains typically need a valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license, appropriate to the size and passenger capacity of the vessel.
  • Additionally, many commercial livery / charter operations on state waters must comply with Michigan’s Charter & Livery Boat Safety laws (Part 445, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act).
  • According to state law, livery operations (i.e., rental businesses) must have a boat livery permit from the county sheriff (or DNR where applicable).
  • Further, motorized livery boats must display a current annual inspection decal, plate, or tab.

5. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI)

  • For passenger-for-hire vessels with more than six passengers, a USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI) is required, to verify that the vessel is properly outfitted (life jackets, fire extinguishers, staffing, etc.) and safe for operation.

6. Commercial Use of Public Land / Launch Sites

  • For commercial use of DNR-managed access sites (such as launching or retrieving boats, using docks for rentals, etc.), a commercial use permit from the Michigan DNR is required.
  • Failing to obtain such a permit when required can lead to fines or denial of access.

7. Torch Lake Township Boat Launch Permit

  • A boat launch permit is required to launch watercraft via the Torch Lake Township boat launch. This is confirmed by the local township ordinance
  • Permit applicants must provide proof of boat and trailer registration, and property ownership (or other qualifying proof) per the application.
  • Size and weight restrictions apply at the public launch:
    • Max vessel length: 26 ft
    • Combined (boat + trailer + vehicle): 48 ft maximum length.
    • Combined weight (boat + trailer) cannot exceed 6,500 lbs.
    • Trailer must have two axles or less.
  • Power loading / unloading (i.e., using a motor to load or unload) is explicitly prohibited in the township ordinance and may result in fines.

8. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention

  • Michigan continues to be strict on AIS measures. Operators must inspect boats, trailers, and gear for plants, animals, or other debris before leaving the water.
  • All water should be drained from bilges, livewells, ballast tanks, etc., and equipment should be dried before moving to another body of water.

9. Additional Safety / Operational Rules

  • Under Michigan law for livery and charter boats (Part 445), certain minimum safety standards are required (life jackets, fire extinguishers, ventilation, rail height, etc.).
  • Livery operators must maintain a written rental contract for each rental, especially when control of the vessel is relinquished to the renter.
  • Operators must display their livery permit visibly at the business.
  • For PWCs, the rental agreement must include name of renter and rental dates, and if state law training was provided, this counts in lieu of a certificate for that rental.

10. Resources and Compliance

  • For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, GetMyBoat operators should consult:
    • Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — especially for commercial use permits, AIS rules, and livery regulation.
    • Torch Lake Township — for local ordinances, launch permit applications, and size/weight restrictions.
    • U.S. Coast Guard — for certificate of inspection (COI) and licensing requirements.

Boating on Torch Lake in Michigan is a wonderful experience during the summer months. Follow these regulations to make sure you're good to cruise!