MI HB4846

Requires vessel operators and owners to carry, store, maintain, and use marine safety equipment as required by the department, with violations subject to civil fines up to $100.

Mandates that when towing a person, a vessel must have an observer aboard positioned to watch the person being towed and the towed person must wear a Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (inflatable devices do not satisfy this requirement).

Establishes civil infractions with fines up to $100 for operators who violate towing requirements and for persons 16 and older who permit themselves to be towed without meeting safety conditions.

Provides exemptions for ski schools, sanctioned ski tournaments using proper mirrors, motorboats under 16 feet operated by the towed person, and certified tournament water skiers meeting specific vessel and equipment standards.

Authorizes the department to adopt water ski tournament boat operation and tournament water skier standards, with the Michigan Water Ski Association providing annual lists of qualified skiers and designated practice waters to the department and sheriffs association.