MI HR0244

Urges the President and Congress to designate the Straits of Mackinac as "designated" waters under the federal Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960.

Notes that the Great Lakes Pilotage Act establishes two categories of waters (designated and undesignated), with designated waters requiring vessels to operate under navigational direction of a United States or Canadian registered pilot.

Identifies the Straits of Mackinac as an environmentally sensitive, undesignated water area with heavy commercial and recreational traffic, restricted visibility, narrow waterways, and critical infrastructure including the Mackinac Bridge and pipelines.

Emphasizes that pilots provide essential safety functions for vessels, the boating public, infrastructure, and the environment based on years of Great Lakes experience.

Directs transmission of the resolution to the President, Congress leadership, Michigan congressional delegation, and the United States Coast Guard Commandant.