Be Safe, Hire a Pro and Catch Fish on Lake Michigan

Before we leave the harbor, I point out the location of the most important safety gear on the boat. I want everyone to know where the lifejackets are stowed and even offer Type V (inflatable) flotation devices for anyone who wants one. I want everyone to know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to contact the Coast Guard on the VHF “ship to shore” radio.

Most charter boat operators do something similar to this on every trip. Don’t think that little talk covers everything. Charter boats and charter captains are required to meet exacting standards in order to welcome you aboard.

Before a person can even apply for a license to be a charter boat operator, they have completed first aid training and become certified to administer CPR. They must also undergo rigorous training to pass four different exams administered by the Coast Guard proving their competence in using charts and navigation instruments. A second test proves their competence in navigating the open waters of the Great Lakes as well as in channels, harbors and tributaries – day or night. One of the toughest tests deals expressly with safety gear, how to use it and when.

The final exam is called Rules of the Road, though it’s basically, Rules of the Water, which covers how each boater needs to interact with other vessels sharing the lake. That could be a kayak, another fishing boat, a 1000-foot lake freighter or an international ship heading for or leaving Indiana’s two international harbors, Calumet Harbor near Hammond, Indiana or the Port of Indiana at Portage, IN.

Indiana’s North Coast Charter Association includes licensed and inspected boats of all sizes for individuals or groups up to six passengers. 

The Indiana legislature long ago passed regulations requiring the DNR to inspect the boats that will be put into service as charter boats. It’s an extensive list requiring the boats to be inspected out of the water to allow the inspectors to examine the hull, propellors, rudders and other aspects as well as an annual inspection that examines every other aspect inside of the boats such as wiring, communications equipment, lighting, bilge pumps and numerous other requirements, including certificates of insurance, licenses and compliance with random drug testing programs.

These inspections are pass/fail. A loose wire, a faulty vent in the engine compartment or any of the other dozens of required items found to be defective or missing must be corrected before the inspection certificate can be issued.

All of the captains in Indiana’s North Coast Charter Association abide by these requirements and all of them are in constant contact with each other, before, during and after each trip. This sharing of information means all INCCA members are aware of the best places and best lures. Hiring one of these captains ensures a safe adventure and a satisfying day on the lake.

Check out www.CharterFish.org for more information and a contact list to find the perfect charter for your family or group of friends.