Divisions & Units
Marine Patrol
The Marine Patrol is responsible for enforcing all watercraft laws within St. Joseph County. Marine Deputies patrol a majority of the 23 square miles of open waterways in St. Joseph County. The Sheriff’s Office provides education, enforcement of state and local statues, and safety through the Marine Patrol Division. Marine Deputies investigate accidents that occur on the water, provide boater safety courses (free of charge) and conduct inspections of watercraft.
During watercraft inspections, Marine Deputies will establish the following:
- Is the vessel legally registered?
- Does the vessel have the proper display of numbers?
- Is there proper equipment; including life jackets ( PFD's ) in the proper sizes, equaling the number of people on board?
- Is a fire extinguisher available if required?
- Are registration and boater’s safety certificates valid?
- Is the operator under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
Boater Safety Classes
The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office will be conducting Boater Safety Classes for all 12 year old and older. The first classes for 2013 will be held at the Colon Fire Dept. on June 1. All other classes will be held at the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office training room from 9:00 am (sharp) to 3:00 pm (June 8, 15, 22 and 29).
If you would like to attend one of the following classes please contact the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office at (269) 467-9045 ext. 221 to reserve a spot as space is limited. When you call please have your child's name, date of birth, address, age and contact phone number reader.
The day of the class the students will need to bring a sack lunch and a #2 pencil.
