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Reference Guide to State Boating Laws The Reference Guide to State Boating Laws answers a number of questions related to recreational boating safety public law. Topics covered include boating education, operator age, water skiing, boat noise, numbering & titling, personal watercraft, boating under the influence, personal flotation devices and more. The data in the guide was supplied by the states and collectively updated during 2007. Data can also be updated by boating law administrators (or designates) for the individual states. To access the data, click on the drop down menu below and select a topic area. |
Ohio
Question | Data |
Commercial Vessels | |
Does your state/territory regulate commercial vessels on sole state waters? | No |
Other, please specify | |
If you answered yes to the previous question, is your agency responsible for enforcing regulations on commercial vessels on sole state waters? | |
Other, please specify |
|
If you answered "No" to the previous question, which state agency is responsible? | US Coast Guard |
White Water | |
Does your state regulate vessel operation in white water areas? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Does your state regulate commercial white water operations? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Search & Rescue | |
Does your agency have a dive team? | No |
Other, please specify | |
What agency is responsible for Search and Rescue operations? | Ohio Watercraft, US Coast Guard and many local law enforcement agencies |
What agency is responsible for victim recovery? | Same as above |
Boating Education Requirements | |
Does your state require mandatory boating safety education for some segment of the population? | Yes |
Who is required to complete a boating education course in your state? | Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 who operates a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower. |
Are only residents of your state required to complete a boating education course? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Education Exemptions | |
Are non-residents exempt from having to take a boating education course in your state? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Are U.S. Coast Guard licensed operators exempt from having to take a boating education course in your state? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Are any other persons exempt from having to take a boating education course in your state? Please list. | No rental business shall lease or rent a powerboat of more than 10 horsepower to a person born on or after January 1, 1982 unless the person has completed an approved boating course (above law)or passes an abbreviated exam with a score of 90% or better (just for term of rental agreement). |
Exams and License/Certificate Issuance | |
Is issuance of a license/certificate dependant upon passing an exam in your state? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the passing score in your state? | 70% |
Providers of Education Courses | |
State Agency | X |
US Coast Guard Auxiliary | X |
US Power Squadrons | X |
Public School System | X |
Private Company | X |
Other, please specify | Boys Scouts & Girl Scouts, Park & Rec Dept., etc. |
Minors, Powerboats Personal Watercraft | |
Does your state require an adult to be on board when a minor is operating a motor-powered vessel other than a PWC? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Does your state require an adult to be on board when a minor is operating a PWC? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Minimum Ages for Education Certification | |
Does your state certify minor boaters? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
What is the minimum age someone can be certified in your state? | No age limit as long as they can pass the test. |
Does your state have reciprocity for accepting out of state certification of minor boaters if the certification course meets NASBLA's Education Standards? | Yes. |
Mandatory Boat Operator Licensing | |
Does your state require mandatory boat operator licensing? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Minimum Ages for Non-PWC Vessels | |
Does your state set a minimum age requirement to operate a motor powered vessel other than a PWC? | No |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the required age and any other details such as horsepower rating. | |
Does your state set any minimum age requirements to operate a PWC? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the requirements. | Must be at least 12 years old. |
Minimum Ages for Non-Powered Vessels | |
Are there any minimum age requirements in your state to operate non-powered vessels such as sailboats, canoes or kayaks? | No |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the requirements. | |
Education Reciprocity | |
Do you accept out-of-state boating education certificates in your state? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, which type of certificates do you accept? | Any course which is NASBLA approved and has the identifying NASBLA logo on the card or certificate |
Does your state honor NASBLA-approved course reciprocity for non-residents? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Wallet-Sized Certificates | |
Does your state issue wallet size boating certificate cards? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
How long are education certificates/student wallet cards valid in your state? | Forever - they do not expire. |
Challenge Exams | |
Does your state allow students to take a challenge exam to meet your state boating education requirement? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Online Courses & Proctoring | |
Does your state have any laws in place which expressly prohibit online boating safety courses? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Does your state require boating safety tests to be proctored? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Water Skiing | |
Does your state require an observer to be present when pulling a skier? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Does your state require a mirror to be present when pulling a skier? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Does your state prohibit water skiing during any specific time of the day/night? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe the time(s) when skiing is prohibited. | Sunset to sunrise prohibited, Some Lakes have restricted times when sking can occur. |
Water Skiing | |
Does your state require a skier to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD? | Yes |
Are self-propelled skis allowed to be used in your state? | Yes, but only on federal waters |
Does your state require the use of a skier down flag? | No |
Describe any other water skiing restrictions in your state. | Can not operate under the influence of alcohol and or drugs of abuse. Confined to "Open" or "Ski" zones on State Park Lakes |
Motorboat Noise | |
Is there a maximum noise level for motorboats in your state? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please give the levels and standard used. | 90 decibein a stationary test measured at1 meter at idle. 75 deceibels from shoreline. |
Is there a factory muffling alteration law in your state? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the law? | Can not alter or modify a muffler in any way. |
Is boat noise governed by local ordinance in your state? | No |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the local ordinance? | |
Marine Sanitation Devices | |
Does your state prohibit Y-valve through-hull discharge in waters of state jurisdiction? | yes |
Other, please specify | |
Does your state require Y-valves to be locked/closed in waters of state jurisdiction? | yes |
Other, please specify | |
Marine Sanitation Devices | |
What are the penalties for misuse or failure to equip a vessel with a Marine Sanitation Device in your state? | Maximum Penalty = $250 fine + court costs and 30 days in jail. |
What are the penalties for illegal dumping/discharge of a Marine Sanitation Device in your state? | Maximum Penalty = $250 fine + court costs and 30 days in jail. |
Personal Watercraft Operation | |
Does your state require users to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD when operating a PWC? | Yes |
Does your state require PWC rental operators to provide any instruction or education in PWC operation prior to use? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how much instruction is required? | Pass approved boating course or proficiency exam, recieve educational materials and pass exam with 90% or better. |
Does your state prohibit PWC operation at any specific times? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the times. | Sunset to sunrise. |
Personal Watercrafts and Skiers | |
Does your state allow PWCs to pull water skiers? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, are there any restrictions? | Must have an observer at least 10 yrs old on board. |
Personal Watercraft Restrictions | |
Is there a speed limit specific to PWCs other than slow/no wake zones in your state? | No |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the speed limit. | |
Is PWC operation restricted within any area or zone in your state? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the restricted area or zone. | Operation is restricted in "No boat areas", within 300 feet of an offical diver's flag. |
Are limitations imposed on wake jumping with PWCs in your state? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe the limitations. | Becomming air borne while crossing the wake of another vessel within 100 ft or unsafe distance. |
Is there a kill switch or safety lanyard requirement for PWCs in your state? | Yes |
Life Jackets | |
Which persons in your state are required to wear a PFD and under what circumstances? | Children less than 10 on a vessel less than 18 feet in length and all PWC operators must wear a PFD. |
What are the penalties for violating PFD regulations in your state? | A 4th degree misdemeanor(M4). Sking without a PFD is a Minor misdemeanor(MM). |
Blood Alcohol Content | |
What is the BAC level at which a person is considered intoxicated in your state? | 0.08 or more BAC. |
Does your state have a lower threshold for BAC for minor boaters? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, what is the BAC level for minors? | Under 21 years old 0.02 BAC. |
Boating Under the Influence | |
Does a BUI conviction impact an offender's automobile driving privileges in any way in your state? | No |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how are their privileges impacted? | |
BUI Saturation Patrols & Checkpoints | |
Are BUI saturation patrols utilized in your state? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how are they used? | We coordinate OUI saturation patrols with local Marine Patrols and the USCG in high probable areas and events. |
Are BUI checkpoints utilized in your state? | Yes |
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, how are they used? | We cordinate OUI checkpoints with local marine patrols and the USCG being pro active with the media and the public. |
Alcohol Testing for BUI | |
Does your state allow blood tests to determine BAC or BUI? | Yes |
Does your state allow breath tests to determine BAC or BUI? | Yes |
Does your state allow urine tests to determine BAC or BUI? | Yes |
Test Usage in Criminal Evidence | |
Blood | X |
Breath | X |
Urine | X |
Field Sobriety Tests | |
Does your state require field sobriety tests to be conducted on shore? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Can refusal of a test be used against a boater in criminal prosecution in your state? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Do marine officers utilize random BUI inspections that include boarding the boat in your state? | No |
Negligent Operation of a Vessel | |
Does your state allow officers to issue citations for negligent operation of a vessel? | No |
Portable BUI Equipment | |
Does your state allow the use of hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment? | Yes |
Does your state allow the use of hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment to be used for probable cause? | Yes |
Does your state allow the use of hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment to be used for evidentiary purposes? | Yes |
What percentage of law enforcement officers have access to hand held or portable BUI enforcement equipment in your state? | 1% |
Probable Cause | |
Does state law require probable cause for marine officers to stop a vessel? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Does state law require probable cause for marine officers to board a vessel? | No |
Other, please specify | |
Towing Distressed Vessels | |
Do marine officers utilize random safety inspections that include boarding the boat in your state? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Are marine officers allowed to tow vessels in distress in your state? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Are seaplanes "on the water" treated as vessels in your state? | Yes |
Other, please specify | |
Liability Insurance | |
Does your state mandate liability insurance for boaters? | No |
On-Water Pursuits | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on on-water pursuit? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on interstate on-water pursuit? | Yes |
Transporting Subjects, Accident Victims, Guests | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on transporting subjects? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on transporting accident victims? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on transporting guests? | Yes |
Officer Safety | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on requiring officers to wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on skin care safety for officers? | No |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on hearing safety for officers? | No |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on back safety for officers? | No |
Towing Distressed Vessels | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on towing distressed vehicles? | Yes |
First Responders, First Aid, Good Samaritans, Search and Rescue | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on being a first responder at an accident? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on the use of first aid? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on the Good Samaritan law? | No |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on search and rescue? | Yes |
Inter-agency Interacton | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on interaction with local agencies? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on interaction with other state agencies? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on interaction with federal agencies? | Yes |
Investigation of Theft & Fraud | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on investigation of theft? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on investigation of fraud? | No |
Employment | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on outside employment? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on substance abuse? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on off-duty responsibilities? | Yes |
Firearms | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on firearms training? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on firearms training recertification? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on in-service training? | Yes |
Deadly Force | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on use of deadly force? | Yes |
Volunteers | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on use of volunteers? | Yes |
BUI Checkpoints | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on use of BUI checkpoints? | Yes |
Patrol Time | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on on-water patrol time as a safety factor? | Yes |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on working a percentage of time on night patrol? | No |
Carrying Emergency Equipment | |
Does your state have a written, formal marine law enforcement policy, operational procedure or executive order on carrying emergency equipment (loaner PFDs, throw lines, etc.)? | Yes |