Rules and Required Items when Boating in Ohio

Boating in Ohio is fun. But there are rules to follow. If you don't follow the rules, you will be fined. Fines are not fun.

First, you have the titling, registering and tagging of your boat and trailer. That really is the hard part. After you get all of that done, the rest of the rules are set for safety and the safety of your passengers. Ohio sets these rules to keep the water ways safe. Accidents and drownings do occur, but if you are prepared, you are more ready to handle them.

There are things you are required to carry on your boat. They are as follows;

A personal Flotation device.

The most popular form of a personal flotation device is the life jacket. You must have a life jacket for each person that is on the boat.

If you should have any children on board the boat with you and they are under the age of 10, they are required to have a life jacket on at all times. It is the adult's responsibility to see that the children follow this rule.

You also must have a throw able life preserver. This comes in handy if someone should fall into the water. It gives a person something to help them float until someone else can help them.

Anchors:

All watercraft has to carry an anchor and line of sufficient weight and length to anchor the watercraft securely.

Fire Extinguishers:

This is in case of fire.

Distress Signals:

These are signals that will signal you need help. They come in different forms; hand held orange smoke signals, floating orange smoke signals, orange flag, hand held red flares, parachute red flares, or even electric distress signals (these can only be used at night).

Backfire Flame Arrestor:

You will need one of these if you have an inboard motor.

Working lights:

All vessels are required to display running lights or an anchor light between sunset and sunrise.

After you have all the equipment you need, you should read over the driving tips in the handbook you picked up at your local watercraft agency: Ohio Boat Operator's Guide Book. Being captain of a boat is a big responsibility. Keep some tips in mind.

Always proceed at a safe speed.

Always be on the lookout for other boats and even for tree branches in the waters.

Stay out of the way of other vessels.

If you are ever in a narrow channel, stay to the right side of the channel as it is safer and practical. All vessels proceeding down-bound with the current shall have the right of way over an up bound vessel.

Personal watercraft is defined as a watercraft that is less than 16 feet in length and is operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel inside of inside the vessel, example of this would be a jet ski. Ohio law states that if one is operating or is aboard such a watercraft they must wear a life jacket.

Also be warned that in the state of Ohio, if you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you will have to take a boating course and earned a certificate before you are legally able to operate a power-craft powered with more than 10 horsepower.

Ohio rules watercraft rules may seem annoying. But they are in place for your safety and the safety of all others on the water.

Have fun. Obey the rules.