Boating is unquestionably popular this time of year. There are literally hundreds of state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations governing boating in Ohio and the United States. This column introduces and explains the basics of some commonly recognized boating laws and explains some of the more interesting aspects of the same.
Most watercraft, including those with outboard motors, are required to have a title, similar to a motor vehicle title. Notable exceptions to this requirement include lifeboats, watercraft with motors of less than 10 horsepower and canoes and kayaks.
Most watercraft in Ohio are required to be registered and “numbered.” The numbers are issued by the state, with each consisting of the letters “OH” followed by four numbers and two letters. Upon registering a watercraft, the state issues two registration tags that include the numbers. There are detailed rules defining the specific locations where the registration tags must be affixed to each watercraft. Upon expiration of a registration, the tags must be removed.
Certain canoes, rowboats and inflatable watercraft must be registered, but the owners of those watercraft can choose to not receive or affix any registration numbers.
Personal flotation devices must be worn by every child under the age of 10 who is on every watercraft that is shorter than 18 feet in length. Personal flotation devices are also required for everyone who is pulled by a watercraft across the water, whether the person being pulled is waterskiing, surfboarding, riding an inflatable device or barefoot skiing.
For mechanically propelled watercraft shorter than 16 feet in length, if the operator is sitting, standing or kneeling on the watercraft rather than sitting or standing in the watercraft, every person on the watercraft must wear a personal flotation device.
Various signage and buoys are placed at various locations in bodies of water in Ohio. All official signage includes a solid “top line” and solid “bottom line.” In between the lines, if the symbol is an “O,” the area is subject to speed or other operational requirements that may preclude waking, idling, skiing, etc.
If the symbol is a square, the sign will include directions to facilities or other information about the area.
If the symbol is diamond with a cross within it, it signals that boats must stay out of the area, which usually indicates that the area is used for swimming, is closed or is obstructed.
If the symbol is a diamond with no cross within the diamond, the sign warns of hazards like rocks, stumps, reefs and other obstructions that may not be visible to watercraft operators.
For waters within state parks, state law does not (but local laws may) preclude the consumption of alcoholic beverages in or on the watercraft. In state parks, even if alcohol possession or consumption is legal, it is illegal to overtly or publicly consume or display the presence of alcohol on any watercraft.
More details on applicable boating laws can be found at Ohiodnr.gov/boating, on Twitter at @ohiowatercraft or on Facebook at ohiodivisionofwatercraft.
Lee R. Schroeder is an Ohio licensed attorney at Schroeder Law LLC in Putnam County. He limits his practice to business, real estate, estate planning and agriculture issues in northwest Ohio. He can be reached at [email protected] or at 419-659-2058. This article is not intended to serve as legal advice, and specific advice should be sought from the licensed attorney of your choice based upon the specific facts and circumstances that you face.
