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Ohio Boating Laws

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ODNR Division of Watercraft - Laws

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Mailing Address:
2045 Morse Road
Building A
Columbus, OH 43229

Ohio Boating Laws

Ohio boating laws are enforceable on all waters of the state including private waterways.
The Ohio Boat Operator's Guide is a boater-friendly summary of Ohio boating laws and safety considerations. [Request a Printed Copy]
Recent Rule and HP Changes on Inland Lakes in Ohio
Required Equipment - The safety equipment required to be carried on board your boat depends on how the boat is propelled, the length of the boat, who is on it, and sometimes the body of water where you are boating. [PDF; 90K]

Common Answers
Barring any local rules or regulations, it is legal to boat on any body of water as long as you don't cross private land to do so. The land under a river or stream is considered to be the property of the adjacent landowner.
The Ohio River is considered to be "federal waters" and boaters need to comply with all U.S. Coast Guard requirements. When operating on the river bound by Ohio and Kentucky, all Ohio AND Kentucky laws are in effect. [Operating Regulations for the Ohio River]
Boaters who operate vessels powered by greater than 10 horsepower and who were born on or after January 1, 1982, are required to successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course [More on Ohio’s Mandatory Education Law]
Children under the age of 12 MAY NOT operate a PWC (ie. Jet-ski, Sea-Doo, etc), under any circumstances. Children 12 to 15 may operate if they have an education certificate AND there is an adult (18 or older) onboard with them. Young adults age 16 and older may operate if they have an education certificate. [More on PWCs and Ohio's Operator Age Requirements]
Titles are required for all PWC (ie. Jet-ski, Sea-Doo, etc) before ownership can be transferred. [More on Titles for PWC]

Available Publication
Request a printed copy of the Ohio Boat Operator's Guide.
Download the PDF [1.7 Meg].

Related Links
Fishing Regulations
Surrounding states' boating laws: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
US Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
Canada Office of Boating Safety
Register of Ohio - View proposed rules by filing agency (ODNR is 1501).
Ohio Administrative Code (Watercraft is 1501:47; Parks and Recreation is 1501:41)
Ohio Revised Code (Title 15 for Natural Resources; Watercraft and Waterways is Chapter 1547; Watercraft Certificates of Title is Chapter 1548)
Government Printing Office: Navigation

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