Boating Regulations in Ohio

Boating regulations keep Ohio's waterways safe.

Boating regulations in Ohio are very specific. Each person wishing to operate a boat should be aware of all the laws and requirements.

Boating Education Requirement

Any person born after January 1, 1982 must have received a certificate for either having passed a proficiency examination given by the Ohio Department of Watercraft or having taken a boating class approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. A person between the ages of 12 and 15 may operate a boat if a supervising person over the age of 18 is present.

Operating a Boat Under the Influence

A person who is under the influence of alcohol may not drive or propel a boat in the state of Ohio. The legal blood alcohol level is .08 percent for persons over the age of 21, but just .02 for persons under that age. Any person who operates a boat is considered to have given consent to have her breath, blood or urine tested for drugs or alcoholic content.

Unsafe and Reckless Operation

No person may operate a boat unsafely or recklessly in the state of Ohio. Some examples of unsafe and reckless operation are disregarding the rights and safety of others, operating at a speed in proximity to another vehicle that would cause either vehicle to swerve to avoid a collision or operating less than 200 feet behind a water-skier. Anyone piloting a boat must also see to it that it carries sufficient supply of flotation devices and fire extinguishers.

References

• Ohio Boat Operator's Guide