Summer is almost here, and the weather is really starting to warm up. For most people, now is the ideal time to start getting their boats out of storage and putting them on the water. Unless of course you are an avid fisherman, in which case, your boat has been out and on the water for some time now. Either way, boating season is here and what better time than now to go over the top boating rules to help keep you and your family safe.
Ohio Boating Rules
Nothing is quite as exciting for a boater as getting onto the water and spending your whole day making memories with your family and friends. Here are the top 10 rules to keep everyone safe.
- License and Registration - If you were born prior to January 1, 1982, you do not need a boating license, however if you were born after that date, you are required to obtain your boater license. Every recreational boat in Ohio is required to be registered, including powerboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and inflatable boats.
- Post an Observer- Anytime you are out on the water, you should always have a designated spotter to help keep a lookout for any hazards, especially when towing a person on water skis, surfboard, or other similar devices. The person appointed to this position must be ten years of age or older.
- Maintain a Safe Speed - Wherever you decide to go boating, there will be speed limits enforced. For the safety of yourself and others, please make sure you respect that.
- Avoid a Collision - You should be following all of the rules from the Ohio Boat Navigation Rules. These rules are in place to help keep everyone on the water safe. The four factors that on course vessels must give the right away to are:
- A vessel not under command
- A vessel that has restricted maneuverability
- A vessel engaged in commercial fishing
- A sailing vessel
- Always Wear a Life Jacket -
While adults are not required to wear life jackets when boating, you are required to carry one for each passenger. Children 10 years of age and younger are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket that is properly secured and in good condition. Whenever you are towing an individual, they are also required to wear a good-fitting and well-adjusted life jacket.
- Respect the No-Wake Zones - When navigating through a no wake zone, state and federal regulations generally require that the captain observe the slowest-possible vessel speed to maintain steerage, but no greater than 5 MPH. The goal is to minimize the wake created by boats passing through the zone.
- Mooring Equipment - You must carry an anchor and line of sufficient weight and length to anchor your vessel securely.
- Boat Muffler - Your powerboat must be equipped with a muffler in good working condition and should be installed properly to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
- Do Not Boat Under the Influence - It is illegal to operate any boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Report Any Accidents - Any accident that involves a boat is required to be submitted to the Ohio DNR, Division of Watercraft.
Boater safety is a priority for Ohio. By following these rules and the others that Ohio has set in place, you are sure to have a fun and safe time with your family and friends. Happy boating!