Ohio Boating Laws

In Ohio, state laws govern many aspects of boat and watercraft operation.  The following are summaries of some notable laws.

If you have been injured in an Ohio boating accident, and have questions about how these laws may apply to you, please submit a free, confidential consultation form to our Ohio personal injury attorneys today.

No person born on or after January 1, 1982, shall operate a powercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower unless the operator has received a certificate for successful completion of either of the following:

• A boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA);
• A proficiency examination approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft. (ORC 1547.051)
  
  

No person under 16 years of age shall operate a personal watercraft (PWC). Individuals not less than 12, nor more than 15 years of age may operate a PWC if a supervising person 18 years of age or older is also on board. In the case of a supervising person born on or after January 1, 1982, the supervising person must hold a certificate meeting the requirements of ORC 1547.05 and in the case of rented powercraft, must meet the requirements of ORC 1547.052.

No person under 12 years of age shall operate any vessel unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older. This section does not apply to personal watercraft (see previous paragraph) or other powercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower (see following paragraph).

No person shall operate a vessel, water skis or similar device:

• Carelessly or heedlessly;
• Without due caution;
• In disregard of the rights or safety of any person, vessel, or property;
• At a rate of speed or in a manner so as to endanger any person, vessel, or property.
  

No person shall operate or permit operation of a vessel in an unsafe manner. Unsafe operation includes:

• Becoming airborne while crossing the wake of another vessel within 100 feet or unsafe distance;
• Operating at a speed or proximity to a vessel or person being towed so as to require either vessel to swerve to avoid collision;
• Operating less than 200 feet behind a water-skier;
• Weaving through congested traffic.
• A vessel shall be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times.

The following situations present unsafe conditions:

• Insufficient personal flotation devices;
• Insufficient fire extinguishers;
• Overloaded, insufficient freeboard for the water conditions in which the vessel is operating;
• Improper display of navigation lights;
• Fuel leaks, including fuel leaking from either the engine or fuel system;
• Accumulation of or an abnormal amount of fuel in the bilges
• Inadequate backfire flame control;
• Improper ventilation.

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an Ohio boat accident, talk with a dedicated Ohio boat accident lawyer.  Please submit a simple, free and confidential legal consultation form now.

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