Ohio Revised Code
Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways
Section 1547.25 | Prohibiting Operation Without Personal Flotation Devices.

Effective: September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel, other than a vessel exempted by rules, on the waters in this state:
(1) That is sixteen feet or greater in length without carrying aboard one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard and one throwable personal flotation device;
(2) That is less than sixteen feet in length, including paddlecraft of any length, without carrying aboard one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard.
(B) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any commercial vessel on the waters in this state:
(1) That is less than forty feet in length and is not carrying persons for hire without carrying aboard at least one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard;
(2) That is carrying persons for hire or is forty feet in length or longer and is not carrying persons for hire without carrying aboard at least one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard that complies with all of the following:
(a) It is designed to support the person wearing the wearable personal flotation device in the water in an upright or slightly backward position and provides support to the head so that the face of an unconscious or exhausted person is held above the water.
(b) It is capable of turning the person wearing the wearable personal flotation device, upon entering the water, to a safe flotation position.
(c) It is capable of being worn inside out.
(d) It is capable of supporting a minimum of twenty-two pounds in fresh water for forty-eight hours.
(e) It is a highly visible color.
(3) That is twenty-six feet in length or longer without carrying aboard at least one throwable personal flotation device in addition to the applicable requirements of divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section.
(C) Each personal flotation device carried aboard a vessel, including a commercial vessel, pursuant to this section shall be coast guard approved and in good and serviceable condition, of appropriate size for the wearer, readily accessible to each person aboard the vessel at all times, and used in accordance with any requirements on its approval label or in accordance with requirements in its owner's manual if the approval label refers to such a manual.
(D) A personal flotation device shall not be used in a manner that is inconsistent with any limitations or restrictions related to federal approval under 46 C.F.R. 160 or special instructions for use provided by the manufacturer. Appropriate use shall be indicated on the label of an approved personal flotation device with one or more of the following designations:
(1) Conditional approval;
(2) Performance type;
(3) Type one personal flotation device;
(4) Type two personal flotation device;
(5) Type three personal flotation device;
(6) Type four personal flotation device;
(7) Type five personal flotation device;
(8) Throwable personal flotation device;
(9) Wearable personal flotation device.
(E) As used in this section, "commercial vessel" means any vessel used in the carriage of any person or property for a valuable consideration whether flowing directly or indirectly from the owner, partner, or agent or any other person interested in the vessel. "Commercial vessel" does not include any vessel that is manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use or that is leased, rented, or chartered to another for noncommercial use.

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