Effective: September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
This chapter and other applicable laws of this state govern the operation, equipment, registration, numbering, and all other matters relating thereto whenever any vessel is operated on the waters in this state, whether the waters are under the jurisdiction and control of a state department, conservancy district, or political subdivision, or when any activity regulated by this chapter takes place thereon; but nothing in this chapter prevents the adoption of any rule or ordinance relating to operation and equipment of vessels the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this chapter or rules; provided, that such rules or ordinances shall be operative only so long as and to the extent that they continue to be identical to the provisions of this chapter or rules. Conservancy districts and political subdivisions may adopt ordinances or rules limiting the horsepower of inboard or outboard motors, the maximum and minimum size and type of vessels, and the speed at which vessels may be operated, except that, upon impounded bodies of water covering three thousand five hundred acres of land or more, no conservancy district or political subdivision shall prohibit the use of motors of one hundred twenty horsepower or less when used in conjunction with properly proportioned boats in a reasonable area to be designed for the use of those motors and boats and for water skiing; and provided that upon Tappan Lake no conservancy district or political subdivision shall prohibit the use of motors of sixty-five horsepower or less when used in conjunction with properly proportioned boats in a reasonable area to be designated for the use of those motors and boats and for water skiing.
Any state department, conservancy district, or political subdivision may, at any time, but only after public notice published in a newspaper of local circulation, make formal application to the chief of the division of parks and watercraft for special rules with reference to the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits and shall set forth therein the reasons which make such special rules necessary or appropriate.
The division of parks and watercraft may make special rules governing the operation of vessels on any waters within the territorial limits of any political subdivision.
No political subdivision or conservancy district shall charge any license fee or other charge against the owner of any vessel for the right or privilege of operating the vessel upon the waters of any such political subdivision or conservancy district, and no license or number in addition to those provided for under this chapter shall be required by any state department, conservancy district, or political subdivision.
Structure Ohio Revised Code
Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources
Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways
Section 1547.02 | Applicability of Chapter to Vessels Operating on the Waters in This State.
Section 1547.03 | Flashing Light Prohibition.
Section 1547.04 | Siren Prohibition - Exception.
Section 1547.05 | Completing Boating Course as Prerequisite to Licensing; Exception.
Section 1547.051 | Presenting Proof of License.
Section 1547.052 | Powercraft Rentals.
Section 1547.06 | Child Operators.
Section 1547.07 | Reckless or Unsafe Operation of Vessel, Water Skis, Aquaplane.
Section 1547.071 | Authority of Law Enforcement Officer When Especially Hazardous Condition Exists.
Section 1547.072 | Operator of Vessel to Maintain Control.
Section 1547.08 | Prohibiting Operation in Certain Areas - Low Speed Areas.
Section 1547.09 | Prohibited Acts.
Section 1547.10 | Stopping and Furnishing Information Upon Accident or Collision.
Section 1547.11 | Operation, Control, or Manipulation Under Influence of Alcohol or Drug.
Section 1547.111 | Implied Consent to Chemical Test.
Section 1547.12 | Incapacitated Operators Prohibited.
Section 1547.13 | Failure to Comply With Order of Law Enforcement - Fleeing and Eluding.
Section 1547.131 | Duty to Stop or Give Way Upon Approach of Law Enforcement Vessel.
Section 1547.132 | Vessel Wake Restrictions.
Section 1547.14 | Water Skiing Activity Confined to Ski Zones.
Section 1547.15 | Observer Required When Towing Skier.
Section 1547.16 | Water Skiing After Dark Prohibited.
Section 1547.18 | Personal Flotation Device Required.
Section 1547.19 | Ski Jumps Prohibited.
Section 1547.20 | Permission for Conducting Special Water Events.
Section 1547.21 | Requirements for Inflatable Vessel.
Section 1547.22 | Restrictions on Sitting, Standing, Walking on Moving Vessel.
Section 1547.23 | Warming-Up Engine.
Section 1547.24 | Personal Flotation Devices Required for Child Under 10.
Section 1547.25 | Prohibiting Operation Without Personal Flotation Devices.
Section 1547.251 | Use of Approved Distress Signals or Flags.
Section 1547.26 | Requiring Anchor and Line.
Section 1547.27 | Required Fire Extinguishers.
Section 1547.28 | Backfire Flame Control Device.
Section 1547.29 | Ventilation Requirements.
Section 1547.30 | Ordering Storage of Vessel or Outboard Motor Left on Private Property.
Section 1547.302 | Disposing of Unclaimed Vessel or Motor.
Section 1547.303 | Disposing of Abandoned Vessel or Motor.
Section 1547.304 | Abandoned Junk Vessel or Outboard Motor on Private Property.
Section 1547.31 | Muffler or Muffler System Required - Noise Levels.
Section 1547.32 | Vessel Used as Dwelling Creating Nuisance.
Section 1547.33 | Restrictions on Sink, Toilet or Sanitary System.
Section 1547.34 | Violations Prima Facie Evidence of Negligence.
Section 1547.36 | Secretary of State Agent for Service of Process.
Section 1547.38 | Prohibiting Rental of Improperly Equipped Vessel.
Section 1547.39 | Requiring Capacity Plate.
Section 1547.40 | Exceeding Capacity Plate Figures.
Section 1547.41 | Personal Watercraft Operation Requirements.
Section 1547.49 | Littering Prohibited.
Section 1547.51 | Educational Programs.
Section 1547.53 | Numbering of Watercraft - Exemptions.
Section 1547.531 | Registration and Documentation - Exemptions.
Section 1547.532 | Vessels Exempt From Registration.
Section 1547.533 | Fraudulent Watercraft Identification.
Section 1547.54 | Applying for Registration Certificate.
Section 1547.541 | Historic Watercraft Identification Plates.
Section 1547.542 | Annual Certificate of Livery Registration.
Section 1547.543 | Dealer or Manufacturer Registration Certificate.
Section 1547.544 | Effect of Child Support Default on Certificate.
Section 1547.55 | Moneys Collected Paid Into Waterways Safety Fund.
Section 1547.56 | Reimbursing Political Subdivisions and Agencies.
Section 1547.57 | Watercraft Tags.
Section 1547.58 | Disclosure Statement Regarding Alternative Process of r.c. 1547.305.
Section 1547.59 | Rendering Assistance After Collision.
Section 1547.61 | Applicable State Laws.
Section 1547.63 | Enforcement.
Section 1547.65 | Hull Identification Number.
Section 1547.66 | Altering Identifying Marks - False Information on Application for Registration.
Section 1547.67 | Establishing and Maintaining Marine Patrols to Enforce Chapter.
Section 1547.68 | Boating Safety Education Programs.
Section 1547.69 | Firearm Prohibitions.
Section 1547.71 | Refuge and Small Boat Harbor Agency.
Section 1547.72 | Construction and Operation of Refuge Harbors.
Section 1547.73 | Waterways Safety Council.
Section 1547.74 | Facilities in Harbors and Connecting Waterways.
Section 1547.75 | Waterways Safety Fund.
Section 1547.76 | State Participation in Federal Program.
Section 1547.77 | Action Not in Conflict.
Section 1547.79 | All Fines, Forfeitures and Penalties Paid to Director for Fund.
Section 1547.80 | Rules for Security of Ports and Related Facilities.
Section 1547.81 | Creating Wild, Scenic, or Recreational River Areas.
Section 1547.82 | Approving Structures and Channel Modifications.
Section 1547.83 | Administering Program and Areas.
Section 1547.84 | Advisory Council Appointed for Each Area.
Section 1547.85 | Participation in Federal Protection Program.
Section 1547.86 | Reconciliation of Powers.