Additional Information on Boating in Ohio
Boating on Lake Erie and the Ohio River
Recreational boaters in Ohio are fortunate to have a full range
of waterways to explore—from small lakes and streams to the
Great Lakes and mighty Ohio River. Learn to boat first on the smaller
and more protected waterways before setting out on Lake Erie or
the Ohio River. And remember that, on these big waters, you’ll
be sharing them with commercial traffic.
- Commercial traffic always has priority over recreational boats
in channels, while passing under bridges, and in locks.
- Pilots of large vessels have a blind spot which can extend
for hundreds of feet in front of them.
- When operating in narrow channels, be aware that a tug or
tow’s powerful engine can cause a smaller vessel to be
pulled toward the tow when passing alongside.
- The speed of a ship, towboat, or tugboat can be deceptive.
A tow can travel one mile in seven minutes (a ship even faster),
and it generally takes them 3/4 to 11/2 miles to stop.
- Become familiar with sound signals (see Chapter
3 and the USCG’s
publication, Navigation Rules).
- Lake Erie and the Ohio River are federal waters, and you need
to comply with all U. S. Coast Guard requirements.
- Give commercial vessels wide berth. They lack maneuverability
and are incapable of avoiding other vessels in their path.
- Be aware of shipping lanes and never anchor in them.
- Learn to recognize commercial vessel lights. There may be
an unlit space of several hundred yards between the bow and stern
lights. The lighting of larger vessels is detailed in the USCG’s
publication, Navigation Rules.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie offers a wide range of boating activities that
are enjoyed by people from all over Ohio and other states.
Lake Erie also offers unique problems not found in other
areas. When boating on Lake Erie, be aware of the following.
- You need to have at least a basic knowledge of navigation
and navigation tools. Minimal equipment should include
a compass and an up-to-date chart of the lake.
- Lake Erie storms are infamous for their ability to catch
boaters by surprise. Head for safety as soon as you become
aware bad weather is approaching. Check the forecast before
you go out, and monitor the weather on your VHF marine
radio.
- You will need a seaworthy boat designed for rough water.
Lake Erie’s rolling and sometimes violent waves are
no place for a boat designed for calm water.
- There are commercial fishnets used in Lake Erie. Be
able to recognize them, and know how to navigate around
them. Fishnets usually are marked by red flags. To avoid
getting tangled in nets, do not pass between the flags.
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Ohio River
Boating on the Ohio River lets you experience some of the
most spectacular scenery in the Midwest and miles of navigable
waterways. However, you need to be aware of certain situations
when boating on this river.
- You will encounter locks on the Ohio River. These can
be navigated easily with the help of the lock attendant. Read
more about locks in Chapter 3.
- Stay well clear of dams
on the river. Go directly to the locks that allow
you to navigate past dams.
- You need to be especially careful around blind bends
in the river. Approach these slowly, and sound the proper
sound signal. Avoid meeting a commercial vessel in a narrow
or blind bend.
- During periods of high water, currents in the Ohio River
can be extremely hazardous and a lot of floating debris
may be present.
Keep a lookout for strainers, and avoid them.
- Do not water-ski or operate PWCs in the path of barges.
They cannot stop for a fallen skier or a capsized PWC.
- Night boating in remote areas can be hazardous due to
lack of shore lights or other visible landmarks.
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