Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Contents

Ohio Vessel Requirements

• Registration and Titling
  • Titling of Watercraft and Outboard Motors
  • Hull Identification Number
  • Numbering of Watercraft
  • Registration of Watercraft
  • Alternative Registration Option for Hand-Powered Vessels
  • Proof of Documentation Required
  • Watercraft Identification and Display of Tags and Number
  • Expiration of Registration
• Duty of Owner To Provide Equipment
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
  • PFD Requirements
  • Inflatable PFDs
  • PFD Specifications
  • Child PFD Requirements
  • PFD Regulations for Commercial Vessels
  • PFDs Required for Skiers and Others Being Towed
  • Barefoot Skiing
  • PFDs Required for Personal Watercraft
• Anchor Requirements
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestor
• Ventilation Requirements
• Exhaust Muffler Required
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals
• Equipment for Sound Signals
• Vessel Sanitary Systems
• Inland Navigation Rules
• Discharge of Oil Prohibited
• Garbage Placard

Federal Regulations

• Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)
• Waste Management Plan
• FCC Regulations
• Canadian Border Landing Permit
• U.S. Customs Service Boat Reporting

Ohio Operating Laws

• Boating Course Proficiency Exam Certificate
• Child Operators: Supervising Person
• Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Reckless Operation
• Unsafe Condition and Termination
• Operation In Restricted Areas
• Mooring and Interference with Buoys Prohibited
• Obstructing a Waterway, Securing of Docked and Anchored Vessels
• Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Prohibited / Testing
• Incapacitated Operators Prohibited / Testing
• Complying With officer; Eluding Or Fleeing; Stopping or Yielding to Law Enforcement Vessel
• Towing a Person with a Boat or PWC Legally
• Sitting, Standing, or Walking on Moving Vessels Restricted
• Capacity Plates
• Littering Prohibited
• Enforcement
• Firearm Restrictions
• Vessel Accidents
• Violation Resulting in Injury or Damage is Evidence of Negligence

Ohio State Parks Boating Regulations

Additional Information

• Boating on Lake Erie and the Ohio River
• Protect Ohio's Waterways

Chapter 4 Summary

Review Questions for Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating