About the Division of Watercraft
The Division of Watercraft is responsible for boating safety, education, and law enforcement on all waters of the state. This statewide area includes the near-shore area along 451 miles of the Ohio River, approximately half the entire surface area of Lake Erie, more than 605 inland lakes, and over 60,000 miles of inland streams, rivers, and other waterways.
The Division administers and enforces all laws regarding identification, numbering, titling, use, and operation of recreational boats on Ohio’s waters. It conducts water safety education programs and develops boating facilities on major water areas of the state. It oversees the designation of Ohio Water Trails as well as the designation and management of Ohio Scenic Rivers.
A total of 164 permanent employees provide service in the form of law enforcement patrols, homeland security, emergency first response, boat registration and titling services, educational programs, professional training, boating access and education grant management, stream quality monitoring, facility planning, vessel inspections, scenic river management, aids to navigation, and technical assistance. |