COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recently joined a nationwide vessel safety check program that in the future will allow inspected boats to display an special decal that will be recognized throughout the country.
Ohio is the second state in the nation to join the program, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA). When fully implemented, it will allow for a unified set of vessel safety check standards as well as national recognition for the new vessel safety check program decal.
Ohios watercraft officers conduct as many as 13,000 vessel safety inspections annually. Beginning next year, they will use the programs new decal on Ohio boats.
The decal, which features the USCGA logo and the logos of other sponsoring agencies and organizations, will be recognized by each state as proof a watercraft has met USCGAs unified safety guidelines.
According to the USCGA, its long-term commitment to further improve boating safety will be enhanced as more states become aware and participate in the national Vessel Safety Check program.
Ohio is the first state to use its state watercraft officers in addition to local marine patrol units for vessel safety inspections. Additionally, trained volunteers with the U.S. Power Squadrons and other boating organizations conduct vessel safety checks for recreational boaters.
For Further Information Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882