Direction 2007
The Division of Watercraft administers Ohio’s recreational boating programs including watercraft registration and titling operations and provides grants to local communities for enforcement, education, and boating access facilities.
The Division investigates boating accidents and related fatalities, enforces state boating laws on Ohio’s waterways, and participates in emergency water rescue search, recovery, and evacuation efforts when requested.
These and other Division of Watercraft programs are funded primarily by a portion of the state motor fuel excise tax, boating registration and titling fees, and a grant from the United States Coast Guard Recreational Boat Safety account.
Areas of Emphasis
Waterway Access: We will continue to address waterway accessibility for the general public through the construction of launch ramps, transient moorage, protective breakwalls, slips, docks and other amenities. We continue to develop methods for reinvesting boaters’ dollars in access facilities.
Officer Presence/Preparedness: The officers’ state of readiness and attention to detail will enhance the Division’s contributions to homeland security, emergency response, and boating safety. We will continue to partner with federal, state, and local agencies to increase officer presence and effectiveness on Ohio waterways.
Customer Satisfaction: Boating promotes good physical and mental health and well-being for those who take part. It also provides economic benefits for all Ohioans. We will continue to gather and evaluate customer input in order to more accurately determine the level of customer satisfaction with our services. Using this information, we will strive to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Education/Safety Awareness: The diversity of boating education opportunities along with targeted awareness campaigns will be highlighted in 2006. Increasing the number of educated boaters in all types of boating and encouraging boaters to wear lifejackets will ensure improved safety on Ohio’s waterways. Boating Safety Education Grants will be awarded to assist in enhancing these initiatives.
Partnerships: Ohio’s boating program is regarded as one of the best in the nation. Developing and enhancing partnerships with public and private organizations, constituent groups, government agencies, volunteers, and the boating community is essential to our continued progress.
E-Business: Updates will be made to the Watercraft Information System (WIS) to enhance performance. While the updates are being made, the Division will develop a business proposal for interested vendors to bid for consultant services to assist in the design of a web-based system for Watercraft Registration Agents. Additional enhancements to the electronic renewal process will be considered to assist those customers who conduct business over the Internet.
Initiatives
Waterway Access Financial Assistance: The Division will continue the trend of increasing grant applications for cooperative boating facilities by providing information to local communities about available funding for boating access. The Division has completed the Comprehensive Boating Facilities Plan, which is a five-year plan that will assist us in allocating capital improvement dollars while managing user conflict. We are committed to investing resources toward developing transient moorage opportunities on Lake Erie and the Ohio River and will begin construction on at least two transient facilities in Ohio this year. The Division’s newest program, the Recreational Marine Loan Program, is a low-interest loan program designed to encourage partnership opportunities and stimulate economic development through the construction and renovation of public recreational boating facilities.
Marketing Plan: The goal of enlisting corporate sponsorships to increase boater education is becoming a reality. State Farm and Nationwide insurance companies are both developing campaigns to promote taking a boater education course to receive boat insurance discounts.
Increase Lifejacket Wear Rates: The United States Coast Guard has challenged the states and their partners to develop strategies to increase the wearing of PFDs. The objective is to substantially increase wear rates from 22% to 44%. A plan will be developed for implementation by the end of 2006.
Alcohol Enforcement: Alcohol continues to be a large causative factor in boating accidents. The Division will develop a plan designed to decrease the number of alcohol-involved boating accidents to no more than 33% of the total number of annual boating accidents. This will include both enforcement and education awareness strategies.
Boater Knowledge: Efforts continue to increase boater knowledge and skills in order to limit the number of vessel-on-vessel collisions to no more than 25% of all annual reportable boating accidents. A collaborative effort is required with our education partners to certify over 10,000 students meeting the boating education law requirement. Additionally, Watercraft Officers will distribute 20,000 decals, “Basic Guide to Steering Rules,” to remind powerboat operators of the steering rules.
E-newsletter: This cost-effective initiative will provide timely news and insights to Ohio’s boaters. Editions will be appearing every two months starting the first week in January. Articles, photos and news submissions are required the first day of the previous month.
Publications: Boating on Ohio Streams: Northwest & Southwest Regions, developed for boaters using small watercraft such as canoes, kayaks and jon boats, will be available for distribution in the summer of 2006. This brochure is one in a series of four brochures providing information on Ohio’s rivers and streams.
Electronic Registrations: The Division continues to enhance the Watercraft Information System to provide better service to boaters across Ohio. Upgrades will reduce erroneous information entered in the system, and more accurate information will allow timely responses to registration agents and boaters.
Electronic Renewals: Two new features are being implemented for 2006: Alternative registrations can be renewed over the Internet, and multiple boat registrations can be renewed with a single transaction.
Operation Overboard: In Ohio, most fatal boating accidents result from a fall overboard or the capsize of a small boat. This program focuses on education and law enforcement approaches to ensure boaters stay onboard and keep their boats upright. Efforts will be concentrated during the early spring and late fall boating seasons when cold-water immersion is a greater risk to boaters.
Ohio Water Trails Plan: In an effort to increase awareness of the benefits of water trails, ODNR is partnering with local communities to develop designated water trails on Ohio streams. The Division of Watercraft has taken the lead within the Department on developing water trail partnerships. The water trails are initiated at the local level and then a team evaluates the trail to ensure safe, suitable access. The Division continues to grow this program by cultivating new partnership opportunities for 2006. A robust database of stream access sites is central to managing the water trail program effectively.
Homeland Security: Partnering with federal, state and local agencies, officers from the Division of Watercraft will continue to patrol and monitor the waterways of the State of Ohio as well as its northern and southern borders. Specialized equipment purchased through earlier federal grants will remain readily available for necessary response in 2006. Proactive training and planning will maintain the preparedness of Division officers as they continue to do all that is possible to make our state and country more secure from all threats. If the security of our homeland requires additional duties and responsibilities from our officers, they will be provided the necessary training and equipment to safely and effectively assume those duties. |