The current Ohio DNR Watercraft website can be found at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov as of March 15, 2013.

The Waterways Safety Fund:
Returning Boating Dollars to Ohio’s Recreational Boating Community

Ohio’s boating program is supported by a 100% “user pays – user benefits” dedicated fund known as the Waterways Safety Fund.1 It comprises

  • a share of the state motor vehicle fuel tax2 (0.875%),
  • boat registration and titling fees,
  • account interest,
  • fines,
  • and federal grants.3

Created by the 101st General Assembly in 1955, the Waterways Safety Fund has a 55-year history of successfully supporting programs managed by ODNR Division of Watercraft at no additional cost to the Ohio taxpayer.

Monies in the Waterways Safety Fund are returned to boaters through

  • Constructing, maintaining, repairing, and operating refuge harbors; projects for the mooring, docking, launching, and storing of light draft vessels; and recreational marine facilities.
  • Educating the public on boating safety and enforcing laws concerning boats.
  • Assisting political subdivisions, conservancy districts, and state departments in establishing and maintaining marine patrols to enforce the Watercraft and Waterways Law and rules adopted under it.
  • Assisting political subdivisions, conservancy districts, state departments, and nonprofit organizations in establishing or participating in boating safety education programs.
  • Participation and cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in acquiring, constructing, and maintaining refuge and light draft vessel harbor projects, channels, and facilities for vessels in the navigable waters within the state.
  • Operation and administration of the Division of Watercraft including the State Scenic Rivers Program.4

As guardian of these funds, the Division of Watercraft strives to implement program improvements while living within our monetary means. Ohio’s boaters have entrusted the Division with these funding sources with the mandate to implement services needed to address recreational boating and waterway needs.

1The Waterways Safety Fund is established in section 1547.55 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).

2The percentage of Motor Fuel Tax is established based on surveys indicating the amount of fuel used in powerboat operation in Ohio. In addition to the monies going to the Division of Watercraft, ODNR Division of Wildlife receives 0.125% to develop motor boat access in state wildlife areas.

3These funding sources generate approximately $26,000,000 in annual revenue. Federal funds include approximately $4,500,000 annual reimbursement from the Boat Safety Account of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the United States Coast Guard.

4In addition to the Waterways Safety Fund, the Scenic Rivers Protection Fund (ORC 4501.24) is used to support components of the State Scenic Rivers program administered by the Division of Watercraft. This fund is generated through the sale of scenic rivers specialty license plates for automobiles.

Statewide Economic Impact of Recreational Boating: Estimated $3,500,000,000 annually

Job Support: More than 26,000 full-time equivalent Ohio marine industry jobs

Source: Great Lakes Recreational Boating's Economic Punch, a Great Lakes Commission study released in July 2007

2011 Revenue

2011 ODNR Watercraft Revenue

2011 Revenue
State Motor Fuel Tax $15,461,114
Registration & Titling Fees 5,416,994
Federal Grants 5,406,669
Fines 72,341
Fund Earnings 65,476
Miscellaneous 54,676
Total Revenue $26,477,270

2011 Expenditures

2011 Ohio DNR Watercraft Expenditures

2011 Expenditures
Operating Expenses $17,833,524
Waterway Improvements* 5,116,679
Marine Patrol Grants 573,833
Education Grants 366,643
Capital Improvements 190,588
Shared Revenue, Subsidies, & Navigational Aids 112,129
Total Expenditures $24,193,396

*Dredging support to Division of Parks & Recreation
The current Ohio DNR Watercraft website can be found at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov as of March 15, 2013.