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Duty of Owner to Provide Equipment
(ORC 1547.38)
No person who lets vessels for hire, or the agent or employee thereof, shall rent, lease, or otherwise permit the use of a vessel, unless the person provides the equipment required under sections of Chapter 1547 of the Ohio Revised Code and rules adopted under the Ohio Administrative Code.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
(ORC 1547.25)
Other than commercial vessels, no person shall operate or permit to be operated any watercraft:
- 16 feet or greater in length without one Type I, II or III wearable PFD per person plus one Type IV throwable PFD;
- less than 16 feet in length and canoes or kayaks of any length without one Type I, II or III wearable PFD per person;
- a Type V PFD may be carried in place of a Type I, II, or III wearable PFD provided the approval label indicates that the device is approved for the activity or that it can be a substitute for the other types of PFDs. The Type V PFD must also be used in accordance with the requirements on the approval label and the requirements in its owner's manual.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any commercial vessel:
- less than 40 feet in length and not carrying persons for hire without one Type I, II or III PFD per person;
- that is carrying persons for hire or is 40 feet in length or longer and is not carrying persons for hire without one Type I PFD per person;
- 26 feet in length or longer without at least one Type IV ring life buoy in addition.
Each PFD shall be:
- U.S. Coast Guard approved;
- in good and serviceable condition;
- an appropriate size for the wearer;
- readily accessible to each person aboard the watercraft at all times.
TYPE I
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TYPE II
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TYPE III
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TYPE IV
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TYPE V
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SPLASH FACT
Be sure to check the Coast Guard approval label before purchasing a lifejacket. Is it the proper lifejacket for your boating activity? Is the lifejacket the right size according to the label and does it fit correctly?
Note: A lifejacket is designed for "life" ... wear it!
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Child PFD Requirements
(ORC 1547.24)
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel under 18 feet long with a child less than 10 years of age on board unless the child is wearing a PFD.
The PFD must be:
- U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V;
- in good and serviceable condition;
- of appropriate size;
- securely attached.
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PFDs Required for Skiers (and persons towed upon other devices)
(ORC 1547.18)
No person shall ride or attempt to ride upon water skis, surfboards, inflatable devices or similar devices being towed by a vessel without wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water-skiing, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size. No operator of a vessel shall tow any person who fails to comply with this law.
Barefoot Skiing
(ORC 1547.18)
No person shall engage in barefoot skiing without wearing an adequate and effective United States Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water-skiing, in good and serviceable condition and of appropriate size, or a wetsuit specifically designed for barefoot skiing. No boat operator shall tow any person who fails to comply with this law.
Inflatable PFDs
The inflatable PFD's intended use is for many of the same activities as the inherently buoyant types of PFDs. Users must be aware of the differences and read the owner's manual.
- Highly visible when inflated
- More comfortable than foam type
- Not recommended for weak or non-swimmers
- No throwable Type IV devices
- Oral, manual, and automatic cartridge inflation
- Not for water sports like skiing or whitewater boating
- Not for use with personal watercraft (PWC)
- Not for children younger than 16 years of age
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PFDs Required for Personal Watercraft
(ORC 1547.41)
No person shall operate or permit the operation of a personal watercraft unless each person on the watercraft is wearing a Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device.
A person operating a personal watercraft that is equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch shall attach the lanyard to the person, the person's clothing, or personal flotation device as appropriate for the specific watercraft.
A "personal watercraft" is defined as a vessel less than 16 feet in length, propelled by machinery and designed to be operated by an individual sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than by the individual sitting or standing inside the vessel.
Exemption From the PFD Carriage Requirement
(OAC 1501:47-1-22)
Racing shells, rowing sculls, sailboards, and those individual vessels that have been issued a written exemption by the chief of the division of watercraft and would otherwise be exempt by the federal personal flotation device carriage requirements are exempted from the personal flotation device carriage requirement.
SPLASH FACT
Eighty to 90% of all boating fatalities are the result of drowning. The majority of victims could survive if wearing a PFD. So, don't be a Dummie, BUCKLE UP!
WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!
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Anchor Requirements
(ORC 1547.26 & OAC 1501:47-1-11)
All watercraft shall carry an anchor and line of sufficient weight and length to anchor the watercraft securely. No person shall operate or permit to be operated any watercraft in violation of this section.
The following vessels are exempt from requirements to carry an anchor and line:
- any vessel less than 14 feet in length;
- any canoe or kayak;
- any sailboat less than 21 feet in length.
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SPLASH FACT
It is important to choose the correct anchor for the size of boat and the type of lake bottom. A length of chain between the anchor and line will improve the holding ability of most anchors. Use plenty of line, at least 5 to 10 times as much anchor line as depth of the water. This allows horizontal load on the anchor which will greatly improve the anchor's holding ability.
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Anchor from the Bow, not from the Stern!
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Fire Extinguishers
(ORC 1547.27)
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any powercraft that does not meet the fire extinguisher requirement.
Powercraft exempted from this requirement are those:
- propelled by electric motors;
- less than 26 feet in length, powered by an outboard motor, of "open construction," that are not carrying passengers for hire.
Fire extinguishers on powercraft must:
- meet or exceed United States Coast Guard standards;
- be capable of extinguishing a gasoline fire;
- be readily accessible;
- be in condition to be ready for immediate and effective use.
Carriage requirements are determined by boat length:
- powerboats under 26 feet long must carry at least one B-1 fire extinguisher;
- powerboats 26 feet long but less than 40 feet long must carry at least two B-1 fire extinguishers or the equivalent, such as a B-2 fire extinguisher;
- powerboats 40 feet long but less than 65 feet long must carry at least three B-1 fire extinguishers or the equivalent, such as one B-1 and one B-2 fire extinguisher.
A United States Coast Guard approved fixed fire extinguisher system installed in the vessel's engine compartment is equal to one B-1 portable fire extinguisher.
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Fire Extinguisher
Classification
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| CLASSIFICATION |
TYPE/SIZE |
FOAM
(minimum gallons) |
B-I |
B-II |
| 1.25 |
2.5 |
CARBON DIOXIDE
(minimum pounds) |
4 |
15 |
DRY CHEMICAL
(minimum pounds) |
2 |
10 |
HALON
(minimum pounds) |
2.5 |
10 |
Distress Signals
(ORC 1547.251)
When operating on federally controlled waters (Lake Erie or the immediately connecting bays, harbors, and anchorage areas):
No person shall operate or permit operation of a vessel:
- 16 feet or more in length or any vessel carrying six or fewer passengers for hire without carrying U.S. Coast Guard approved visual distress signals for both day and night use;
- any vessel between sunset and sunrise unless carrying U.S. Coast Guard approved visual distress signals for night use.
When operating on Ohio water other than federally controlled waters (other than Lake Erie or the connecting bays, harbors, and anchorage areas):
No person shall operate or permit operation of a vessel:
- without carrying a distress flag at least two square feet and international orange in color or a U.S. Coast Guard approved daytime distress signal.
The required distress signals shall be:
- United States Coast Guard approved;
- in good and serviceable condition;
- readily accessible;
- of the type and quantities required (see following chart).
No person shall display any distress signal unless a vessel or a person is in distress and in need of help.
NOTE: Distress signaling devices must comply with ORC 1547.69 regarding firearm restrictions.
Exemptions to the visual distress signal requirements:
Exemptions to the visual distress signal carriage requirement exist; however, on Lake Erie or the immediately connecting bays, harbors and anchorage areas, an exempted vessel must carry approved visual distress signals for night use between sunset and sunrise.
Exempted vessels during daylight hours only include:
- vessels in an organized marine event or race;
- manually propelled vessels;
- sailboats less than 26 feet in length with completely open construction and without propulsion machinery.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNAL OPTIONS
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| DESCRIPTION |
QUANTITY |
DAY OR NIGHT USE |
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Hand Held Orange Smoke |
3 |
Day Only |
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Floating Orange Smoke |
3 |
Day Only |
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Orange Flag |
1 |
Day Only |
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Hand Held Red Flares |
3 |
Day & Night |
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Parachute Red Flares |
3 |
Day & Night |
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Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flares |
3 |
Day & Night |
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Electric Distress Signal |
1 |
Night Only |
SPLASH FACT
Some states and Canada consider pistol launchers for meteor pyrotechnics as firearms and restrict or prohibit their use. Check with authorities in the area where you plan to boat.
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Backfire Flame Arrestor
(ORC 1547.28)
Every gasoline engine installed in a vessel, except an outboard motor, shall be equipped with an acceptable device to control backfire flame.
The device shall be:
- securely attached to the air intake with a flame-tight connection;
- in proper working order;
- United States Coast Guard approved or comply with either SAE J1928 or UL1111;
- marked to indicate the approval or compliance.
SPLASH FACT
An unprotected carburetor may allow backfire flames to enter the engine compartment. An explosion could result if any gasoline vapors are present. Properly installing and maintaining a flame arrestor helps prevent backfire flames from escaping from the carburetor.
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Ventilation Requirements
(ORC 1547.29)
Powercraft using gasoline or other liquid fuel having a flashpoint of less than 110 degrees F shall be provided with ventilation as follows:
- at least two ventilators fitted with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every engine and fuel tank compartment in order to remove any inflammable or explosive gases;
- any type of ventilating system approved for use by the U.S. Coast Guard;
- ventilation is not required when the greater portion of the bilges of the engine and fuel tank compartment is open to the natural atmosphere.
SPLASH FACT
Most boat fires and explosions occur shortly after refueling. Gasoline fumes are much heavier than air and can collect in the lower parts of a boat, such as the bilges. One cup of vaporizing gasoline has the explosive equivalency of 15 sticks of dynamite.
To reduce the risk of an explosion occurring:
Before fueling, turn off all engines, motors and fans and extinguish open flames. Close all ports, doors, windows and hatches to prevent fumes from entering enclosed areas.
While fueling, keep the nozzle or spout in contact with the mouth of the tank to prevent the buildup of static electricity from producing a spark. Tanks for outboard motors should be filled on the dock or on shore. Be careful not to spill any fuel or overfill the tank. Always allow space for expansion of gasoline to prevent overflowing.
After fueling, close tanks and wipe up any gasoline spills, properly disposing of the wipe-up rag on shore. Open all ports, doors, windows and hatches and turn on the exhaust blower. Ventilate the boat for at least five minutes and sniff in and around the engine compartment before starting engine. Although your nose is the most reliable detector to determine whether gasoline vapors are present, consult a marine dealer about electronic vapor detectors which prevent the ignition from starting if fuel vapors are detected.
Maintaining your boat can also reduce risks. Regularly inspect the condition of fuel lines. Look for loose connections, cracked hoses or other leaks. Keep the flame arrestor clean and securely attached to the carburetor.
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Exhaust Muffler Required
(ORC 1547.31)
Every powercraft shall be equipped with a muffler or muffler system that is in good working order, in constant operation and effectively installed to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
No person shall operate or give permission to operate a powercraft in a manner to exceed the following noise levels:
- 90 decibels on the "A" scale in a stationary sound level test prescribed by SAE J2005. (Measured from one meter with engine at low idle speed when at dock or tied to another boat.)
- 75 decibels on the "A" scale measured as specified by SAE J1970. (Measured from shoreline with boat in any level of operation.)
No person shall remove, alter or modify a muffler in a way that prevents compliance with this section. No person shall operate or allow to be operated a powercraft with an altered muffler or muffler cutout or in a manner that bypasses or reduces the effectiveness of any muffler system.
Equipment for Sound Signals
(OAC 1501:47-2-33)
A vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length shall be provided with a power whistle or power horn and a bell.
A vessel less than 12 meters in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound devices described in the preceeding paragraph. However, the vessel must be provided with a means of making an efficient sound signal.
A vessel that is propelled by human muscular effort, a sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel less than 16 feet in length, when using waters other than Lake Erie, the Ohio or Muskingum River, shall not be obliged to carry the sound devices stipulated above or produce the sound signals prescribed in the Ohio Administrative Code.
Navigation Lights
(OAC 1501:47-2-21 through 1501:47-2-31)
All vessels are required to display running lights or an anchor light between sunset and sunrise. For power vessels, running lights include a green light displayed on the starboard side, a red light displayed on the port side and all-around white light(s) displaying 360 degrees. An anchor light is an all-around white light. Requirements vary by vessel size and type. Sailing vessels and hand-powered vessels have light display options. Lighting requirements are covered in greater detail under Navigation Rules.
Inland Navigation Rules
(OAC 1501:47-1-29)
The operators of mechanically propelled vessels 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length must carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules.
Garbage Placard
(OAC 1501:47-1-28)
It is illegal to dump plastics anywhere or to discharge garbage in the navigable waters of the United States including Great Lakes. Vessels 26 feet or longer must display in a prominent location, a durable placard at least 4 by 9 inches in size with lettering at least 1/8 inches high, notifying the crew and passengers of the discharge restrictions.
Discharge of Oil Prohibited & Oil Pollution Placard
(OAC 1501:47-1-27)
All vessels are required to have the capacity to retain oily mixtures on board.
A fixed or portable means to discharge oily waste to a reception facility is required. A bucket or bailer is suitable as a portable means of discharging oily waste on recreational vessels. No person may intentionally drain oil or oily waste from any source into the bilge of any vessel. Immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. Call toll free 1-800-424-8802 to report spills. Violators are subject to the substantial civil penalties and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment.
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Vessels 26 feet or more must display a 5-inch by 8-inch placard near the engine or bilge pump controls. |
Vessel Sanitary Systems
(ORC 1547.33)
Except on Lake Erie, the Muskingum River and the Ohio River, no person shall launch, moor, dock, operate or permit to be operated any vessel with a sink, toilet, or sanitary system capable of discharging urine, fecal matter, contents of a chemical commode, kitchen wastes, laundry wastes, slop sink drainage, or other household wastes into the waters in this state. Such a sink, toilet, or sanitary system shall be removed, sealed or made to drain into a tank or reservoir that can be carried or pumped ashore for disposal in an approved sewage treatment works.
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Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) On Lake Erie, the Muskingum River and the Ohio River
All recreational vessels with installed toilet facilities must have an operable MSD on board. Vessels 65 feet and under may use a U.S.Coast Guard certified Type I, II or III MSD. Vessels over 65 feet must install a U.S.Coast Guard certified Type II or III MSD. Coast Guard certified devices are so labeled except for some holding tanks, which are certified by definition under federal regulations.
SPLASH FACT
Types of MSDs
Type III MSD, the simplest and most common, consists of a holding tank. It requires only a small storage space and is simple to operate. Type III MSDs have the least impact on the environment since the waste is to be discharged on shore into a local sewage treatment facility.
Types I and II MSDs are usually found on large vessels. Waste is treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before the waste is discharged. Types I and II MSDs with "Y" valves that direct the waste overboard must be secured so that the valve cannot be open for discharge into the water. This can be done by placing a lock or non-usable seal on the "Y" valve or by taking the handle off the "Y" valve.
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Type I & II Marine Sanitation Device
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SPLASH FACT
Keep Our Waterways Clean From Sewage
Boat sewage dumped into Ohio waters may affect aquatic plants, fish and other animals. The nutrients, microorganisms and chemicals contained in human waste from boats have a negative impact on coastal and inland waters, particularly in sheltered or shallow areas not naturally flushed by tide or current.
Sewage contains nutrients that fertilize algae in the water. This can make algae grow out of control, reducing the amount of light which reaches underwater grasses. Algae can also settle on the grass, smothering it. These grasses provide nursery areas for young fish and help prevent shoreline erosion. Flow-through treatment devices (Type I or II MSDs) reduce bacteria in the sewage but do not reduce the nutrients or organic matter going into the water.
Organic matter in sewage is decomposed in the water by bacteria. During this process, the bacteria use oxygen. As a result, sewage in the water may deplete the water's oxygen level, stressing fish and other aquatic animals that need oxygen to survive.
Microorganisms from a person's digestive system are found in human waste. Once they are in the water, they can pass diseases like hepatitis to people in contact with the water.
Chemical products used in onboard treatment devices, such as chlorine and formaldehyde, can be toxic to marine and estuarine life and could pose a problem in areas where boats congregate and where there is little wave flushing action.
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