Traveling Out-of-state to Go Boating

Ohioans who will be taking their boats out-of-state this winter may need to consider a few things first to ensure a problem-free boating experience. Following are some general recommendations from the Division of Watercraft to consider before you get on the road and travel away from the Buckeye State to go boating.

• Valid Registration – Before taking your boat or personal watercraft out of Ohio, be sure it has a valid registration. The same holds true for a boat or PWC trailer license plate. Make sure you are prepared for costs associated with being a non-resident, if there are any.
• Trailer Condition – It’s best to have your boat trailer and tow vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic to ensure it is in a safe and serviceable condition.
• Required Boat Safety Equipment – State requirements may differ slightly when it comes to required equipment. Be sure to first check with the boating rules and requirements in the state where you plan to go boating by contacting that state’s boating agency. Starting with the minmum required by the U.S. Coast Guard is a good idea.
• Operating Requirements – Be knowledgeable of education and age requirements in the state where you will be boating. For example, in Mississippi, any person born after June 30, 1980, must complete a Boating Safety Course to operate a boat. Persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a person 21 or older on board the boat in order to operate the boat. This is more strict than Ohio's laws. Also, anyone 12 years of age and under must wear a PFD at all times while the vessel is underway. Anyone riding or operating a PWC must wear a PFD at all times. In Florida, a person 21 years of age or younger may not operate a boat 10 horsepower or greater unless they have a boater safety identification card AND a picture I.D.  Know before you go, so you don't ruin an otherwise lovely vacation.
• Ohio Registration Renewals – While spending the winter away from Ohio, resident boat owners are reminded to notify their local post office of their forwarding address so they can receive their renewal notice. Boat owners can register their boats before receiving a renewal notice in the mail. After January 1, watercraft registrations can be renewed online. These tips apply for to those Ohioans who have their three-year boat registration set to expire March 1, 2010.

Just like taking any vacation -- and even moreso in this case -- it's important to do your homework before you hit the road. A general internet search of "boating in (your vacation spot here)" should give you plenty of options. Being more specific (eg, "paddling Okefenokee" or "jet skiing in the Gulf") or going straight to the boating law website for that state should get you started in the right direction.

So when you head south this winter, pack your suit, your sunscreen, and your lifejacket!