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Ohio Boating Laws

Ohio boating laws are enforceable on all waters of the state including private waterways.

The Ohio Boat Operator's Guide is a boater-friendly summary of Ohio boating laws and safety considerations. [Request a Printed Copy]

Recent Rule and HP Changes on Inland Lakes in Ohio

Required Equipment - The safety equipment required to be carried on board your boat depends on how the boat is propelled, the length of the boat, who is on it, and sometimes the body of water where you are boating.

Common Answers

• Barring any local rules or regulations, it is legal to boat on any body of water as long as you don't cross private land to do so. The land under a river or stream is considered to be the property of the adjacent landowner.
• The Ohio River is considered to be "federal waters" and boaters need to comply with all U.S. Coast Guard requirements. When operating on the river bound by Ohio and Kentucky, all Ohio AND Kentucky laws are in effect. [Operating Regulations for the Ohio River]
• Boaters who operate vessels powered by greater than 10 horsepower and who were born on or after January 1, 1982, are required to successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course [More on Ohio’s Mandatory Education Law]
• Children under the age of 12 MAY NOT operate a PWC (ie. Jet-ski, Sea-Doo, etc), under any circumstances. Children 12 to 15 may operate if they have an education certificate AND there is an adult (18 or older) onboard with them. Young adults age 16 and older may operate if they have an education certificate. [More on PWCs and Ohio's Operator Age Requirements]
• Titles are required for all PWC (ie. Jet-ski, Sea-Doo, etc) before ownership can be transferred. [More on Titles for PWC]