The division, founded in January 1960 as a result of the Federal Boating Act, administers the boat registration program and enforces all laws regarding identification, numbering, titling, use and operation of watercraft on Ohio's waterways. The division also administers Ohio's Boating Safety Education Program and several grants. Programs are intended to expand education and enforcement efforts and to increase and enhance boating access.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Ohio Boating Education Course: Standardized boating education course available in classroom, home-study, and online formats; goals include reduction of boating accidents and violations, promotion of boating risk management, and enhancing quality of boating through wise use of Ohio's aquatic resources. Meets the mandatory boating education law requirement. Contact 614-265-6480 or 1-877-4BOATER (in Ohio only) or see the course options on the web.

Boating Skills Courses: Paddling, sailing, navigation, and other hands-on courses that teach specific boating skills. Contact 614-265-6480 or 1-877-4BOATER (in Ohio only) or see the course listing on the web.

Ohio Boating Law Public Education: Education partnership with U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries and U.S. Power Squadrons outlining the distinct responsibilities for each agency to create a safer boating experience for Ohioans. Contact valerie.cox@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6652.

GRANTS

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program: For the construction of transient mooring facilities for recreational boats 26' and over in length. Application deadline in August. See the grant info online.

Boating Safety Education Grant: Competitive grant to enhance boating safety education opportunities throughout the state. Application deadline in November. Contact mary.hughes@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6674, or see the grant packet online.

Marine Patrol Assistance Grant: For the establishment or operation and maintenance of marine patrols. Application deadline in December. Contact steve.massello@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6503, or download the grant packet.

Clean Vessel Act Grant: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service monies designed to improve the number and availability of marine facilities for the proper disposal of sewage from boats.See the grant info online.

Cooperative Boating Facility Grant: Waterways Safety Fund grant for construction and renovation of public boating access facilities. Application deadline in April. Contact julie.mcquade@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6443, or see the grant info online.

Navigational Aids Grant: Buoys and signs to mark Ohio's waterways can be provided to political subdivisions at no charge. Application deadline in is November. Contact butch.grieszmer@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6409, or see the grant info online.

Recreational Harbor Evaluation Program: For harbor dredging. Contact phil.miller@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6497, or see the grant info online.

RESOURCE PLANNING PROGRAMS

Boating On Ohio Waterways: Ohio's boating plan for access and use management. See the plan online.

Navigation Aids, Buoys, and Signs: Marking hazards and helping to develop and mark zones in user conflict areas. Contact butch.grieszmer@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6409.

Recreational Marine Loan Program: Available to any privately owned marina planning a project that serves the boating public. Applications are accepted at any time. Contact phil.miller@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6497, or see the program info online.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Boating Volunteers: Dedicated group of volunteers contributing to boating safety. Assist staff in providing services to boaters in river and water rescue, sailing and canoeing courses, general boating safety programs, and enforcement support. Applications year-round. Contact rob.lucas@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6435 for application procedures.

Instructors for Ohio Boating Education Course: Volunteers needed to teach the eight-hour Ohio Boating Education Course. Must be 21 years of age or older. Applications accepted year-round. Contact valerie.cox@dnr.state.oh.us or 614-265-6652, or see the application online.