News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 1999

JET SKIS AND WAVE RUNNERS AMONG WATERCRAFT NOW REQUIRED
TO BE TITLED WHEN BOUGHT OR SOLD IN OHIO

COLUMBUS, OH -- Personal watercraft, more commonly known by trade names Jet Ski and Wave Runner, and other small jet boats bought or sold after the beginning of the new year must be titled in order to be registered in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. Individuals or dealerships who owned these boats prior to January 1, 2000 are not required to get the watercraft titled until they sell, mortgage or transfer ownership.

A new state law, effective January 1, requires any watercraft less than 14 feet in length with a permanently attached motor of ten horsepower or greater to be titled. This description refers primarily to personal watercraft and small jet-drive boats. Other boats less than 14 feet in length equipped with outboard motors, and all canoes and kayaks, continue to be exempt from titling.

According to Rick Barrera, titling manager for the ODNR Division of Watercraft, the new law is designed to help deter theft of these popular crafts. "Personal watercraft have become an increasingly popular target for boat thieves," said Barrera. "Requiring these watercraft to be titled adds one more paper trail to help trace a craft to its rightful owner." For additional information on this new law, contact the ODNR Division of Watercraft at (614) 265-6480 or by e-mail at watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us. Information is also available at local county clerks of court offices.

The ODNR Division of Watercraft oversees boat registration and titling operations, provides funding to local communities for education, enforcement and boating facilities and teaches and enforces Ohio's boating laws.

For Further Information Contact:
Dennis Evans, Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695