|
June 7, 2006
BOAT OWNERS ADVISED ON PROPER DISPLAY OF REGISTRATION NUMBERS
External Vessel Identification Numbers Must Be Of Correct Height And Color
COLUMBUS, OH - Failure by watercraft owners to properly affix and display their exterior boat vessel identification numbers as required federal and state boating rules is prompting violation warnings and could potentially result in a citation, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
U.S. Coast Guard rules require that boaters display their external vessel identification numbers only in plain vertical block letters not less than 3 inches in height in a color scheme that is visibly legible and in contrast with the background color of the boat. Vessel identification numbers must be of a single color, not outlined, shadowed or rounded.
“We are aware that an increasing number of boat owners are in violation of federal and state rules with regard to the proper display of vessel registration numbers and are being advised incorrectly as to what is permitted,” said Mike Quinn, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. “Some boaters are spending a lot of money to have an improper display of registration numbers put on their boats.”
Owners of new and sportier boats, including personal watercraft, frequently want their Ohio identification numbers to match the color schemes and designs of their boats. That may not be permissible under state and federal law.
“Expensive, fancy and decorative styles of registration numbers that are not approved under current boating rules are routinely purchased from some marine dealers, marine supply catalogs and sign shops,” Quinn added.
Only owners of non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowboats, inflatable craft, racing sculls and racing shells may apply for a registration that does not require an external display of the Ohio vessel identification number. Operators of watercraft improperly displaying out-of-state identification numbers while on Ohio waterways also may be warned or cited by Ohio watercraft officers or the U.S. Coast Guard for failure to comply with federal and state regulations.
Information regarding the proper display of vessel identification numbers, required safety equipment and how to renew a watercraft registration can be found on the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.
|