Free Vessel Safety Checks Scheduled Statewide in May
 It happens every year to even the most experienced and well-intentioned boaters. A new boating season begins, you’re out on the water, and an officer stops you to make a routine safety inspection. Did you notice that your fire extinguisher is not fully charged? ...that your distress flag didn’t make it back onboard after winter storage? ...that something chewed holes in your life jacket over the winter?
The first two steps for preparing to get underway for a new boating season are to (1) check your boat registration to make sure it is valid, and (2) make sure all required safety equipment is on board your vessel. The free vessel safety inspections offered at this time of year go a long way toward completing item number two. Vessel safety inspections are routinely conducted at public boat launch ramps and marinas during May and June by the Division of Watercraft and its boating partners such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
 During these free inspections, marine officers check to ensure your boat is properly equipped with the safety equipment that is appropriate for your size and type of vessel, and that the equipment is in good working order. Officers also may recommend the use of additional safety items that (while not required by law) may be a good idea to have aboard to further ensure a safe boating experience. Officers are also a good resource to find out where other people are boating and fishing as well as ideas on how to improve the overall Ohio boating experience.
“The free vessel safety inspections are not intended to catch a violation. They are meant to ensure that all required safety equipment is on the boat and functions properly,” said Todd Doncyson, law enforcement administrator for the Division of Watercraft.
So take your boat out for a dry run, literally, and find a free vessel safety inspection near you. Boaters also may request a free vessel safety check from the Division of Watercraft any time of the year. |