Feature: New Watercraft Officer Cadets

On October 24, 2011, 28 new watercraft officer cadets were sworn into service. Chosen from 1,300 applicants, the cadets have a long road ahead of them to become full-fledged watercraft officers. Would you have what it takes to become one of them?

Their journey began with three weeks of training including learning Division policies and an introduction to canoeing and kayaking. They also learned water rescue techniques and in-water defensive tactics before reporting to their assigned field offices.

During the time at their offices, they are learning their patrol areas and meeting local boating groups.

In February, the cadets will begin the most rigorous part of their training when they attend the 18-week Basic Peace Officer Training Course at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus. This involves a rigorous physical fitness program and includes learning about the Ohio Revised Code, utilizing defensive tactics, tactical driving, use of firearms, and more.

Successful completion of the academy training is required for continued employment as a state watercraft officer.

Cadets then will have three more weeks of boating-specific law enforcement training on how to encounter boaters in law enforcement situations, close-quarter boat control, and how to trailer boats safely. They also will be working with their assigned Division of Watercraft field training officers to learn additional duties.

These hands-on field training tasks include Swift Water Rescue, becoming an Ohio Boating Education Course Instructor, writing citations, keeping boaters safe in search and rescue situations and more. When all of this training is complete, in 12 to 18 months, cadets become official state watercraft officers who will be looked upon as experts in boating safety, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

For more information on what it takes to become a watercraft officer, visit our Employment Opportunities page.

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