Mandatory Boater Education Law

Since January 1, 2000 the Mandatory Boating Education Law in Ohio requires that all individuals born on or after January 1, 1982 who operate a watercraft powered by 10 horsepower or more must:

1. Successfully complete either a boater education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), or
2. Successfully pass a proficiency examination approved by the Ohio Division of Watercraft.

In simpler terms, those individuals who turn 29 in 2011 or who are younger may not operate any vessel powered by 10 horsepower or greater without fulfilling the Mandatory Education law.

So how does this law affect watercraft rental agencies and their employees? Rental businesses are prohibited from leasing, hiring, or renting boats (including personal watercraft) powered by 10 horsepower or greater to any person born on or after January 1, 1982 unless:

1. The person renting the watercraft signs an agreement stating that they have previously successfully completed either an approved NASBLA boating course or an approved Division of Watercraft proficiency test, or;
2. If the person has not yet met any educational requirements, they must pass an abbreviated exam in the presence of the rental business employee. These materials are provided to the rental business by the Division of Watercraft. Contact Mary Hughes, 614-265-6674, if you need materials for your boat rental business. 

Additionally, if more than one person intends to operate, or supervise the operation of a leased, hired or rented powercraft, they must also meet the education requirement as stated above AND be named as an operator on the rental agreement.

Keep in mind that an abbreviated exam is only valid for that specific rental business location and for the specific time described in the rental agreement.

Find more information on the boating education law online.