Boater Code of Conduct

In 2011, the Division of Watercraft is introducing a list of best boating practices known as the “Boater Code of Conduct” to promote boating safety awareness. These boating safety awareness tips are included in the Division’s 2011 Calendar/2010 Annual Report. Each quarterly issue of Buckeye Boater this year will feature 3 of the 12 recommended best boater practices.

JANUARY – Topping the list of the Boater Code of Conduct and recommended best practices shared by safety organizations everywhere is a reminder that all boaters should properly wear an approved life jacket or other personal flotation vest while boating. Nearly all of the boating-related fatalities occurring on Ohio waterways involved boaters who were not wearing a life jacket when their incidents occurred, including the 16 boating victims who died on state waterways during 2010. Life jackets save lives and many senseless tragedies can be avoided simply by properly wearing a life jacket or flotation vest anytime while boating.

FEBRUARY – Taking an approved boating safety education course is fun and a sure way to increase boating knowledge. Ohio law requires persons born on or after January 1, 1982 to successfully complete an approved boating safety education course or state proficiency exam if they operate any watercraft greater than 10 horsepower. The state law, enacted in January 2000, also applies to supervising persons. Last year, more than 14,000 boating safety education cards were issued to Ohioans.

MARCH – One of the many great things about boating in Ohio is that public launch ramps and adjacent parking facilities are free of charge. On busy boating days, some launch ramps can see a lot of activity. Another item on the Boater Code of Conduct is to be courteous to other boaters when using a launch facility. When launching or loading your boat, secure your vessel at the courtesy dock. Do not cause delays for other boaters who are waiting to use the launch docks and lanes.

By attaining knowledge and experience, boaters can also become good stewards of our waterways and facilities in providing a good example to others including future generations of Ohio boaters.