Ohio River Boating
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The Ohio River forms the entire 451-mile southern boundary of Ohio. The river covers 91,300 surface acres of water along Ohio's border -- offering plenty of opportunity for recreation: pleasure boating, fishing, sailing, water-skiing.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began improving the Ohio River in 1824 by dredging sandbars and removing snags. The first lock and dam was completed in 1885 about five miles below Pittsburgh, and 12 more were built in 1910. Channelization of the river was completed in 1929 with 50 lock and dam structures in operation. This system was later replaced by a high rise system of 20 dams. Nine navigational projects (locks and dams) are in operation today along the Ohio river bordering Ohio.

 

 
Operating RegulationsRiver HazardsVHF Radio UseLaw Enforcement

When operating on the river, all State of Ohio watercraft laws are in effect; in addition, some lesser-known provisions also apply. Various state law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction, depending on where you are boating. Be sure you know the state laws for the area where you will be boating. Various security zones are located along the river (see "Security Zones" at right).

The Ohio River is considered to be "federal waters" and boaters need to comply with all U.S. Coast Guard requirements. When operating on the river all State of Ohio watercraft laws are in effect.

Following are some lesser known provisions that are applicable:

No Wake Zones (ORC 1547.08)

Ohio law states that any watercraft operating within 300 feet of a marina, gas dock or launching area must travel at no wake or "idle speed." Boat operators are responsible for any damage that their wake may cause. Stay in the main channel of the river when operating at greater than idle speed.

No wake or idle speed is also enforced during the period from sunset to sunrise according to local time within any water between the Dan Beard bridge and the Brent Spence bridge on the Ohio River for any vessel not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard as commercial.

Most of the creek and backwater areas leading to the Ohio River are also zoned as no wake. (Check with your local enforcement agency.)

Kentucky officials announced they have expanded that state's no-wake zone from 100 feet to 300 feet between the Brent Spence and Daniel Carter Beard bridges near downtown Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky, during daylight hours. The new regulation became effective June 19, 2002. Boaters, PWC operators and other powercraft must operate at idle speed within 300 feet of near-shore vessels, marinas, docks and harbor entrances. The new regulation is intended to enhance boating safety by reducing speeds in a highly congested area and to reduce wakes that effect small boats and shoreline structures.

Rules of the Road (OAC 1501.47)

When operating on waters where a current is present:

  • A vessel heading downstream has right of way over a vessel heading upstream.
  • Recreational watercraft are sharing the river with large commercial vessels that are confined to a channel. Boaters must yield the right of way to them.
  • A vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a powerdriven vessel ascending or descending the river.

When operating the vicinity of a narrow channel:

  • A vessel in a narrow channel shall keep as near to the right side of the channel as is safe and practical;
  • A power vessel proceeding downbound with a following current shall have right-of-way over an upbound vessel;
  • Vessels less than 20 meters long, sailing vessels, vessels engaged in fishing, or vessels crossing the channel shall not impede passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a channel;
  • Vessels shall avoid anchoring in narrow channels; An overtaking vessel shall indicate its intention by sounding the appropriate signal and take steps to permit safe passing. The overtaken vessel sounds the same signal if in agreement;
  • A vessel nearing a bend or an area where vessels may be obscured by an obstruction shall navigate with caution and sound appropriate signals;
  • Vessels leaving a dock, slip, tie-up or mooring shall yield the right-of-way to all vessels approaching.

CHARTS

Ohio River Navigation Charts are available via the Internet (bookstore.gpo.gov and search for "Ohio River Navigation Charts"), by calling the Government Printing Office toll-free at (866) 512-1800, or by mail order with the Government Printing Office order form.

SECURE ZONE

A security zone spans Mile Marker 119 to 119.8 of the Ohio River encompassing 200 feet from the West Virginia shoreline near the PPG Plant in Natrium, WV. Boating through or anchoring in the security zone is prohibited (US Coast Guard).

"NO BOATING" AREAS

The Fishing Pier at Greenup Lock & Dam is open for daytime fishing (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). "No Boating" areas are in effect above and below the dam due to dangerous waters.

NAVIGATION REFRESHER

From the Ohio Boat Operators Guide: