The Ohio River forms the entire 451-mile southern boundary of Ohio, starting near East Liverpool at the junction of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and ending west of Cincinnati at the junction of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. 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. Various security zones are located along the river.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begin 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.
Bottomlands of the Ohio River basin are subject to occasional damaging floods. A system of reservoirs and local protection projects throughout the basin is capable of reducing annual flood damage by more than 50 percent.
Many hazards exist for river boaters who are unaware or careless. Locks and dams help manage water flow along the river and have special rules. Commercial traffic is heavy on the river and poses its own problems. And the river current is ever changing, varying with water levels.
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.
ODNR Division of Watercraft encourages all boaters using the Ohio River to install a VHF radio in their watercraft. The VHF radio may provide a vital link to obtaining help in the event of an "on-the-water" emergency.
Law Enforcement Contacts
The Ohio River is a boundary between Ohio and the states of Kentucky and West Virginia. Numerous enforcement agencies patrol this river and each has the authority to enforce boating safety laws and assist boaters in distress. Boating safety equipment and operating laws vary from state to state. Please call or write the following agencies for boating or fishing regulations.
United States Coast Guard
Marine Safety Detachment
3653 River Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45204
513-921-9033 |
West Virginia Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Section
1900 Kanawha Boulevard
Building 3, Room 837
Charleston, WV 25305
304-558-2783 |
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife
Division of Law Enforcement
#1 Game Farm Rd
Frankfort, KY 40601
Info: 1-800-858-1549
Violations: (In-State)
1-800-252-5378, 1-800-828-2628
Kentucky Sport Fishing and Boating Guide (PDF) |
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Indiana Conservation Officers
District 9 Headquarters
11050 Keeler Road
Brookville, IN 47012-0100
765-647-5835
Indiana DNR |
ODNR Division of Watercraft
Akron Office
2756 S. Arlington Road
Akron, OH 44312
330-644-2265
FAX 330-644-8655
akron.watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us |
ODNR Division of Watercraft
Cambridge Office
1225 Woodlawn Avenue
Cambridge, OH 43725
740-439-4076
FAX 740-439-3177
cambridge.watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us |
ODNR Division of Watercraft
Portsmouth Office
640 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-353-7668
FAX 740-353-8868
portsmouth.watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us |
ODNR Division of Watercraft
East Fork Office
3292 Elklick Road
Bethel, OH 45106
513-734-2730
FAX 513-734-2734
cincinnati.watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us |
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