Ohio Boat Operator's Guide: A Summary of Laws and Rules

Recent Law Updates (2011)

Float Tubes and Paddleboards Are Vessels.

The US Coast Guard has determined that float tubes (aka "belly boats") are vessels and are required to have a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Thus float tubes must be registered under Ohio law. EXCEPTION: Float tubes with one air cell are not considered to be vessels, so they cannot be registered in Ohio.

Paddleboards are also vessels according the US Coast Guard and must be registered in Ohio, but they are not required to have a HIN.

Float tubes and paddleboards fall into the "manually propelled" vessel category with canoes and kayaks. Registrations must be carried onboard, and lifejackets must be available to every person onboard. All operating rules and lighting and safety equipment requirements that apply to manually propelled vessels apply to float tubes and paddleboards.
Ohio Boat Operators Guide

Disclaimer: Ohio and federal boating laws are presented in a summarized form. Ohio laws in their entirety can be found by consulting the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) or the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). These laws are subject to change. It is the responsibility of the operator to be aware of the most current laws when using a boat.

Certain bodies of water in Ohio have local restrictions regarding type and size of watercraft or motor horsepower, restricted use areas, boat speed, and times for use. Check with the local authorities for these additional restrictions.

For the latest printed edition of this guide, go to our Publication Request page.

Table of Contents

Ohio Registration & Titling Requirements
- Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Titling of Watercraft & Outboard Motors
- Numbering of Watercraft
- Registrations
- Documented Vessels (over 5 net tons)
- Display of Tags and Numbers
- Expiration of Registration

Ohio Required Safety Equipment
- Duty of Owner to Provide Equipment
- Life Jackets (PFDs)
- Anchors
- Fire Extinguishers
- Distress Signals
- Backfire Flame Arrestor
- Ventilation Requirements
- Muffler
- Sound Signals
- Lights
- Waste Disposal

Federal Regulations
- FCC Regulations
- Canadian Border Landing Permit
- Reporting to U.S. Customs
- Homeland Security

Aids to Navigation
- Channel Markers
- Regulatory Markers, Buoys

Navigation Rules
- Avoiding Collision
- Proper Look-out
- Give-way Vessel
- Stand-on Vessel
- Safe Speed
- Narrow Channels
- Sailing Vessels
- Overtaking
- Head-on Situation
- Crossing Situation

Navigation Lights
- Powerboats Underway
- Sailing Vessels Underway
- Vessels Under Oars
- Anchored Vessels

Ohio Operating Laws
- Education Requirement
- Operator Age
- Supervising Person
- PWC (Jetski, Waverunner, SeaDoo, etc.) Operator Age
- Reckless Operation
- Unsafe Condition & Termination
- Restricted Zones
- Mooring, Interfering with Buoys
- Obstructing a Waterway
- Operating Under the Influence
- Complying with Officer
- Water-Skiing
- Sit, Stand, Walk (Moving Vessel)
- Capacity Plates
- Littering Prohibited
- Enforcement
- Firearms, Concealed Carry Law

Vessel Accidents

Ohio State Parks Boating Regulations
- SCUBA Diving
- Special Activities Permit
- Speed Limits
- Parasails, Airfoils
- Hovercraft
- No Wake Zones
- Sleeping on Watercraft
- Swimming
- Intoxicating Beverages
- Local Rules and Ordinances