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Mission Statement
To provide the finest boating services, facilities, protection, and education for users of Ohio’s waterways through the innovative and wise use of our resources.
Historical Background
The Ohio General Assembly passed Amended Substitute House Bill 928 in 1959, conforming Ohio law to the concept and objectives of the Federal Boating Act and created the Division of Watercraft within ODNR. The main functions of the division, which became operative January 1, 1960, were to register boats and motors and to fund capital improvement projects such as launch ramps and marinas. Local political subdivisions and other state agencies applied yearly for funds to build or improve boating facilities.
The division now has ten main field offices (an eleventh is planned to open in 2006) and five satellite offices to carry out programs on a local level. Mandated responsibilities include:
- Administering the Ohio Boating Safety Program.
- Watercraft Registration and Titling Program.
- Aids to navigation on certain waters.
- The Litter and Sanitation Program as it pertains to watercraft.
- Act as the refuge and small boat harbor agency.
Main Purpose
- Registration Program: Issue and process registrations for recreational boats, multiple-boat liveries, and marine dealers licenses; manage network of registration sales agents.
- Titling Program: Provide direction and training to county title offices in issuance of watercraft and outboard motor titles, notification of transfers between states, title/lien information and informal law interpretation; issue hull identification numbers; and help draft language for boater legislation.
- Public Information and Education Program: Produce materials and work with media to disseminate safety information; work with boating organizations and educational groups to ensure boater education opportunities are available; manage boating safety education grants and volunteers.
- Law Enforcement/Search and Rescue Program: Enforce recreational boating laws; perform search and rescue; write and promulgate rules for the division; provide in-service training; coordinate special water releases; teach rescue courses; administer grants to local marine patrols; investigate boating accidents.
- Resource Planning Program: Administer grants and funding to build boating/access facilities funded through the waterways Safety Fund and NatureWorks programs; provide technical support, needs assessment, aids to navigation, detailed boating statistical reports.
Priorities
The customer is the top priority of the division. Four issues that are a priority to our customers are currently being addressed:
- Develop new and maintain and upgrade existing boating access and facilities to enhance boating opportunities.
- Develop and implement a plan for waterways management to improve boater experiences.
- Increase and enhance boating education opportunities.
- Provide consistent, coordinated, and increased boating law enforcement/safety services.
Advisory Board
The Waterways Safety Council comprises five members appointed by the governor. These members represent different boating interests and meet quarterly.
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