Exemptions to the visual distress signal carriage requirement exist. However, on Lake Erie or the immediately connecting bays, harbors, and anchorage areas an exempted vessel must carry approved visual distress signals for night use between sunset and sunrise. No person shall knowingly transport or possess a distress signaling device in a loaded condition on a vessel other than immediately prior to discharge of the device for the purpose of signaling for assistance. Some states and Canada consider pistol launchers for meteor pyrotechnics as firearms and restrict or prohibit their use. Check with authorities in the area where you plan to boat.
Idle speed is defined as the slowest speed needed to maintain steerage or maneuverability.
Every vessel operating in the State of Ohio shall carry and use safety equipment in accordance with U. S. Coast Guard requirements as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations. Additionally, every vessel shall display the lights and shapes required by the navigation rules. See the Basic Boating Course for these requirements. Individuals between 12 - 15 years of age may operate a PWC if a supervising person 18 years of age or older is also on board. Additionally, the operator must wear a lanyard type cut off switch provided by the manufacturer which will shut off the PWC should the operator fall off.