reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.05 | Exemptions and Discounts From Certain Fees and Charges.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) Every disabled veteran is exempt from the fees for camping established by rule. To claim this exemption, the disabled veteran shall carry in the state park such evidence of the veteran's disability as prescribed by rule.
(B) Unless otherwise provided by rule, an elderly or disabled resident shall be charged one-half of the regular fee for camping, except on the weekends and holidays designated by the division of parks and watercraft. In addition, the elderly or disabled resident shall not be charged more than ninety per cent of the regular charges for state recreational facilities, equipment, services, and food service operations utilized by the resident at any time of year, whether maintained or operated by the state or leased for operation by another entity.
(C) Any person who has been a prisoner of war, was honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States, and is a resident of this state is exempt from the fees for camping. To claim this exemption, the person shall present written evidence in the form of a record of separation, a letter from one of the military forces of the United States, or such other evidence as the chief prescribes by rule that satisfies the eligibility criteria established by this section.
(D) As used in this section:
(1) "Disabled veteran" means either of the following:
(a) A resident of this state with a disability that has been determined by the veterans administration to be permanently and totally disabling, who receives a pension or compensation from the veterans administration, and who received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States;
(b) A veteran to whom the registrar of motor vehicles has issued a set of license plates under section 4503.41 of the Revised Code.
(2) "Elderly or disabled resident" means a resident of this state who is sixty-five years of age or older or who is permanently and totally disabled and who furnishes evidence of that age or disability in a manner prescribed by rule.
(3) "Food service operations" means restaurants that are owned by the department of natural resources at Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, Malabar Farm, and Rocky Fork state parks or are part of a state park lodge. "Food service operations" does not include automatic vending machines, concession stands, or snack bars.
(4) "Prisoner of war" means any regularly appointed, enrolled, enlisted, or inducted member of the armed forces of the United States who was captured, separated, and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.06 | State Park Purchase Areas.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall prepare and submit to the director of natural resources maps and descriptions of the areas of lands and waters which the chief intends to designate as state park purchase areas. Such state park purchase areas may include lands and waters at the time belonging to the state, together with lands and waters not belonging to the state but which for reasons of protection, utilization, and administration should be subject to purchase by the state for park purposes. If such area is approved by the director of natural resources, it shall be known as a state park purchase area, and the map and description thereof, with the approval of the director of natural resources indorsed thereon, shall be filed in duplicate with the director of administrative services and the attorney general.
All moneys appropriated for the purchase of lands and waters by the state for park purposes, unless specifically appropriated for the purchase of particular tracts or areas, may be expended for the purchase of lands or waters within any legally established state park purchase area. If, after the purchase of specifically designated tracts or areas, moneys from such appropriations remain unexpended, upon the request of the director of natural resources, the controlling board shall release such funds, in whole or in part, for the purchase of lands or waters within any state park purchase area.
Last updated August 12, 2021 at 10:54 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.07 | Telephone Service in Parks, Conservancy Districts, and on Highways.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall have the power to contract with any telephone company, which provides telephone service in the area of which a state park is located, for the establishment or maintenance of any telephone service in any location in such state park. The board of directors of a conservancy district shall have the power to contract with any telephone company which provides telephone service in the area in which a park, parkway, forest preserve, bathing beach, playground, or other recreational facility of the conservancy district is located, for the establishment or maintenance of public telephone service in any location in such conservancy district park, parkway, forest preserve, or recreational facility. The director of transportation shall have the power to contract with any telephone company which provides telephone service in the area in which a highway right-of-way is located, for the establishment or maintenance of public telephone service in any location in a state park or on a highway right-of-way.
For purposes of this section, the chief, board, and director may agree to comply with any rules and regulations of the telephone company with respect to public telephone service contained in its schedules on file with the public utilities commission of Ohio or applied by such telephone company to others in similar locations. For the purpose of establishing or maintaining such public telephone service, the chief in state parks or the director of transportation on highway right-of-ways may grant to such telephone company, without charge, appropriate permits for right-of-way for its facilities necessary to establish and maintain such public telephone service which permits shall remain valid as long as such public telephones remain in service.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.08 | Testing of Waters Adjacent to Public Swimming Beaches for Bacteria Levels.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) As used in this section, "public swimming beach" means land along a shoreline that is under the control of the division of parks and watercraft and is used by the public when swimming and bathing in waters adjacent to the beach.
(B) The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall ensure that the waters of this state that are adjacent to public swimming beaches are sampled and tested in accordance with the techniques and procedures established by the director of health under section 3701.18 of the Revised Code. The department of health may assist the division in the sampling and testing of the waters.
(C) On receipt of notification by the director of health under section 3701.18 of the Revised Code that the bacteria levels in the waters tested present a possible health risk to persons using the waters for swimming and bathing and that the posting of signs advising the public of the condition is warranted, the chief shall ensure that appropriate signs are posted in appropriate locations at the affected area.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.09 | Annual Report.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The division of parks and watercraft shall include in its annual report to the governor a statement of its action on all matters pertaining to the management and control of all state reservoirs, lakes, and lands set apart for public parks or pleasure resorts, which statement shall include a statement of the receipts and expenditures on account thereof.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.11 | Dedication of State Reservoirs.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The following bodies of water and lands are hereby dedicated and set apart forever for the use of the public as public parks or pleasure resorts:
(A) The body of water and adjacent state lands in Licking, Fairfield, and Perry counties, known as the Licking reservoir or Buckeye Lake;
(B) The body of water and adjacent state lands in the northwestern part of Logan county, known as the Lewistown reservoir or Indian Lake;
(C) The body of water and adjacent lands owned by the state in Mercer county, known as the Lake St. Marys;
(D) The bodies of water and adjacent lands owned by the state consisting of the Summit county lakes and reservoirs of the Ohio canal, known as the Portage-Summit reservoirs, together with the Summit lake and enough of the Summit level of the Ohio canal to maintain the present water level of Summit and Nesmith lakes, and the body of water and exterior lands adjacent thereto that are included in the reservoir constructed by the board of public works in Coventry township for the purpose of supplying water for the Ohio canal, known as North reservoir, all situated in Summit county;
(E) The body of water and adjacent lands owned by the state in Shelby and Auglaize counties, and known as the Loramie reservoir.
The bodies of water mentioned in this section shall, in the order in which they are described, be named and designated as follows: "Buckeye Lake," "Indian Lake," "Lake St. Marys," "The Portage Lakes," and "Lake Loramie."
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.12 | Lakes for Use of Public.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The lakes named in section 1546.11 of the Revised Code shall at all times be open to the public as resorts for recreation and pleasure, including hunting, fishing, and boating. The privileges of hunting and fishing shall be subject to the fish and game laws of the state, and the boating privileges shall be subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by law and the division of parks and watercraft.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.13 | Transfer of Lease After Foreclosure Sale.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
When buildings located on state land are sold on foreclosure in a delinquent tax suit or in a mortgage foreclosure suit, the state immediately shall transfer to the purchaser of the buildings the lease for the state lands on which the buildings are located or shall cancel the former lease and execute a new lease to the purchaser. If a new lease is executed, it shall be for the same annual rental, contain the same restrictions, and grant the same privileges enjoyed by the former owner, including the privilege of purchasing the land in accordance with section 1501.01 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.14 | Leases to Take and Remove Halite and Coal.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft, with the approval of the director of natural resources, the attorney general, and the governor, may make leases to parties making application for leases granting permission to take and remove halite from beneath the surface of Headlands state park in Lake county, and coal by underground mining methods from beneath the surface of Jefferson state park in Jefferson county and from beneath the surface of Burr Oak state park in Athens and Morgan counties pursuant to lease agreements and real estate transactions that have been entered into not later than January 1, 2011, if the chief finds that such taking and removal will in no way affect the surface of the land or the use of the land as a public park. As the chief deems in the best interest of the state, those leases may be made either upon a royalty or rental basis, and may be either for a term of years or until the economic extraction of the mineral covered by the lease has been completed. Upon request from the lessee of any such lease, the chief may consent to its cancellation, but any equipment or improvement thereon owned by the lessee may be held as security by the chief for payment of all rentals, royalties, and damages due the state at the time of cancellation.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.15 | Rules and Regulations; Enforcement.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The division of parks and watercraft shall make and enforce such rules and regulations, including the appointment and government of park and patrol officers in all parks and bodies of water and lands adjacent thereto under the supervision and control of the division, as are necessary to the proper management of such parks and bodies of water, and in accordance with sections 119.01 to 119.13, inclusive, of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.16 | Pilot and Engineer Licenses.

Effective:
October 9, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 263 - 133rd General Assembly
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall issue pilot licenses and engineer licenses to all persons employed by a boat owner or operator to act as pilot or engineer on any boat carrying passengers for hire on reservoir parks or other bodies of water under the supervision and control of the division. The applicant for such license shall be over eighteen years of age. The violation of any of the sections of the Revised Code relating to reservoir parks or other bodies of water under supervision and control of the division or any rule or regulation of the division for the management of such reservoir parks or other bodies of water shall be cause for the chief to revoke such license.
Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:18 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.17 | Inspection of Watercraft.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall inspect all boats and watercraft maintained and operated in or upon the waters of any state reservoir, lakes, canals, and feeders, and may condemn any such boat or watercraft which is unsafe for the carrying of passengers. No owner of a boat or watercraft so condemned shall offer it for hire. If such owner violates this section, the permit issued to the owner shall be revoked and annulled.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.18 | Natural Resources Officer May Take Possession of Boat.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
A natural resources officer appointed under section 1501.24 of the Revised Code may take possession of and hold a boat or other property if such action appears necessary in the course of making an arrest of a person violating sections 1546.15 to 1546.17 of the Revised Code. A natural resources officer shall not be held liable for the loss of or any damage done to such boat or other property taken and held by reason of the failure to comply with such sections, provided ordinary care is exercised in the handling of such property. No person shall take possession of a boat or other property which has been taken in charge by a natural resources officer as provided in this section, until the officer has released same.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.19 | Prohibition Against Use of Firearms or Fireworks in State Parks - Exception.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
No person shall engage in the hunting of wildlife, either with a gun or with a bow and arrow, on lands or waters operated or administered by the division of parks and watercraft, except on such lands or waters as are exempted by the chief of the division, under specific orders adopted in conformity with sections 119.01 to 119.13 of the Revised Code. No person shall engage in the discharge of firearms except during open season for hunting of wildlife on lands or waters exempted as provided in this section, or except in such places where there is provided by the division, skeet, trap shooting, or other shooting ranges. No person shall engage in the discharge of fireworks on lands or waters operated or administered by the division, except a licensed exhibitor of fireworks who is acting in accordance with sections 3743.50 to 3743.55 of the Revised Code and who has obtained the written permission of the chief of the division for a particular public fireworks exhibition.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.20 | Care of State Property.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
No person shall injure, alter, destroy, remove, or change any tree, building, dock, or land, or part thereof, within a state reservoir park or other body of water under the supervision and control of the division of parks and watercraft, or construct any building or dock within such reservoir park, without the written permission of the chief of the division. All lessees of state lands or lots shall keep the premises in good condition and free of weeds, inflammable substances, garbage, and all other unsightly or dangerous things. Proof that any state premises under lease are used for illegal or immoral purposes shall be just cause for the chief to cancel the leasehold for such state property.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.21 | State Park Fund.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
(A) The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall collect all rentals from leases of state lands and moneys for pipe permits, dock licenses, concession fees, and special privileges of any nature from all lands and waters operated and administered by the division. The chief shall keep a record of all such payments showing the amounts received, from whom, and for what purpose collected. All such payments shall be credited to the state park fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury, except such revenues required to be set aside or paid into depositories or trust funds for the payment of bonds issued under sections 1501.12 to 1501.15 of the Revised Code, and to maintain the required reserves therefor as provided in the orders authorizing the issuance of such bonds or the trust agreements securing such bonds, and except such revenues required to be paid and credited pursuant to the bond proceedings applicable to obligations issued pursuant to section 154.22 of the Revised Code. All moneys derived from the operation of the lands, waters, facilities, and equipment by the division, except such revenues required to be set aside or paid into depositories or trust funds for the payment of bonds issued under sections 1501.12 to 1501.15 of the Revised Code, and to maintain the required reserves therefor as provided in the orders authorizing the issuance of such bonds or the trust agreements securing such bonds, and except such revenues required to be paid and credited pursuant to the bond proceedings applicable to obligations issued pursuant to section 154.22 of the Revised Code, shall accrue to the credit of the state park fund.
Except as otherwise provided in divisions (B) and (C) of this section and in sections 154.22, 1501.11, and 1501.14 of the Revised Code, such fund shall not be expended for any purpose other than the administration, operation, maintenance, development, and utilization of lands and waters, and for facilities and equipment incident thereto, administered by the division, or for the further purchase of lands and waters by the state for park and recreational purposes.
(B) The chief shall use moneys in the fund from the issuance of Ohio state parks license plates under section 4503.575 of the Revised Code only to pay the costs of state park interpretive and educational programs and displays and the development and operation of state park interpretive centers.
(C) The director of natural resources may use moneys from the fund to make the payments required under section 1501.29 of the Revised Code.
Last updated August 12, 2021 at 10:54 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.22 | Parks Capital Expenses Fund.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
There is hereby created in the state treasury the parks capital expenses fund. The fund shall consist of moneys transferred to it from the parks and recreation improvement fund created in section 154.22 of the Revised Code. The parks capital expenses fund shall be used to pay design, engineering, and planning costs that are incurred by the department of natural resources for parks-related capital projects.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.23 | Rights Unaffected by Dedication.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The dedication or setting apart of any state reservoir or lake as a public park or pleasure resort shall not interfere with or affect the use of such reservoir or lake for canal reservoir purposes, and the chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall not be restricted in any manner from making such repairs and improvements thereon as are necessary for maintaining the safety and usefulness of such reservoir or lake for canal purposes. The authority for the division to manage and control such reservoir or lake for canal purposes is the same as if no dedication of such reservoir or lake for park and pleasure resort purposes had been made.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.24 | Parks and Watercraft Federal Grants Fund.

Effective:
October 3, 2023
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly
There is hereby created in the state treasury the parks and watercraft federal grants fund. The fund shall consist of federal funds received by the department of natural resources for purposes of this section and any other money credited to the fund. The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall use money in the fund for parks and watercraft projects approved by the director of natural resources.
Last updated September 12, 2023 at 4:59 PM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.30 | Henry T. Beatty Memorial Picnic Area.

Effective:
March 23, 2018
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 134 - 132nd General Assembly
The picnic area that is located northwest of the intersection of Titus road and Division street in Kelleys Island state park shall be known as the "Henry T. Beatty Memorial Picnic Area."
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft may erect suitable markers in the picnic area indicating its name.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.31 | Doris Duke Woods Timber Restriction.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
(A) The "Doris Duke Woods" is hereby designated within the Malabar state park in Richland county to honor Doris Duke's pioneering contributions to conservation at Malabar state park and across the nation.
(B) The "Doris Duke Woods" consists of one hundred twenty contiguous acres of Malabar state park's most mature hardwood forest located between Bromfield road and state route number ninety-five.
(C) The department of natural resources shall not remove or allow any person or governmental entity to remove timber from the "Doris Duke Woods," except for normal maintenance purposes.
Last updated September 9, 2021 at 12:09 PM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.91 | Director Shall Be Administrator of Compact.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The director of natural resources, as successor to the conservation commissioner mentioned in the compact set forth in section 1546.90 of the Revised Code, shall be administrator of said compact.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.92 | Effect of Child Support Default on License.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license issued pursuant to this chapter.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1546 | Division of Parks and Watercraft › Section 1546.99 | Penalty.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
Whoever violates sections 1546.15 to 1546.20 of the Revised Code or any rules of the division of parks and watercraft shall be fined not less than ten nor more than one hundred dollars.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.02 | Applicability of Chapter to Vessels Operating on the Waters in This State.

Effective:
July 17, 2009
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly
Unless otherwise provided, this chapter applies to all vessels operating on the waters in this state. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed in contravention of any valid federal act or regulation, but is in addition to the act or regulation where not inconsistent.
The state reserves to itself the exclusive right to regulate the minimum equipment requirements of watercraft and vessels operated on the waters in this state.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.03 | Flashing Light Prohibition.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
No person shall install or use any intermittently flashing light of any type or color on any vessel in use or operation on the waters in this state, except in accordance with federal law.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.04 | Siren Prohibition - Exception.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
No person, except an authorized watercraft representative of the federal government, the state, or any of its political subdivisions shall use or operate a siren on the waters in this state except for emergency purposes.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.05 | Completing Boating Course as Prerequisite to Licensing; Exception.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no person born on or after January 1, 1982, shall operate on the waters in this state a powercraft powered by more than ten horsepower, unless the operator successfully has completed either a safe boater course approved by the national association of state boating law administrators or a proctored or nonproctored proficiency examination that tests knowledge of information included in the curriculum of such a course, and has received a certificate as evidence of successful completion of the course or examination.
(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to an individual who possesses valid merchant mariner credentials issued by the United States coast guard in accordance with 46 C.F.R. 10.109 with at least one endorsement of master or operator as defined in 46 C.F.R. 10.107. Such an individual, while operating any recreational vessel on the waters in this state, shall carry onboard documentation of the merchant mariner credentials and required endorsements and shall present the documentation to a natural resources officer or law enforcement officer upon request.
(C) No person shall permit a powercraft to be operated on the waters in this state in violation of division (A) of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.051 | Presenting Proof of License.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
A person born on or after January 1, 1982, who is operating on the waters in this state a powercraft powered by more than ten horsepower and who is stopped by a law enforcement officer in the enforcement of Chapter 1547. of the Revised Code or rules shall present to the law enforcement officer, not later than seventy-two hours after being stopped, a certificate obtained by the person pursuant to section 1547.05 of the Revised Code prior to being stopped or proof of holding such a certificate. Failure of the person to present the certificate or proof of holding it within seventy-two hours constitutes prima-facie evidence of a violation of section 1547.05 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.052 | Powercraft Rentals.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) No rental business shall lease, hire, or rent a powercraft powered by more than ten horsepower for operation on the waters in this state to a person born on or after January 1, 1982, unless the person meets one of the following requirements:
(1) The person signs a statement on the rental agreement or attached to the rental agreement that the person has successfully completed a safe boater course approved by the national association of state boating law administrators or has successfully completed a proficiency examination as provided in section 1547.05 of the Revised Code.
(2) The person receives educational materials from the rental business and successfully passes, with a score of ninety per cent or better, an abbreviated examination given by the rental business. The achievement of a passing score on the examination shall be indicated on or attached to the powercraft rental agreement.
(B) Any person born on or after January 1, 1982, operating or supervising the operation of a leased, hired, or rented powercraft shall:
(1) Meet the requirements for boater education of division (A) of this section.
(2) Be named as an operator on the agreement that leases, hires, or rents the powercraft.
(C) The division of parks and watercraft shall make available to all watercraft rental businesses in Ohio boater safety educational materials and an abbreviated examination that shall be used by the watercraft rental business for the purposes of division (A)(2) of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.06 | Child Operators.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this division, no person under sixteen years of age shall operate a personal watercraft on the waters in this state. A person who is not less than twelve, nor more than fifteen years of age may operate a personal watercraft if a supervising person eighteen years of age or older is aboard the personal watercraft and, in the case of a supervising person born on or after January 1, 1982, if the supervising person holds a certificate obtained under section 1547.05 of the Revised Code or, in the case of a rented powercraft, meets the requirements of section 1547.052 of the Revised Code.
(B) No person under twelve years of age shall operate any vessel on the waters in this state unless the person is under the direct visual and audible supervision, during the operation, of a person who is eighteen years of age or older. This division does not apply to a personal watercraft, which shall be governed by division (A) of this section, or to a powercraft, other than a personal watercraft, powered by more than ten horsepower, which shall be governed by division (C) of this section.
(C) No person under twelve years of age shall operate on the waters in this state a powercraft, other than a personal watercraft, powered by more than ten horsepower unless the person is under the direct visual and audible supervision, during the operation, of a person eighteen years of age or older who is aboard the powercraft and, in the case of such a supervising person born on or after January 1, 1982, who holds a certificate obtained under section 1547.05 of the Revised Code or, in the case of a rented powercraft, meets the requirements of section 1547.052 of the Revised Code.
(D) No supervising person eighteen years of age or older shall permit any person who is under the supervising person's supervision and who is operating a vessel on the waters in this state to violate any section of this chapter or a rule.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.07 | Reckless or Unsafe Operation of Vessel, Water Skis, Aquaplane.

Effective:
March 18, 1997
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 295 - 121st General Assembly
(A) Any person who operates any vessel or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device on the waters in this state carelessly or heedlessly, or in disregard of the rights or safety of any person, vessel, or property, or without due caution, at a rate of speed or in a manner so as to endanger any person, vessel, or property is guilty of reckless operation of the vessel or other device.
(B) No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel in an unsafe manner. A vessel shall be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times.
Unsafe vessel operation includes, without limitation, any of the following:
(1) A vessel becoming airborne or completely leaving the water while crossing the wake of another vessel at a distance of less than one hundred feet, or at an unsafe distance, from the vessel creating the wake;
(2) Operating at such a speed and proximity to another vessel or to a person attempting to ride on one or more water skis, surfboard, inflatable device, or similar device being towed by a vessel so as to require the operator of either vessel to swerve or turn abruptly to avoid collision;
(3) Operating less than two hundred feet directly behind a person water skiing or attempting to water ski;
(4) Weaving through congested traffic.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.071 | Authority of Law Enforcement Officer When Especially Hazardous Condition Exists.

Effective:
March 18, 1997
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 295 - 121st General Assembly
(A) If a law enforcement officer observes a vessel being used and determines that at least one of the unsafe conditions identified in division (C) of this section is present and that an especially hazardous condition exists, the officer may direct the operator of the vessel to take whatever immediate and reasonable actions are necessary for the safety of the persons aboard the vessel, including directing the operator to return the vessel to mooring and remain there until the situation creating the hazardous condition is corrected or has ended.
For the purposes of this section, an especially hazardous condition is one in which a reasonably prudent person would believe that the continued operation of a vessel would create a special hazard to the safety of the persons aboard the vessel.
(B) The refusal by an operator of a vessel to terminate use of the vessel after being ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer under division (A) of this section is prima-facie evidence of a violation of section 1547.07 of the Revised Code.
(C) For the purposes of this section, any of the following is an unsafe condition:
(1) Insufficient personal flotation devices;
(2) Insufficient fire extinguishers;
(3) Overloaded, insufficient freeboard for the water conditions in which the vessel is operating;
(4) Improper display of navigation lights;
(5) Fuel leaks, including fuel leaking from either the engine or the fuel system;
(6) Accumulation of or an abnormal amount of fuel in the bilges;
(7) Inadequate backfire flame control;
(8) Improper ventilation.
(D) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1) Foreign vessels temporarily using waters that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;
(2) Military vessels, vessels owned by the state or a political subdivision, or other public vessels, except those that are used for recreation;
(3) A ship's lifeboats, as defined in section 1548.01 of the Revised Code;
(4) Vessels that are solely commercial and that are carrying more than six passengers for hire.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.072 | Operator of Vessel to Maintain Control.

Effective:
June 12, 2008
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 271 - 127th General Assembly
No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel on the waters in this state without maintaining sufficient control to avoid an incident that results in property damage, physical injury, loss of life, or any combination of them.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.09 | Prohibited Acts.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
No person shall moor or anchor any vessel in a designated speed zone or water ski zone. No person, unless in distress and no other vessel is endangered thereby, shall moor to, anchor to, or tie up to any marker, aid, buoy, light, or other aid to navigation.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.10 | Stopping and Furnishing Information Upon Accident or Collision.

Effective:
June 13, 1990
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 522 - 118th General Assembly
In case of accident to or collision with persons or property on the waters of this state, due to the operation of any vessel, the operator having knowledge of the accident or collision shall immediately stop the vessel at the scene of the accident or collision, to the extent that it is safe and practical, and shall remain at the scene of the accident or collision until he has given his name and address and, if he is not the owner, the name and address of the owner of the vessel, together with the registration number of the vessel, if any, to any person injured in the accident or collision or to the operator, occupant, owner, or attendant of any vessel damaged in the accident or collision, or to any law enforcement officer at the scene of the accident or collision.
If the injured person is unable to comprehend and record the information required to be given by this section, the other operator involved in the accident or collision shall forthwith notify the nearest law enforcement agency having authority concerning the location of the accident or collision, and his name, address, and the registration number, if any, of the vessel he was operating, and then remain at the scene of the accident or collision or at the nearest location from which notification is possible until a law enforcement officer arrives, unless removed from the scene by an emergency vehicle operated by the state or a political subdivision or by an ambulance.
If the accident or collision is with an unoccupied or unattended vessel, the operator so colliding with the vessel shall securely attach the information required to be given in this section, in writing, to a conspicuous place in or on the unoccupied or unattended vessel.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.12 | Incapacitated Operators Prohibited.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
No person shall operate any vessel if the person is so mentally or physically incapacitated as to be unable to operate the vessel in a safe and competent manner.
No person shall permit any vessel to be operated on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.13 | Failure to Comply With Order of Law Enforcement - Fleeing and Eluding.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
(A) No person shall fail to comply with any lawful order or direction of any law enforcement officer having authority to direct, control, or regulate the operation or use of vessels.
(B) No person shall operate any vessel so as to purposely elude or flee from a law enforcement officer after receiving a visible or audible signal from a law enforcement officer to bring the vessel to a stop.
(C) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.131 | Duty to Stop or Give Way Upon Approach of Law Enforcement Vessel.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
Upon the approach of a law enforcement vessel with at least one flashing, rotating, or oscillating light of a color conforming with the requirements of federal law, the operator of any vessel shall stop if followed or give way in any crossing, head-on, or overtaking situation and shall remain in that position until the law enforcement vessel has passed, except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer. If traffic conditions warrant, a siren or other sound producing device also may be operated as an additional signaling device. This section does not relieve the operator of any law enforcement vessel from the duty to operate with due regard for the safety of all persons and property on the waters in this state.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.132 | Vessel Wake Restrictions.

Effective:
June 12, 2008
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 271 - 127th General Assembly
(A) As used in this section, "public service" means activities that include, but are not limited to, escorting or patrolling special water events, traffic control, salvage, firefighting, medical assistance, assisting disabled vessels, and search and rescue.
(B) No person shall operate a vessel at a speed that creates a wake within one hundred feet of a stationary law enforcement vessel displaying at least one flashing, oscillating, or rotating light conforming with 33 C.F.R. 88.11.
(C) No person shall operate a vessel at a speed that creates a wake within one hundred feet of a vessel that is being used to provide public service and that displays at least one flashing, oscillating, or rotating light conforming with 33 C.F.R. 88.12.
(D) No person shall permit any vessel to be operated on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.14 | Water Skiing Activity Confined to Ski Zones.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) Except on the waters of the Ohio River or Lake Erie and immediately connected harbors and bays, any person who rides or attempts to ride upon one or more water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or who engages or attempts to engage in barefoot skiing, and any person who operates a vessel towing a person riding or attempting to ride on one or more water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or engaging or attempting to engage in barefoot skiing, shall confine that activity to the water area within a designated ski zone on all bodies of water on which a ski zone has been established.
(B) On all bodies of water where no specific activity zones have been established, the activities described in division (A) of this section shall be confined to areas where the activities are not specifically restricted by this chapter and rules.
(C) Divisions (A) and (B) of this section do not apply to an activity described in division (A) of this section if the vessel involved in the activity is traveling at idle speed in a designated no wake zone and the activity is not being conducted in any of the following areas:
(1) Within three hundred feet of a gas dock, marina, launch ramp, or harbor entrance;
(2) Within a designated anchorage area, swim zone, boat swim zone, or boat camping area;
(3) Under a bridge or within three hundred feet of a bridge underpass;
(4) Any area designated as a no ski zone.
(D) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.15 | Observer Required When Towing Skier.

Effective:
March 18, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 187 - 122nd General Assembly
Any person who operates a vessel towing any person riding or attempting to ride upon one or more water skis or upon a surfboard or similar device, or engaging or attempting to engage in barefoot skiing, on the waters in this state shall have present in the vessel a person or persons other than the operator, ten years of age or older, who shall at all times observe the progress of the person being towed. The operator of the towing vessel shall at all times observe the traffic pattern toward which the vessel is approaching.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.