reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.67 | Establishing and Maintaining Marine Patrols to Enforce Chapter.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The division of parks and watercraft, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may expend, for the purpose of assisting political subdivisions, conservancy districts, and state departments to establish or maintain and operate a marine patrol for the purpose of enforcing this chapter and Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them and to provide emergency response to boating accidents on the water, such funds as are appropriated by the general assembly for that purpose and, in addition, such moneys from the waterways safety fund established in section 1547.75 of the Revised Code as determined to be necessary by the division not to exceed ten per cent of all moneys accruing to the fund. In no case shall the grant to a political subdivision, conservancy district, or state department, not including the department of natural resources, total more than thirty-five thousand dollars in a calendar year. Moneys so allocated may be used for the purchase, maintenance, and operation of vessels and marine equipment, educational materials, and personnel salaries that are necessary for enforcement of this chapter and Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them and to provide emergency response to boating accidents on the water.
The division shall disburse the moneys as provided in this section in accordance with its determination of need in the enforcement of this chapter and Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them and shall disburse those moneys only on a cost share basis to supplement funds allocated by a political subdivision, conservancy district, or state department for that purpose. A grantee shall provide at least twenty-five per cent of the total program cost.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.68 | Boating Safety Education Programs.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
To assist political subdivisions, conservancy districts, state departments, or nonprofit organizations in establishing or participating in boating safety education programs, the division of parks and watercraft, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may expend moneys appropriated by the general assembly for those purposes and, additionally, moneys from the waterways safety fund established in section 1547.75 of the Revised Code determined to be necessary by the division, but not to exceed ten per cent of all moneys accruing to the fund. In no case shall a grant to any one political subdivision, conservancy district, state department, or nonprofit organization total more than thirty thousand dollars in a calendar year. Moneys so allocated may be used for personnel salaries and training, materials, supplies, equipment, and related expenses needed to conduct boating education programs.
The division shall disburse the moneys as provided in this section in accordance with its determination of need in the enforcement of this chapter and rules or for the establishment of or participation in a boating safety education program. The division shall disburse moneys only on a cost share basis. A grantee shall provide at least twenty-five per cent of the total program cost and may do so with cash, in-kind services or contributions, or a combination. The cost share shall be allocated by a political subdivision, conservancy district, state department, or nonprofit organization for those purposes.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.71 | Refuge and Small Boat Harbor Agency.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The division of parks and watercraft shall act as the refuge and small boat harbor agency of the state for the purpose of participating with, and co-operating with the department of the army, corps of engineers, pursuant to the enabling provisions in the act known as the "Fletcher Act of 1932" and its amendments and successors, including Public Law 14 of the 79th congress authorized March 2, 1945, pursuant to House Document No. 446 of the 78th congress.
The division shall participate and co-operate with the corps of engineers in acquiring, constructing, and maintaining refuge and light draft vessel harbor projects, channels, and facilities for vessels in the navigable waters lying within the boundaries of the state.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.72 | Construction and Operation of Refuge Harbors.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) The division of parks and watercraft, whenever it considers it in the best interests of the state, and as an aid to lake commerce and navigation or recreational boating, may construct, maintain, repair, and operate refuge harbors and other projects for the harboring, mooring, docking, launching, and storing of light draft vessels, and marine recreational facilities. Subject to section 1547.77 of the Revised Code, those harbors, projects, and facilities may be constructed on waters in this state. If a refuge harbor lies between the shoreline and a harbor line established by the United States government so as to interfere with the wharfing out by a littoral owner to navigable waters, the littoral owner shall consent thereto in writing before the location and construction thereof.
The division may lease any space in those refuge harbors or other projects for the harboring, mooring, docking, launching, and storing of light draft vessels. The rental therefor shall be determined by the division.
(B) The division, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may expend for the acquisition of any rights in land; for the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of refuge harbors and other projects for the harboring, mooring, docking, launching, and storing of light draft vessels, and marine recreational facilities on waters in this state; for planning, studies, surveys, and engineering therefor; or for the improvement of harbors, channels, and waterways to foster vessel safety, funds appropriated by the general assembly for those purposes and, in addition, moneys accruing to the waterways safety fund established in section 1547.75 of the Revised Code.
(C) The division, with the approval of the director, may distribute moneys for the purpose of administering federal assistance to public and private entities in accordance with guidelines established under each federal grant program. Public and private entities that receive moneys under this division may charge fees at the facilities in accordance with the applicable federal guidelines.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.74 | Facilities in Harbors and Connecting Waterways.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
Facilities in harbors and connecting waterways established under sections 1546.021, 1547.71, and 1547.72 of the Revised Code shall be open to all on equal and reasonable terms.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.75 | Waterways Safety Fund.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
There is hereby created in the state treasury the waterways safety fund. The fund shall consist of money credited to it under this chapter and Chapters 1546. and 1548. of the Revised Code. The fund shall be used for boating-related activities under those chapters.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.76 | State Participation in Federal Program.

Effective:
October 10, 1963
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 465 - 105th General Assembly
In addition to the other matters contained therein, sections 1547.71 to 1547.77, inclusive, and section 5735.051 of the Revised Code, constitute prima-facie evidence by the state of the provisions for state participation in the federal program for construction of certain harbors of refuge in navigable waters lying within the boundaries of the state as provided in Public Law 14 of the 79th congress authorized March 2, 1945, 59 Stat. 10, pursuant to House Document No. 446 of the 78th congress.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.77 | Action Not in Conflict.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
Any action taken by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft under Chapters 1546. and 1547. relating to refuge and small boat harbors of the Revised Code shall not be deemed in conflict with certain powers and duties conferred upon and delegated to federal agencies and to municipal corporations under Section 7 of Article XVIII, Ohio Constitution, or as provided by sections 721.04 to 721.11 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.79 | All Fines, Forfeitures and Penalties Paid to Director for Fund.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
All fines, forfeitures, and penalties arising from prosecutions, convictions, confiscations, or other actions commenced by department of natural resources law enforcement officers, including, but not limited to, wildlife officers and natural resources officers under this chapter or Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code, or commenced by natural resources officers under any law prohibiting the dumping of refuse, trash, or litter into the waters in this state, shall be paid to the director of natural resources and by the director paid into the waterways safety fund established in section 1547.75 of the Revised Code for the purposes provided in sections 1547.55, 1547.67, 1547.71, and 1547.72 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.82 | Approving Structures and Channel Modifications.

Effective:
July 17, 2009
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly
No state department, state agency, or political subdivision shall build or enlarge any highway, road, or structure or modify or cause the modification of the channel of any watercourse within a wild, scenic, or recreational river area outside the limits of a municipal corporation without first having obtained approval of the plans for the highway, road, or structure or channel modification from the director of natural resources or the director's representative. The court of common pleas having jurisdiction, upon petition by the director, shall enjoin work on any highway, road, or structure or channel modification for which such approval has not been obtained.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.83 | Administering Program and Areas.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall administer the state programs for wild river areas, scenic river areas, and recreational river areas. The chief may accept and administer state and federal financial assistance for the maintenance, protection, and administration of wild, scenic, and recreational river areas and for construction of facilities within those areas. The chief, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may expend for the purpose of administering the state programs for wild, scenic, and recreational river areas money that is appropriated by the general assembly for that purpose, money that is in the scenic rivers protection fund created in section 4501.24 of the Revised Code, and money that is in the waterways safety fund created in section 1547.75 of the Revised Code, including money generated by the waterways conservation assessment fee levied by sections 1547.54 and 1547.542 of the Revised Code, as determined to be necessary by the division of parks and watercraft not to exceed six hundred fifty thousand dollars per fiscal year. The chief may condition any expenditures, maintenance activities, or construction of facilities on the adoption and enforcement of adequate floodplain zoning or land use rules.
Any instrument by which real property is acquired pursuant to this section shall identify the agency of the state that has the use and benefit of the real property as specified in section 5301.012 of the Revised Code.
The chief may cooperate with federal agencies administering any federal program concerning wild, scenic, or recreational river areas.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.84 | Advisory Council Appointed for Each Area.

Effective:
July 17, 2009
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly
The director of natural resources shall appoint an advisory council for each wild, scenic, or recreational river area, composed of not more than ten persons who are representative of local government and local organizations and interests in the vicinity of the wild, scenic, or recreational river area, who shall serve without compensation. The chief of the division of watercraft or the chief's representative shall serve as an ex officio member of each council.
The initial members appointed to each council shall serve for terms of not more than three years, with the terms of not more than four members of any council ending in the same year. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for three years commencing on the first day of February and ending on the last day of January.
Each council shall advise the chief on the acquisition of land and easements and on the lands and waters that should be included in a wild, scenic, or recreational river area or a proposed wild, scenic, or recreational river area, facilities therein, and other aspects of establishment and administration of the area that may affect the local interest.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.85 | Participation in Federal Protection Program.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The director of natural resources may participate in the federal program for the protection of certain selected rivers that are located within the boundaries of the state as provided in the "Wild and Scenic Rivers Act," 82 Stat. 906 (1968), 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq., as amended. The director may authorize the chief of the division of parks and watercraft to participate in any other federal program established for the purpose of protecting, conserving, or developing recreational access to waters in this state that possess outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.86 | Reconciliation of Powers.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
Any action taken by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft under sections 1547.81 to 1547.86 of the Revised Code shall not be deemed in conflict with certain powers and duties conferred on and delegated to federal agencies and to municipal corporations under Section 7 of Article XVIII, Ohio Constitution, or as provided by sections 721.04 to 721.11 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.91 | Wrecking.

Effective:
June 13, 1990
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 522 - 118th General Assembly
No person, with purpose to unlawfully damage, ground, or sink a vessel afloat, shall do any of the following:
(A) Employ any false signal, buoy, or other aid to navigation;
(B) Tamper with any signal, buoy, or other aid to navigation;
(C) Do any act which creates an imminent and substantial risk that any vessel afloat will be damaged, grounded, sunk, or scuttled.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1547 | Watercraft and Waterways › Section 1547.92 | Prohibited Acts.

Effective:
June 13, 1990
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 522 - 118th General Assembly
No person shall knowingly:
(A) Damage, remove, or tamper with any signal, buoy, or other aid to navigation;
(B) Sever the mooring lines of, set adrift, or tamper with any vessel that is moored or tied up on the waters in this state.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.01 | Exceptions to Chapter - Forms.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) As used in this chapter, "electronic" and "watercraft" have the same meanings as in section 1546.01 of the Revised Code.
(B) This chapter does not apply to any of the following:
(1) A watercraft covered by a marine document in effect that has been assigned to it by the United States government pursuant to federal law;
(2) A watercraft from a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters in this state;
(3) A watercraft whose owner is the United States, a state, or a political subdivision of a state;
(4) A ship's lifeboat. As used in division (B)(4) of this section, "lifeboat" means a watercraft that is held aboard another vessel and used exclusively for emergency purposes.
(5) A canoe;
(6) A watercraft less than fourteen feet in length without a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion;
(7) A watercraft less than fourteen feet in length with a permanently fixed mechanical means of propulsion of less than ten horsepower as determined by the manufacturer's rating;
(8) Outboard motors of less than ten horsepower as determined by the manufacturer's rating.
(C) The various certificates, applications, and assignments necessary to provide certificates of title for watercraft and outboard motors shall be made on appropriate forms approved by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.02 | Chief of Division of Watercraft - Powers and Duties.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall adopt such rules as the chief considers necessary to ensure uniform and orderly operation of this chapter, and the clerks of the courts of common pleas shall conform to those rules. The chief shall receive and file in the chief's office all information forwarded to the chief by the clerks under this chapter and shall maintain indexes covering the state at large for that information. These indexes shall be for the state at large and not for individual counties.
The chief shall check with the chief's record all duplicate certificates of title received in the chief's office from the clerks.
If it appears that any certificate of title has been improperly issued or is no longer required, the chief shall cancel the certificate. Upon the cancellation of any certificate of title, the chief shall notify the clerk who issued it, and the clerk shall enter the cancellation in the clerk's records. The chief also shall notify the person to whom the certificate of title was issued, as well as any lienholders appearing on it, of the cancellation and, if it is a physical certificate of title, shall demand the surrender of the certificate of title, but the cancellation shall not affect the validity of any lien noted on it. The holder of a physical certificate of title shall return it to the chief immediately.
The clerks shall keep on hand a sufficient supply of blank forms that, except certificate of title and memorandum certificate forms, shall be furnished and distributed without charge to registered manufacturers or dealers or to other persons residing within the county. The clerks shall provide the certificates of title and ribbons, cartridges, or other devices necessary for the operation of the certificate of title processing equipment as determined by the automated title processing board pursuant to division (C) of section 4505.09 of the Revised Code from moneys provided to the clerks from the automated title processing fund in accordance with division (B) of section 4505.09 of the Revised Code. The clerks shall furnish all other supplies from other moneys available to the clerks.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.021 | Election for Issuance of Physical Certificate of Title.

Effective:
October 31, 2001
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 59 - 124th General Assembly
The owner of a watercraft or outboard motor shall apply for a certificate of title for the watercraft or outboard motor when required by this chapter, but, except as otherwise specifically required in this chapter, the owner may elect whether or not to have the clerk of the court of common pleas to whom the certificate of title application is submitted issue a physical certificate of title for the watercraft or outboard motor, as provided in section 1548.09 of the Revised Code.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, any provision of this chapter relating to the cancellation, issuance, or surrender of a certificate of title, including, but not limited to, provisions that contain a phrase such as "when a certificate of title is issued," "the clerk shall issue a certificate of title," or "the person shall obtain a certificate of title to the watercraft or outboard motor," or another phrase of similar import, shall include those circumstances when a clerk enters certificate of title information into the automated title processing system, but does not take any further action relating to a physical certificate of title for the watercraft or outboard motor.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.03 | Certificate of Title.

Effective:
October 3, 2023
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly
No person, except as provided in section 1548.05 of the Revised Code, shall sell or otherwise dispose of a watercraft or outboard motor without delivering to the purchaser or transferee a physical certificate of title with an assignment on it as is necessary to show title in the purchaser or transferee; nor shall any person purchase or otherwise acquire a watercraft or outboard motor without obtaining a certificate of title for it in the person's name in accordance with this chapter; however, a purchaser may take possession of and operate a watercraft or outboard motor on the waters in this state without a certificate of title for a period not exceeding sixty days if the purchaser has been issued and has in the purchaser's possession a dealer's dated bill of sale or, in the case of a casual sale, a notarized bill of sale.
Last updated September 12, 2023 at 10:22 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.031 | Sale by Minor Requires Signature of Custodial Adult.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) No minor under eighteen years of age shall sell or otherwise dispose of a watercraft or outboard motor or purchase or otherwise acquire a watercraft or outboard motor unless the application for a certificate of title is accompanied by a form prescribed by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft and signed in the presence of a clerk or deputy clerk of a court of common pleas or any notary public by one of the minor's parents, the minor's guardian, or another person having custody of the minor authorizing the sale, disposition, purchase, or acquisition of the watercraft or outboard motor. At the time the adult signs the form, the adult shall provide identification establishing that the adult is the individual whose signature appears on the form.
(B) No right, title, or claim to or interest in a watercraft or outboard motor shall be acquired by or from a minor unless the application for a certificate of title is accompanied by the form required by this section.
(C) No clerk of a court of common pleas shall be held liable in any civil action that arises under the law of this state for injury or loss to persons or property caused when a person has obtained a certificate of title in violation of this section unless the clerk failed to use reasonable diligence in ascertaining the age of the minor or the identity of the adult who signed the form authorizing the sale, disposition, purchase, or acquisition of the watercraft or outboard motor by the minor.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.032 | Physical Certificate Not Required in Private Sale to Dealer.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A)(1) If a person who is not an electronic watercraft dealer owns a watercraft or outboard motor for which a physical certificate of title has not been issued by a clerk of a court of common pleas and the person sells the watercraft or outboard motor to a watercraft dealer registered under section 1547.543 of the Revised Code, the person is not required to obtain a physical certificate of title to the watercraft or outboard motor in order to transfer ownership to the dealer. The person shall present the dealer, in a manner approved by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft, with sufficient proof of the person's identity and complete and sign a form prescribed by the chief attesting to the person's identity and assigning the watercraft or outboard motor to the dealer. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the watercraft dealer shall present the assignment form to any clerk of a court of common pleas together with an application for a certificate of title and payment of the fees prescribed by section 1548.10 of the Revised Code.
In a case in which an electronic certificate of title has been issued and either the buyer or seller of the watercraft or outboard motor is an electronic watercraft dealer, the electronic watercraft dealer instead may inform a clerk of a court of common pleas via electronic means of the sale of the watercraft or outboard motor and assignment of ownership of the watercraft or outboard motor. The clerk shall enter the information relating to the assignment into the automated title processing system, and ownership of the watercraft or outboard motor passes to the applicant when the clerk enters this information into the system. The dealer is not required to obtain a physical certificate of title to the watercraft or outboard motor in the dealer's name.
(2) A clerk shall charge and collect from a dealer a fee of five dollars for each watercraft or outboard motor assignment sent by the dealer to the clerk under division (A)(1) of this section. The fee shall be distributed in accordance with section 1548.10 of the Revised Code.
(B) If a person who is not an electronic watercraft dealer owns a watercraft or outboard motor for which a physical certificate of title has not been issued by a clerk of a court of common pleas and the person sells the watercraft or outboard motor to a person who is not a watercraft dealer registered under section 1547.543 of the Revised Code, the person shall obtain a physical certificate of title to the watercraft or outboard motor in order to transfer ownership of the watercraft or outboard motor to that person.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.04 | Evidencing Ownership.

Effective:
January 1, 1980
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 387 - 112th General Assembly
No person acquiring a watercraft or outboard motor from the owner thereof, whether such owner is a manufacturer, importer, dealer, or otherwise, shall acquire any right, title, claim, or interest in or to such watercraft or outboard motor until such person has had issued to him a certificate of title to such watercraft or outboard motor, or delivered to him a manufacturer's or importer's certificate for it. Nor shall any waiver or estoppel operate in favor of such person against a person having possession of such certificate of title, or manufacturer's or importer's certificate for such watercraft or outboard motor, for a valuable consideration.
No court in any case at law or in equity shall recognize the right, title, claim, or interest of any person in or to any watercraft or outboard motor sold or disposed of, or mortgaged or encumbered, unless evidenced:
(A) By a certificate of title or a manufacturer's or importer's certificate issued in accordance with Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code;
(B) By admission in the pleadings or stipulation of the parties.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.05 | Manufacturer's or Importer's Certificate.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
No manufacturer, importer, dealer, or other person shall sell or otherwise dispose of a new watercraft or outboard motor to a dealer to be used by the dealer for purposes of display and resale without delivering to the dealer a manufacturer's or importer's certificate executed in accordance with this section and with such assignments on it as are necessary to show title in the name of the purchaser. No dealer shall purchase or acquire a new watercraft or outboard motor without obtaining from the seller the manufacturer's or importer's certificate.
A manufacturer's or importer's certificate of the origin of a watercraft or outboard motor shall contain the following information in such form and together with such further information as the chief of the division of parks and watercraft may require:
(A) Description of the watercraft, including the make, year, length, series or model, if any, body type, hull identification number or serial number, and make, manufacturer's serial number, and horsepower of any inboard motor or motors; or description of the outboard motor, including the make, year, series or model, if any, manufacturer's serial number, and horsepower;
(B) Certification of the date of transfer of the watercraft or outboard motor to a distributor or dealer or other transferee, and the name and address of the transferee;
(C) Certification that this was the first transfer of the new watercraft or outboard motor in ordinary trade and commerce;
(D) Signature and address of a representative of the transferor.
An assignment of a manufacturer's or importer's certificate before a notary public or other officer empowered to administer oaths shall be printed on the reverse side of the manufacturer's or importer's certificate in the form to be prescribed by the chief. The assignment form shall include the name and address of the transferee, a certification that the watercraft or outboard motor is new, and a warranty that the title at the time of delivery is subject only to such liens and encumbrances as are set forth and described in full in the assignment.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.061 | Casual Sales.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
Notwithstanding any general requirement in this chapter to the effect that an application for a certificate of title to a watercraft or outboard motor shall be "sworn to" or shall be "sworn to before a notary public or other officer empowered to administer oaths," that requirement shall apply only in the case of a transfer of a watercraft or outboard motor between parties in the course of a sale by a person other than a registered watercraft dealer, as defined in section 1546.01 of the Revised Code, to a person who purchases the watercraft or outboard motor for use as a consumer.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.07 | Application Contents - Permanent Identification Number.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) An application for a certificate of title shall be sworn to before a notary public or other officer empowered to administer oaths by the lawful owner or purchaser of the watercraft or outboard motor and shall contain the following information in the form and together with any other information that the chief of the division of parks and watercraft may require:
(1) Name, address, and social security number or employer's tax identification number of the applicant;
(2) Statement of how the watercraft or outboard motor was acquired;
(3) Name and address of the previous owner;
(4) A statement of all liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances on the watercraft or outboard motor, including a description of the nature and amount of each lien, mortgage, or encumbrance, and the name and address of each holder of the lien, mortgage, or encumbrance;
(5) If there are no outstanding liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances, a statement of that fact;
(6) A description of the watercraft, including the make, year, length, series or model, if any, body type, and hull identification number or serial number; or a description of the outboard motor, including the make, year, series or model, if any, manufacturer's serial number, and horsepower;
(7) The purchase price, trade-in allowed, and amount of sales or use tax paid under Chapter 5739. or 5741. of the Revised Code.
(B) If the application is made by two persons regarding a watercraft or outboard motor in which they wish to establish joint ownership with right of survivorship, they may do so as provided in section 2131.12 of the Revised Code.
(C) If the applicant wishes to designate a watercraft or outboard motor in beneficiary form, the applicant may do so as provided in section 2131.13 of the Revised Code.
(D) If the watercraft or outboard motor contains a permanent identification number placed on the watercraft or outboard motor by the manufacturer, this number shall be used as the serial number or hull identification number. If there is no manufacturer's identification number, or if the manufacturer's identification number has been removed or obliterated, the chief, upon receipt of a prescribed application and proof of ownership, may assign an identification number for the watercraft or outboard motor, and this number shall be permanently affixed or imprinted by the applicant, at the place and in the manner designated by the chief, upon the watercraft or outboard motor for which it is assigned.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.071 | Joint Ownership With Right of Survivorship.

Effective:
July 23, 2002
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 345 - 124th General Assembly
Any two persons may establish in accordance with section 2131.12 of the Revised Code joint ownership with right of survivorship in a watercraft or outboard motor for which a certificate of title is required under this chapter and that one or both of them owns. Two persons who establish joint ownership with right of survivorship in a watercraft or outboard motor in accordance with section 2131.12 of the Revised Code may terminate the joint ownership with right of survivorship by applying for a title in accordance with this chapter.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.072 | Designating Transfer-on-Death Beneficiary or Beneficiaries.

Effective:
July 23, 2002
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 345 - 124th General Assembly
Any person who owns a watercraft or outboard motor for which a certificate of title is required under this chapter may establish ownership of the watercraft or outboard motor that is transferable on death by designating the watercraft or outboard motor in beneficiary form in accordance with section 2131.13 of the Revised Code. Any person who establishes ownership of a watercraft or outboard motor that is transferable on death in accordance with section 2131.13 of the Revised Code may terminate that type of ownership or change the designation of the transfer-on-death beneficiary or beneficiaries by applying for a certificate of title in accordance with this chapter.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.08 | Information Contained on Physical Certificate of Title.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 (GA 131),  House Bill 345 (GA 124),  House Bill 230 (GA 125)
(A) When the clerk of a court of common pleas issues a physical certificate of title for a watercraft or outboard motor, the clerk shall issue it over the clerk's official seal. All physical certificates of title to watercraft or outboard motors shall contain the information required in the application for them as prescribed by section 1548.07 of the Revised Code, as well as spaces for the dates of notation and cancellation of each lien, mortgage, or encumbrance, over the signature of the clerk. If any certificate of title is issued for a watercraft or outboard motor in which two persons are establishing joint ownership with right of survivorship under section 2131.12 of the Revised Code, the certificate, in addition to the information required by this section, shall show that the two persons have established joint ownership with right of survivorship in the watercraft or outboard motor. If the certificate of title is issued for a watercraft or outboard motor that is designated in beneficiary form under section 2131.13 of the Revised Code, in addition to the information required by this section, the certificate shall show that the present owner of the watercraft or outboard motor has designated a specified transfer-on-death beneficiary or beneficiaries who will take ownership of the watercraft or outboard motor at the death of the present owner in accordance with section 2131.13 of the Revised Code.
An assignment of certificate of title before a notary public or other officer empowered to administer oaths shall appear on the reverse side of each physical certificate of title in the form to be prescribed by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft. The assignment form shall include a warranty that the signer is the owner of the watercraft or outboard motor and that there are no mortgages, liens, or encumbrances on the watercraft or outboard motor except those that are noted on the face of the certificate of title.
(B) An electronic certificate of title is an electronic record stored in the automated title processing system that establishes ownership of a watercraft or outboard motor, as well as any security interests that exist in that watercraft or outboard motor.
The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.
Last updated April 8, 2022 at 4:18 PM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.09 | Issuing Physical or Electronic Certificate of Title.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
When the clerk of a court of common pleas issues a physical certificate of title, the clerk shall issue the certificate of title on a form and in a manner prescribed by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft. The clerk shall file a copy of the physical evidence for the creation of the certificate of title in a manner prescribed by the chief of the division. A clerk may retain digital images of documents used as evidence for issuance of a certificate of title. Certified printouts of documents retained as digital images shall have the same evidentiary value as the original physical documents. The record of the issuance of the certificate of title shall be maintained in the automated title processing system. The clerk shall sign and affix the clerk's seal to the original certificate of title and, if there are no liens on the watercraft or outboard motor, shall deliver the certificate to the applicant. If there are one or more liens on the watercraft or outboard motor, the clerk shall deliver the certificate of title to the holder of the first lien.
The chief shall approve a uniform method of numbering certificates of title. The numbering shall be in such manner that the county of issuance is indicated. Numbers shall be assigned to certificates of title in the manner approved by the chief. The clerk shall file all certificates of title according to policies prescribed by the chief, and the clerk shall maintain in the clerk's office indexes for the certificates of title.
The clerk need not retain on file any certificate of title, duplicate certificate of title, or memorandum certificate of title, or supporting evidence of them, covering any watercraft or outboard motor for a period longer than seven years after the date of its filing; thereafter, the certificate and supporting information may be destroyed. The clerk shall issue a duplicate title, when duly applied for, of any title that has been destroyed as provided in this section.
The clerk shall issue a physical certificate of title to an applicant unless the applicant specifically requests the clerk not to issue a physical certificate of title and instead to issue an electronic certificate of title. The fact that a physical certificate of title is not issued for a watercraft or outboard motor does not affect ownership of the watercraft or outboard motor. In that case, when the clerk completes the process of entering certificate of title application information into the automated title processing system, the effect of the completion of the process is the same as if the clerk actually issued a physical certificate of title for the watercraft or outboard motor.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.10 | Fees.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) The clerk of the court of common pleas shall charge and retain fees as follows:
(1) Fifteen dollars for each duplicate copy of a certificate of title. The clerk shall retain that entire fee.
(2) Fifteen dollars for each certificate of title, which shall include any notation or indication of any lien or security interest on a certificate of title and any memorandum certificate of title or non-negotiable evidence of ownership requested at the time the certificate of title is issued. The clerk shall retain ten dollars and fifty cents of that fee when there is a notation of a lien or security interest on the certificate of title and twelve dollars when there is no lien or security interest noted on the certificate of title.
(3) Five dollars for each certificate of title with no security interest noted that is issued to a licensed watercraft dealer for resale purposes. The clerk shall retain two dollars of that fee.
(4) Five dollars for each memorandum certificate of title or non-negotiable evidence of ownership that is applied for separately. The clerk shall retain that entire fee.
(B) The fees charged for a certificate of title and the notation or indication of any lien or security interest on a certificate of title that are not retained by the clerk shall be paid to the chief of the division of parks and watercraft by monthly returns, which shall be forwarded to the chief not later than the fifth day of the month next succeeding that in which the certificate is forwarded, or that in which the chief is notified of a lien or security interest or cancellation of a lien or security interest.
The chief shall deposit one dollar of the amount the chief receives for each certificate of title in the automated title processing fund created in section 4505.09 of the Revised Code. Moneys deposited in that fund under this section shall be used for the purpose specified in division (B)(3)(b) of that section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1548 | Watercraft Certificates of Title › Section 1548.12 | Surrender and Cancellation of Certificate of Title.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
Each owner of a watercraft or outboard motor and each person mentioned as owner in the last certificate of title, when the watercraft or outboard motor is dismantled, destroyed, or changed in such manner that it loses its character as a watercraft or outboard motor, or changed in such manner that it is not the watercraft or outboard motor described in the certificate of title, shall surrender the certificate of title to a clerk of a court of common pleas, and the clerk, with the consent of any holders of any liens noted on the certificate of title, then shall enter a cancellation upon the clerk's records and shall notify the chief of the division of parks and watercraft of the cancellation.
Upon the cancellation of a certificate of title in the manner prescribed by this section, the clerk and the chief may cancel and destroy all certificates and all memorandum certificates in that chain of title.