Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47 | Ohio Administrative Code 1501:47 — Department of Natural Resources | Division of Watercraft and Waterways

Chapter 1501:47-1 General Provisions

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-02 Registration certificate.

The owner of any watercraft required to be registered under the provisions of section 1547.54 of the Revised Code shall, prior to the operation of such watercraft, apply to the chief of the division of parks and watercraft or an authorized agent designated under the provisions of section 1546.03 of the Revised Code for a registration certificate for such watercraft.

Whenever the information contained on a registration certificate no longer accurately describes the owner or the watercraft, the registration certificate is void and the owner shall surrender the existing registration certificate to the chief or an authorized agent of the division, and upon payment of a three dollar writing fee, shall be issued a new registration certificate bearing the original registration number and expiration date with the correct information required by the provisions of this section. Anytime the propulsion of a watercraft is changed in such a way that the registration certificate no longer accurately describes the watercraft shall also be subject to the provisions of section 1501:47-1-06 of the Administrative Code. The owner of a watercraft required to apply for a new registration certificate under the provisions of this section shall not be charged more than one three dollar writing fee for each registration certificate issued.

The registration certificate shall include the following information:

(A) Number assigned to watercraft by the division of parks and watercraft or the United States coast guard.

(B) Expiration date of registration certificate.

(D) Type of vessel (sail only, air boat, auxiliary sail, rowboat, paddlecraft, open motorboat, cabin motorboat, houseboat, inflatable boat, pontoon boat, personal watercraft, other).

(E) Name and address of owner(s).

(F) County of owners residence.

(G) Decal number.

(H) Water principally used.

(I) Make of vessel, year built.

(J) Manufacturer's hull identification number, if the vessel is required to have a hull identification number as prescribed by the regulations adopted by the United States coast guard.

(K) Length of vessel.

(L) Type of use (pleasure, rent, lease, commercial passenger carrying, commercial fishing, charter fishing, dealer or manufacturer demonstration, other commercial operation).

(M) Make of inboard motor(s), and horsepower rating(s).

(N) Hull material (wood, steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, rubber / vinyl / canvas, other).

(O) Fee.

(P) Agent number.

(Q) Title number issued or title status if no number.

(R) Signature of owner(s).

(S) Name of agency.

(T) Date of birth of one owner.

(U) Type of propulsion (propeller, manual, sail, water jet, air thrust, other).

(V) Engine drive type (inboard, outboard, pod drive, sterndrive, or other)

(W) Fuel (gas, diesel, electric, other).

(X) Rights of survivorship (yes, no).

(Y) Driver's license number, or state issued identification card number, or U.S. citizen and immigration service document number, or certified court order number, or military identification number, or valid U.S. or Canadian passport number, or state issued learners permit number, or a unique identification number issued by the division of parks and watercraft.

Last updated July 11, 2022 at 1:33 PM

History

Effective: July 9, 2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-03 Application for mail renewal of registration certificate.

An application for mail renewal of a registration certificate may be made by the owner on forms mailed to and provided by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft. The same Ohio registration number will be issued upon renewal. Such application for mail renewal shall contain all of the information required in rule 1501:47-1-02 of the Administrative Code except paragraph (M) of that rule.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-04 Transferred watercraft.

When a watercraft registered by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft is transferred by the owner to another person, the registration numbers and registration decal assigned to the watercraft are not to be removed and will pass to the possession of the new owner. Any remaining time on the registration will be transferred.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-05 New ownership of watercraft already registered: exceptions.

The application for a registration certificate of a watercraft already numbered will, for the purpose of the fees set forth in section 1547.54 of the Revised Code, be regarded as an original application for registration, but where the watercraft will continue in use in the state of Ohio the number will be identical with the previously issued number, except where a lienholder acquired title and lawful possession by virtue of his lien (repossession), in which case a new number will be issued.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-06 Change in watercraft propulsion.

When a watercraft registered under the provisions of section 1547.54 of the Revised Code is changed as to type of propulsion, which would be subject to a higher registration fee, the owner of the watercraft shall surrender the existing registration certificate to a duly appointed registration agent of the division of parks and watercraft and upon payment of the additional fee plus a writing fee of three dollars to the agent, will be issued a new registration certificate bearing the original registration number and listing the required data of the new watercraft.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-07 Watercraft identification.

(A) The numbers issued pursuant to section 1547.53 of the Revised Code will be in accordance with the pattern hereafter prescribed.

(1) All numbers issued by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft will be divided into three parts. The first part consists of symbols identifying the state of Ohio, that is, the letters "OH".

(2) The second part of the boat number issued by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft consists of not more than four Arabic numerals.

(3) The third part of the boat number issued by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft consists of not more than two capital letters in sequence.

(a) The third part of any boat number issued to a livery as described in section 1547.542 of the Revised Code will be the capital letters "LL."

(b) The third part of any boat number issued to a bona fide watercraft dealer or manufacturer operating watercraft in accordance with section 1547.543 of the Revised Code will be the capital letters "ZZ."

(4) The letters and numerals issued by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft comprising the boat number are to be separated by hyphens or equivalent spaces in accordance with the serials numerically and alphabetically, i.e., OH-0000-AA or OH 0000 AA.

(B) Since the letters (I) and (O) and (Q) may be mistaken for Arabic numerals, all terminal letter sequences using capital (I), (O), and (Q) will be omitted from the use in the numbering system. The number assigned to a watercraft by the issuance of a certificate of number by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall be placed on each side of the forward half of the watercraft in such position as to provide clear legibility for identification. The number is to be affixed in a manner that allows it to be read from left to right and shall be in block characters of good proportion and not less than three inches in height. The numerals and letters comprising the whole number shall be of a color contrasting to the color of the background and so maintained as to be clearly visible and legible; i.e., dark numerals and letters on light background, or light numerals and letters on dark background.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-07.1 Contingent registration.

(A) The chief shall prescribe a form for the application for a contingent registration which may be issued under the following circumstances:

(1) The owner of a vessel that requires a hull identification number under the provisions of section 1547.65 of the Revised Code may apply to the chief for a contingent registration in the event that a hull identification number cannot be issued at the time of application.

A contingent registration issued under this division shall be valid for a period not to exceed thirty days from the date of application. The owner or operator of the vessel must provide dated proof of application upon the request of a peace officer as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) The chief, a state natural resources officer as defined in section 1501.24 of the Revised Code, or a designated agent acting under the authority of the chief, may issue a contingent registration for any vessel operating under the provisions of section 1548.03 of the Revised Code.

A contingent registration issued under this division shall be valid for a period not to exceed thirty days from the date of purchase or possession. The owner or operator of the vessel must provide a dealer's dated bill of sale or notarized bill of sale as proof of the term at the time the contingent registration is issued and upon the request of a peace officer as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) The chief, a state natural resources officer as defined in section 1501.24 of the Revised Code, or a designated agent acting under the authority of the chief, may issue a contingent registration for any vessel operating under the provisions of division (A)(2) of section 1547.531 of the Revised Code.

A contingent registration issued under this division shall be valid for a period not to exceed sixtydays from the date of transfer. The owner or operator of the vessel must provide a dealer's dated bill of sale as proof of the term at the time the contingent registration is issued and upon the request of a peace officer as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any vessel marker provided by the division of parks and watercraft as proof of contingent registration shall be displayed in the following manner:

(1) The contingent registration marker shall be affixed to the port side of the bow in a location which does not obscure existing vessel numbers and is clearly visible under normal operating conditions, or;

(2) For a hand powered vessel eligible to be numbered under the provisions of division (H) of section 1547.53 of the Revised Code or a personal watercraft, the contingent registration marker shall be placed in a manner consistent with the requirements described in rule 1501:47-1-21 of the Administrative Code.

(C) The owner of a vessel displaying a contingent registration marker must immediately remove the marker when it is no longer valid or upon the issuance of a registration under the provisions of section 1547.531 of the Revised Code.

(D) No person shall knowingly alter or deface or otherwise falsely display a contingent registration marker. Violation of this division shall be equivalent to a violation of section 1547.54 of the Revised Code.

(E) No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel in violation of this rule.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:20 PM

History

Effective: July 9, 2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-21

(A) The owner of a hand powered canoe, rowboat (including racing shells and rowing sculls), or inflatable watercraft for which a registration certificate is issued under section 1547.54 of the Revised Code and which is exempted from numbering under division (H) of section 1547.53 of the Revised Code shall securely affix the assigned tag to the vessel in a location that is visible under normal operating conditions in one of the following manners:

(1) On the transom, the tag should be affixed in the upper right corner of the transom and placed so that the tag does not interfere with the legibility of the hull identification number;

(2) On a deck on the rear half of the vessel;

(3) On the outside below the port side gunnel; or

(4) On the inside of the vessel on the upper portion of the starboard side gunnel so that it is visible from the port side of the vessel.

(B) The tag shall be securely affixed to the vessel prior to its operation, but shall be removed when it becomes invalid.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM

History

Effective: January 10, 2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-08.1 Waiver of watercraft registration certificate fee: eligibility.

(A) Only owners of vessels used solely for recreational purposes are eligible for fee waiver for registration certificate, contingent on proof of eligibility as set forth by paragraph (B) of this rule.

(B) Persons applying for fee waiver for a registration certificate must show proof of ownership of the watercraft pursuant to Chapters 1547. and 1548. of the Revised Code and rules adopted thereunder and, in addition, shall submit as appropriate one of the following as proof of eligibility:

(1) Written verification from the veterans' administration of current one hundred per cent service-related disability.

(2) Written verification from the veterans' administration that the veteran has been or is awarded funds for the purchase of a motor vehicle under the Disabled Veterans' and Servicemens' Automobile Assistance Act of 1970, 84 Stat. 1998, 38 U.S.C. 1901, and amendments thereto.

(3) Written verification from the veterans' administration of prisoner of war status from the U.S. armed services.

(4) A certified copy of the U.S. armed services separation paper showing prisoner of war status.

(5) Written verification from the armed service of a country allied with the United States during world war II that the veteran, as a U.S. citizen at the time of the appointment, enrollment, or enlistment, was made a prisoner of war during world war II.

(6) Written verification from any agency or branch of the U.S. government of receipt of the congressional medal of honor.

(D) All documents sent to the division of parks and watercraft will be retained and become the property of the division of parks and watercraft.

(E) Application for watercraft registration certificate, proof of ownership, and verification of fee waiver eligibility shall be submitted to:

"Ohio Department of Natural Resources,

Division of Parks and Watercraft,

2045 Morse Road, Building A-1,

Columbus, Ohio 43229"

(F) Annually, by the fifteenth day of January, the director of natural resources will determine the amount of fees that would have been collected in the prior calendar year for each registration certificate issued or renewed pursuant to paragraphs (A), (B), and (C) of this rule and certify the total amount of foregone revenue to the director of budget and management for reimbursement from the general revenue fund to the waterways safety fund created pursuant to section 1547.75 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 4, 2023 at 9:17 PM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-09 Boating accidents.

For the purpose of this rule, a "boating accident" means a collision, accident, or other casualty involving any vessel, either moored or in operation, upon any of the waters in this state.

(A) A vessel subject to this rule is considered to be involved in a boating accident whenever the occurrence results in damage by or to the vessel or its equipment; in injury or loss of life to any person; or in the disappearance of any occupant under circumstances indicating the possibility of injury or death. A boating accident includes, but is not limited to, capsizing, collision, foundering, flooding, fire, explosion, or the disappearance of a vessel other than by theft.

(B) A report is required whenever a vessel subject to this rule is involved in a boating accident which results in any one or more of the following:

(1) Loss of life.

(2) Personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.

(3) Actual physical damage to property, including watercraft, in excess of one thousand dollars.

(4) Physical damage or other incident resulting in the total loss of a vessel.

(5) Whenever death results from a boating accident, a written report shall be submitted to the chief of the division within twenty four hours. For every other reportable boating accident a written report shall be submitted within five days after such accident. All such reports shall be submitted upon forms prescribed by and available from the chief of the division. The operator or operators of each vessel involved shall prepare and submit a written report to the: "Chief of the Division of Parks and Watercraft, 2045 Morse Road, building C, Columbus, Ohio 43229." Every written report shall contain the complete information required by the report form as described by the chief of the division.

(a) Name and address of operator.

(b) Age of operator.

(d) Operator's experience.

(e) Operator's telephone number.

(f) Owner's telephone number.

(g) Name and address of owner of vessel.

(h) Was it a rented vessel.

(i) Number of persons on board.

(j) Formal instruction in boating safety.

(k) Vessel registration number.

(l) Vessel name.

(m) Vessel make.

(n) Vessel model.

(o) Manufacturer's hull identification number.

(p) Type of vessel.

(q) Hull material.

(r) Engine.

(s) Propulsion.

(t) Construction.

(u) Date of accident.

(v) Time of day.

(w) Name of body of water.

(x) Location.

(y) State.

(z) Nearest city, town.

(aa) County.

(bb) Weather.

(cc) Water conditions.

(dd) Temperature.

(ee) Wind.

(ff) Visibility.

(gg) Operation at time of accident.

(hh) Type of accident.

(ii) The reporting person's opinion of what contributed to the accident.

(jj) Personal flotation devices.

(kk) Property damage estimate.

(ll) Fire extinguishers.

(mm) Description of property damage (if any).

(nn) Name and address of the owner of damaged property.

(oo) Name, address, and contact informatin for any deceased person(s).

(pp) Name, address, and contact information for any injured person(s).

(qq) A description of what happened.

(rr) Name(s) of operator(s) of other involved vessel(s).

(ss) Address(es) of other involved vessel(s).

(tt) Registration number(s) of other involved vessel(s).

(uu) Telephone number(s) of owner(s) of other involved vessel(s).

(vv) Name(s) of other involved vessel(s).

(ww) Name(s) of owner(s) of other involved vessels.

(xx) Address(s) of owner(s) of other involved vessels.

(yy) Names and contact information for any witnesses.

(zz) Signature of person completing report.

(aaa) Address of person completing report.

(bbb) Telephone number of person completing report.

(ccc) Qualification of person completing report.

(ddd) Date report submitted.

(eee) Boating accident report addendum. (if applicable)

(C) The chief of the division shall furnish all boating accident report statistics, information, or forms as shall from time to time be requested by the United States coast guard.

Last updated July 11, 2022 at 1:34 PM

History

Effective: July 9, 2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-10 Interference with or mooring to navigation buoys.

No person shall without lawful authority climb on, swim and hang on, dive off, tie a watercraft to or attempt to tie a watercraft to, injure, sink, disconnect from its anchor, damage, deface or interfere with any buoy or other aid to navigation which is placed, anchored or erected by the United States coast guard, state of Ohio or political subdivision of this state.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:21 PM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-11 Anchoring requirements, exception.

In accordance with section 1547.26 of the Revised Code, the following vessels are exempt from requirements to carry on anchor and line:

Any vessel less than fourteen feet in length.

Any paddlecraft as defined in section 1546.01 of the Revised Code.

Sailboats and sailboards as defined in section 1546.01 of the Revised Code and less than twenty-one feet in length.

Any vessel in conformity with the description of a racing shell.

For the purposes of this rule, "racing shell" means a narrow rowboat designed specifically for racing that is propelled across the water by its occupants utilizing two or more oars, including rowing shells and sculling shells.

Last updated January 4, 2024 at 9:11 AM

History

Effective: July 9, 2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-12 Buoys.

In accordance with section 1547.08 of the Revised Code the following buoys or signs will be used to mark recreational water areas of the state of Ohio.

(A) Buoys marking control zones, hazards and no boat areas shall show all around the horizon. The body of such buoys are to be white in color and with a solid orange cap at the top. On the white background, as an integral part of the buoy or on a suitable decal, the outline of a circular or diamond shaped insignia of the same orange color is to be clearly visible. Black block letters with an indication of the restriction are to be located above, below, or enclosed withing the insignia. The size of the insignia and the letters will be determined by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft commensurate with the size of the buoy.

(B) Control zones will be marked by buoys displaying a circular-shaped insignia of the above mentioned orange color.

(D) Dams, rapids, swimming areas and all other areas in which recreational vessels are prohibited will be marked by buoys displaying a diamond-shaped insignia containing intersecting horizontal and vertical lines of the above mentioned orange color.

(E) In addition to the above mentioned buoys, the chief of the division of parks and watercraft may prescribe signs to mark similar and dissimilar hazards and areas.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-13 Obstructing a waterway, securing of docked and anchored vessels.

(A) No person shall anchor, moor, tie-up, or raft off to any other vessel, dock, launch ramp, or structure on the waters in this state in such a manner that the vessel blocks, impedes, or restricts other vessels in their normal and reasonable use or navigation.

(B) No person shall leave any vessel anchored, or in any dock space, or tie-up space, on the waters in this state without first properly fastening and securing the vessel in such a manner as to avoid fouling or collision with any other vessel, or from drifting free.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:21 PM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-14 Mandatory education/boat rental company with multiple locations.

An abbreviated written exam, a signed rental agreement, or a statement attached to the rental agreement as stated in section 1547.052 of the Revised Code are only valid for that specific rental business location and for the specific time period described in the rental agreement.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:21 PM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-15 Mandatory education/abbreviated examination for boat rental companies.

Persons subject to mandatory boater education and satisfactory completion of an abbreviated examination for the rental of motorized watercraft as provided for in section 1547.052 of the Revised Code can attain compliance in one of the following ways:

(A) Completion of an on-site written examination.

(1) An on-site written examination is to be administered by, and in the presence of, an employee of the rental business issuing the rental agreement;

(2) No reference materials are to be used by a person while completing the abbreviated rental examination;

(3) No rental business employee, nor any other person, is permitted to provide information to any person who is attempting to complete the abbreviated examination in order to aid such person in attaining a passing score;

(4) No person is permitted more than two attempts at achieving a passing score within a single calendar day;

(5) The successful completion of an on-site written examination is only valid for that specific rental business location and for the specific time period described in the rental agreement.

(B) Completion of an online examination utilizing an approved boater education exam provider.

(1) Only boater education exam providers approved by the division of parks and watercraft may be used to satisfy the abbreviated exam provision in section 1547.052 of the Revised Code;

(2) Rental businesses may provide website addresses for approved exam providers to persons desiring to rent a motorized watercraft at the time that a rental reservation is made or any time prior to finalizing a rental agreement;

(3) An online examination is only valid for a period of fourteen days after successful completion. A rental business that permits a motorized watercraft rental at any time before or after the fourteen day period violates that section.

(4) Proof of the successful completion of an online examination is to be provided to the rental business for verification and inspection prior to indicating compliance with section 1547.052 of the Revised Code on a rental agreement.

(5) Any person who is operating a motorized watercraft under the provisions of paragraph (B) of this rule who is stopped by a law enforcement officer may be compelled to provide proof of the successful completion of an online examination. Failure to provide valid proof at the request of an officer constitutes prima-facie evidence of a violation of section 1547.052 of the Revised Code.

Last updated June 18, 2026 at 12:15 AM

History

Effective: June 18, 2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-16 Mandatory education/proficiency examination and certificate.

The division of parks and watercraft will provide and issue certificates pursuant to section 1547.05 of the Revised Code for proctored and nonproctored proficiency examinations. Each certificate and examination will comply with the following requirements:

(A) All proficiency examinations will be supplied by the division of parks and watercraft;

(B) All completed proficiency examinations shall be submitted to the division of parks and watercraft. A minimum of seventy percent must be achieved on the examination to obtain a certificate;

(C) In addition to paragraphs (A) and (B) of this rule, persons applying for a proctored proficiency examination certificate must complete the examination under the following requirements:

(1) The examination shall be administered by and in the presence of a division of parks and watercraft employee, a certified Ohio boating education course instructor, or a division of parks and watercraft designee;

(2) No reference material shall be used by a person while completing the examination;

(3) No person, division of parks and watercraft employee, or certified Ohio boating education course instructor shall provide information to another person while attempting to complete the examination in order to attain a passing score.

(4) A person taking the examination shall only have two attempts at achieving a passing score within one calendar day.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-17 Certificates for boating education requirement.

In accordance with section 1547.05 of the Revised Code, the certificate as evidence of successful completion of the course or examination is valid only if the following information is on the certificate:

(A) Name;

(B) Date of birth;

(D) Issuing agency logo; and

(E) National association of state boating law administrators (NASBLA) approved course certificates shall also display the NASBLA logo and the words "course approved by the national association of state boating law administrators."

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-18 Boating education course fees.

(A) Persons participating in the division of parks and watercraft Ohio boating education course may be assessed a fee of five dollars plus facility costs.

(B) Persons participating in division of parks and watercraft sponsored courses and programs approved by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft other than as prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule, may be assessed a fee no greater than the costs of the educational materials, room rentals, and equipment rental fees incurred by the division of parks and watercraft. Course fees will be determined in accordance with policies established by the chief.

(C) The division of parks and watercraft will deposit all course fees collected into the waterways safety fund established in section 1547.75 of the Revised Code.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-19 Watercraft registration/boating education course fee refunds.

(A) A refund of a watercraft registration fee set forth in section 1547.54 of the Revised Code will be issued in the event the watercraft owner is able to provide proof that the registration fee had been paid multiple times for the current triennial registration time period. A refund may also be issued in those situations where the chief deems a refund is appropriate provided the request for refund was received by the chief within the first thirty days after the purchase of the watercraft registration.

(B) A refund of a boating skill development course or other educational course as set forth in rule 1501:47-1-18 of the Administrative Code will be issued in the event of an emergency, or in those situations where the chief deems a refund is appropriate.

For the purposes of paragraph (B) of this rule, "emergency" is defined as any situation in which the instructor finds it necessary to cancel the course or the student misses the course due to circumstances beyond their control. "Emergencies" include, but are not limited to:

(1) Death or illness of the student or family member;

(2) Natural disaster or impending natural disaster at the course site or the students' home, and the course cannot be made up or rescheduled;

(3) Termination of necessary services at the course site, and the course cannot be made up or rescheduled; and

(4) Forced evacuation of the course site due to epidemic, contamination, or any other threat to the students' health or well being, and the course cannot be made up or rescheduled.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:03 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-20 Muffler noise regulations.

In accordance with division (I)(2) of section 1547.31 of the Revised Code, the following shall be required when conducting a powercraft noise level test:

(A) A sound meter which meets type 1 or type 2 specifications and SAE J 1970 and SAE J 2005 standards shall be used;

(B) A sound level calibrator shall be used to calibrate the sound level meter. The sound level calibrator shall meet all SAE J 1970 and SAE J 2005 standards; and

(C) A sound level test shall be conducted in accordance with all manufacturer specifications pertaining to the specific sound level meter used.

(D) The operator of a powercraft that requests a letter of exemption for the purpose of testing, development, or both shall identify the powercraft concerning which the letter is issued by providing the following information in a letter addressed to the "Chief of the Division of Parks and Watercraft; 2045 Morse Road; Columbus, Ohio 43229."

(1) Hull identification number;

(2) Make;

(3) Model;

(4) Other specific identifying characteristics;

(5) Purpose for operation;

(6) Effective time or date of exemption; and

(7) Date(s) for exemption request.

(E) Requirements for the training of law enforcement officers who conduct powercraft noise level tests shall include the following:

(1) Site selection where noise level is measured;

(2) Calibration requirements; and

(3) Use of specific sound meter devices.

Last updated February 18, 2026 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-22 Operation without personal flotation devices prohibited; exceptions.

In accordance with division (A) of section 1547.25 of the Revised Code, the following are exempted from section 1547.25 of the Revised Code:

(A) Racing shells and rowing sculls;

(B) Sailboards; and

(C) Those individual vessels that have been issued a written exemption by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft and would otherwise be exempt by the federal personal flotation device carriage requirements.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-23 Hull Identification Numbers.

Any vessel that has been issued a hull identification number under the authority of section 1547.65 of the Revised Code must permanently affix and display the hull identification number in accordance with federal law as described in 33 CFR section 181.29.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM

History

Effective: January 10, 2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-27 Pollution placard.

(A) Any vessel, except a vessel of less than twenty-six feet in length, operating upon the waters of this state shall display pollution placards as described within 33 CFR 155.450. Such placards shall be at least five inches by eight inches, made of durable material fixed in a conspicuous place in each machinery space or at the bilge and ballast pump control station, and state the following:

Discharge of oil prohibited.

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste into or upon the navigable waters of the United States, or the waters of the contiguous zone, or which may affect the natural resources belonging to, appertaining to, or under the exclusive management authority of the United States, if such discharge causes a film or discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to substantial civil penalties and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment.

(B) No person shall operate a vessel or permit a vessel to be operated in violation of this rule.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM

History

Effective: January 10, 2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-28 Garbage placard.

(A) Any vessel, except a vessel of less than twenty-six feet in length operating upon the waters of this state, must have a garbage placard of at least nine inches wide by four inches high, made of durable material, lettered with letters at least one-eighth inch high as described within 33 CFR 151.59.

(B) The placard must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the vessel at all times and notify the reader of the following:

(1) The discharge of plastic, or garbage, or any other waste mixed with plastic into the water is prohibited.

(2) The discharge of dunnage, lining and packing materials that float into the water is prohibited.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:23 PM

History

Effective: January 10, 2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-1-29 Copy of rules.

(A) Upon the waters of this state, the operator of each self-propelled vessel twelve meters or more in length shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the inland navigation rules as required by 33 CFR 88.05.

(B) No person shall operate a vessel or permit a vessel to be operated in violation of this rule.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 12:23 PM

History

Effective: January 10, 2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:47-2 Rules of Navigation

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-01 Application of rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code.

(A) Rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code apply to all vessels upon the waters in the state of Ohio.

(B) All vessels complying with the construction and equipment requirements of the "Code of Federal Regulations" and the "International Navigational Rules Act of 1977" and any amendments thereto are considered in compliance with rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Nothing in rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the secretary of the navy with respect to additional station or signal lights and shapes or whistle signals for ships of war and vessels proceeding under convoy, or by the secretary with respect to additional station or signal lights and shapes for fishing vessels engaged in fishing as a fleet. These additional station lights and shapes or whistle signals shall, so far as possible, be such that they cannot be mistaken for any light, shape, or signal authorized elsewhere under these rules.

(D) Vessel traffic service rules may be in effect in certain areas.

(E) Whenever the secretary determines that a vessel or class of vessels of special construction or purpose cannot comply fully with the provisions of any of these rules with respect to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, without interfering with the special function of the vessel, the vessel shall comply with such other provisions in regard to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signalling appliances, as the secretary shall have determined to be the closest possible compliance with these rules. The secretary may issue a certificate of alternative compliance for a vessel or class of vessels specifying the closest possible compliance with these rules. The secretary of the navy shall make these determinations and issue certificates of alternative compliance for vessels of the navy.

(F) The secretary may accept a certificate of alternative compliance issued by a contracting party to the "International Navigational Rules Act of 1977" if he determines that the alternative compliance standards of the contracting party are substantially the same as those of the United States.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-36

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in rules 1501:47-2-32 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code, or may direct the beam of its searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.

For the purposes of this rule, the term "embarrass" means to interfere with, in any way, the safe navigation of any vessel.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-02 Responsibility.

(A) Nothing in rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code shall exonerate any vessel, or the operator, owner, master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of operator, owner, master or crew thereof, or by the special circumstances of the case.

(B) In construing and complying with this chapter due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 18, 1991
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-03 Definitions for rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code.

For the purpose of rules 1501:47-2-01 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code, except where the context otherwise requires, the definitions are as follows:

(A) "Vessel" includes every description of watercraft, including nondisplacement craft and seaplanes, including wing-in-ground craft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.

(B) "Power-driven vessel" means any vessel propelled by machinery, fuel, rockets, or similar device.

(D) "Vessel engaged in fishing" means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing apparatus which do not restrict maneuverability or fishing vessels engaged in recreational fishing.

(E) "Seaplanes" includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water.

(F) "Wing-in-Ground craft" (WIG) means a multimodal craft which, in its main operational mode, flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action.

(G) "Vessel not under command" means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

(H) "Vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver" means a vessel which from the nature of its work is restricted in its ability to maneuver as required by these rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel; vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver include, but are not limited to;

(1) A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigation mark, submarine cable, or pipeline.

(2) A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying, or underwater operations.

(3) A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring of persons, provisions, or cargo while underway.

(4) A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft.

(5) A vessel engaged in minesweeping operations.

(6) A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and its tow in their ability to deviate from their course.

(I) "Underway" means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore or aground.

(J) "Length" and "breadth" of a vessel means its length overall and greatest breadth.

(K) "In sight of one another," vessels shall be deemed to be in sight of one another only when one can be observed visually from the other.

(L) "Restricted visibility" means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar causes.

(M) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department in which the United States coast guard is operating.

(N) "Waters" and "waters in this state" means all streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, water courses, waterways, and all other bodies of water, natural or man-made, which are situated wholly or partially within this state or within its jurisdiction which are navigable or used for recreational boating.

(O) "Person" includes any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or body politic, except, the United States and this state and includes any agent, trustee, executor, receiver, assignee, or other representative thereof.

(P) "Owner" includes any person who claims lawful possession of a vessel by virtue of legal title or equitable interest therein which entitled him to such possession.

(Q) "Operator" includes any person who navigates or has under his control a vessel on the waters in this state.

(R) "Navigable waters" means waters which come under the jurisdiction of the department of the army of the United States and any waterways within or adjacent to this state, except inland lakes having neither a navigable inlet or outlet.

(S) "Inland navigational rules act" hereinafter referred to as "I.N.R.A." means the "Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980," and any annexes thereto, 94 Stat. 3415, 33 U.S.C.A. 151, 1604, 1605, 1608, 2001 to 2008, and 2071 to 2073 and any amendments thereto.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 8, 2014
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-04 Application of rules 1501:47-2-04 to 1501:47-2-10 of the Administrative Code.

Rules 1501:47-2-04 to 1501:47-2-10 of the Administrative Code apply in any condition of visibility.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-10

Each vessel required by the "Code of Federal Regulations" to participate in a vessel traffic service shall comply with the applicable regulations.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-05 Proper look-out required.

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-06 Safe speed.

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that it can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into account:

(A) By all vessels:

(1) The state of visibility.

(2) The traffic density including concentration of fishing vessels or any other vessels.

(3) The maneuverability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions.

(4) At night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter of its own lights.

(5) The state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards.

(6) The draft in relation to the available depth of water.

(B) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:

(1) The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment.

(2) Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use.

(3) The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather, and other sources of interference.

(4) The possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range.

(5) The number, location, and movement of vessels detected by radar.

(6) The more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity.

For the purposes of this rule the term "collision" includes every description of accident or casualty either intentional or unintentional.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-07 Risk of collision.

(A) Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.

(B) Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.

(D) In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account:

(1) Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.

(2) Such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-08 Action to avoid collision.

(A) Any action taken to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

(B) Any alteration of course or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course or speed should be avoided.

(C) If there is sufficient sea room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.

(D) Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

(E) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken its speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing its means of propulsion.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-09 Narrow channels.

(A)

(1) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on its starboard side as is safe and practicable.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (A)(1) of this rule and paragraph (A) of rule 1501:47-2-14 of the Administrative Code, a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels or fairways on lake Erie and its tributaries and the Ohio river and its tributaries and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by paragraph (A)(1) of rule 1501:47-2-34 of the Administrative Code, as appropriate. The vessel proceeding upbound against the current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing.

(B) A vessel of less than twenty meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

(C) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

(D) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within that channel or fairway. The latter vessel shall use the danger signal prescribed in paragraph (D) of rule 1501:47-2-34 of the Administrative Code if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.

(E)

(1) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate its intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in paragraph (C) of rule 1501:47-2-34 of the Administrative Code and take steps to permit safe passing. The overtaken vessel, if in agreement, shall sound the same signal. If in doubt it shall sound the danger signal prescribed in paragraph (D) of rule 1501:47-2-34 of the Administrative Code.

(2) This rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of its obligation under rule 1501:47-2-13 of the Administrative Code.

(F) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in paragraph (E) of rule 1501:47-2-34 of the Administrative Code.

(G) Every vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

(H) Vessels leaving a dock, boat slip, tie-up space, or mooring shall yield the right-of-way to all vessels approaching such dock, boat slip, tie-up space, or mooring.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 8, 2014
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-14

(A) Unless otherwise agreed, when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter its course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.

(B) Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night it could see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line or both sidelights and by day it observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.

(C) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists it shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly.

(D) Notwithstanding paragraph (A) of this rule, a power-driven vessel operating on lake Erie and its tributaries, the Ohio river and its tributaries (or waters specified by the secretary) and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by paragraph (A)(1) of rule 1501:47-2-34 of the Administrative Code, as appropriate.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 8, 2014
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-34

(A) When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile of each other, each vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by this rule.

(1) Shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on its whistle one short blast to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side", two short blasts to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side", and three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion."

(2) Upon hearing the one or two blast signal of the other shall, if in agreement, sound the same whistle signal and take the steps necessary to effect a safe passing. If, however, from any cause, the vessel doubts the safety of the proposed maneuver, it shall sound the danger signal specified in paragraph (D) of this rule and each vessel shall take appropriate precautionary action until a safe passing agreement is made.

(B) A vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule by light signals:

(1) These signals shall have the following significance: one flash to mean "I intend to leave you on my port side"; two flashes to mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side"; three flashes to mean "I am operating astern propulsion."

(2) The duration of each flash shall be about one second.

(3) The light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be one all-round white or yellow light, visible at a minimum range of two miles, synchronized with the whistle, and shall comply with the provisions of annex I of the "I.N.R.A."

(1) A power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate its intention by the following signals on its whistle: one short blast to mean "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side"; two short blasts to mean "I intend to overtake you on your port side."

(2) The power-driven vessel about to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound a similar sound signal. If in doubt it shall sound the danger signal prescribed in paragraph (D) of this rule.

(D) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. This signal may be supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes.

(E) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast. This signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.

(F) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than one hundred meters, one whistle only shall be used for giving maneuvering and warning signals.

(G) When a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth, it shall sound one prolonged blast.

(H) A vessel that reaches agreement with another vessel in a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation by using the radiotelephone as prescribed by the "Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act", 85 Stat. 165; 33 U.S.C. 1207, is not obliged to sound the whistle signals prescribed by this rule, but may do so. If agreement is not reached, then whistle signals shall be exchanged in a timely manner and shall prevail.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-13

(A) Notwithstanding anything contained in rules 1501:47-2-04 to 1501:47-2-18 of the Administrative Code, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

(B) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than twenty-two and one half degrees abaft its beam; that is, in such a position with reference to the vessel it is overtaking, that at night it would be able to only see the sternlight of that vessel but neither of its sidelights.

(C) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether it is overtaking another, it shall assume that this is the case and act accordingly.

(D) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these rules or relieve it of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until it is finally past and clear.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-11 Application of rules 1501:47-2-11 to 1501:47-2-18 of the Administrative Code.

Rules 1501:47-2-11 to 1501:47-2-18 of the Administrative Code apply to vessels in sight of one another.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-18

Except where rules 1501:47-2-09, 1501:47-2-10, and 1501:47-2-13 of the Administrative Code otherwise require:

(A) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(1) A vessel not under command.

(2) A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver.

(3) A vessel engaged in fishing.

(4) A sailing vessel.

(B) A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(1) A vessel not under command.

(2) A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver.

(3) A vessel engaged in fishing.

(1) A vessel not under command.

(2) A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver.

(D) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, it shall comply with the rules of this part.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-12 Sailing vessels.

(A) When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:

(1) When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.

(2) When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward.

(3) If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, it shall keep out of the way of the other.

(B) For the purpose of this rule the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged vessel, the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-15 Crossing situation.

(A) When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on its starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

(B) Notwithstanding paragraph (A) of this rule, on lake Erie and its tributaries, the Ohio river and its tributaries (or water specified by the secretary) a vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 18, 1991
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-16 Action by give-way vessel.

Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-17 Action by stand-on vessel.

(A)

(1) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the other shall keep its course and speed.

(2) The latter vessel may, however, take action to avoid collision by its maneuver alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to it that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance with this chapter.

(B) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep its course and speed finds itself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, it shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.

(C) A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with paragraph (A)(2) of this rule to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on its own port side.

(D) This rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of its obligation to keep out of the way.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility.

(A) This rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

(B) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have its engines ready for immediate maneuver.

(C) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with rules 1501:47-2-04 to 1501:47-2-10 of the Administrative Code.

(D) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists. If so, it shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided: an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken and an alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

(E) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of its beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of its beam, shall reduce its speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on course. It shall if necessary take all its way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-20 Application of rules 1501:47-2-20 to 1501:47-2-31 of the Administrative Code.

(A) Rules 1501:47-2-20 to 1501:47-2-31 of the Administrative Code shall be complied with in all weather.

(B) The rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise local time, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.

(C) The lights prescribed by this chapter shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset local time in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.

(D) Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with from sunrise to sunset local time.

(E) The lights and shapes specified in these rules shall comply with the provisions of annex I of the "I.N.R.A."

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-31

Where it is impracticable for a seaplane or wing-in-ground craft to exhibit lights and shapes of the characteristics or in the positions prescribed in the rules of this chapter it shall exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar in characteristics and position as is possible.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: April 17, 2007
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-21 Definitions for rules 1501:47-2-21 to 1501:47-2-31 of the Administrative Code.

For the purpose of rules 1501:47-2-21 to 1501:47-2-31 of the Administrative Code, except where the context otherwise requires, the definitions are as follows:

(A) "Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of two hundred twenty-five degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to twenty-two and one-half degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than twelve meters in length the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.

(B) "Sidelights" mean a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of one hundred twelve and one-half degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to twenty-two and one-half degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. On a vessel of less than twenty meters in length the side lights may be in combination in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel, except on a vessel of less than twelve meters in length the sidelights when combined in one lantern shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.

(C) "Sternlight" means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of one hundred thirty-five degrees and so fixed as to show the light sixty-seven and one-half degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.

(D) "Towing light" means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the sternlight defined in paragraph (C) of this rule.

(E) "All-round light" means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of three hundred sixty degrees.

(F) "Flashing light" means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of one hundred twenty flashes or more per minute.

(G) "Special flashing light" means a yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of fifty to seventy flashes per minute, placed as far forward and as nearly as practicable on the fore and aft centerline of the tow and showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of not less than one hundred eighty degrees nor more than two hundred twenty-five degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to abeam and no more than twenty-two and one-half degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-22 Visibility of lights.

The lights prescribed in these rules shall have an intensity as specified in annex I of the "I.N.R.A.", so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(A) In a vessel of fifty meters or more in length:

(1) A masthead light, six miles.

(2) A sidelight, three miles.

(3) A sternlight, three miles.

(4) A towing light, three miles.

(5) A white, red, green or yellow all-around light, three miles.

(6) A special flashing light, two miles.

(B) In a vessel of twelve meters or more in length but less than fifty meters in length:

(1) A masthead light, five miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than twenty meters, three miles.

(2) A sidelight, two miles.

(3) A sternlight, two miles.

(4) A towing light, two miles.

(5) A white, red, green or yellow all-around light, two miles.

(6) A special flashing light, two miles.

(1) A masthead light, two miles.

(2) A sidelight, one mile.

(3) A sternlight, two miles.

(4) A towing light, two miles.

(5) A white, red, green or yellow all-around light, two miles.

(6) A special flashing light, two miles.

(D) In an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed: a white all-round light, three miles.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-23 Power-driven vessels underway.

(A) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

(1) A masthead light forward; except that a vessel of less than twenty meters in length need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable.

(2) A second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than fifty meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so.

(3) Sidelights.

(4) A sternlight.

(B) An air-cushion vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be seen.

(C) A power-driven vessel of less than twelve meters in length may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule, exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.

(D) A power-driven vessel when operating on the great lakes may carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and sternlight prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule. The light shall be carried in the position of the second masthead light and be visible at the same minimum range.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-24 Towing and pushing.

(A) A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit:

(1) Instead of the light prescribed either in paragraph (A)(1) or (A)(2) of rule 1501:47-2-23 of the Administrative Code, two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds two hundred meters, three such lights in a vertical line.

(2) Sidelights.

(3) A sternlight.

(4) A towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight.

(5) When the length of the tow exceeds two hundred meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(B) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-23 of the Administrative Code.

(C) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as required by paragraphs (B) and (C)(1) of this rule, shall exhibit:

(1) Instead of the light prescribed either in paragraph (A)(1) or (A)(2) of rule 1501:47-2-23 of the Administrative Code, two masthead lights in a vertical line.

(2) Sidelights.

(3) Two towing lights in a vertical line.

(D) A power-driven vessel to which paragraph (A) or (C) of this rule apply shall also comply with paragraphs (A)(1) and (A)(2) of rule 1501:47-2-23 of the Administrative Code.

(E) A vessel or object other than those referred to in paragraph (G) of this rule being towed shall exhibit:

(1) Sidelights.

(2) A sternlight.

(3) When the length of the tow exceeds two hundred meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(F) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel:

(1) A vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end sidelights, and a special flashing light.

(2) A vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end sidelights.

(G) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed shall exhibit:

(1) If it is less than twenty-five meters in breadth, one all-round white light at or near each end.

(2) If it is twenty-five meters or more in breadth, four all-round white lights to mark its length and breadth.

(3) If it exceeds one hundred meters in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in paragraphs (G)(1) and (G)(2) of this rule so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed one hundred meters: provided, that any vessels or objects being towed alongside each other shall be lighted as one vessel or object.

(4) A diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed.

(5) The towing vessel may direct a searchlight in the direction of the tow to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel.

(H) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (E) or (G) of this rule, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of the unlighted vessel or object.

(I) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed by paragraph (A), (C) or (I) of this rule, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being assisted. The searchlight authorized by rule 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code may be used to illuminate the tow.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars.

(A) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:

(1) Sidelights.

(2) A sternlight.

(B) In a sailing vessel of less than twenty meters in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.

(C) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by paragraph (B) of this rule.

(D)

(1) A sailing vessel of less than seven meters in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (A) or (B) of this rule, but if it does not, it shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(2) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if it does not, it shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(E) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downward. A vessel of less than twelve meters in length is not required to exhibit this shape, but may do so.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-26 Fishing vessels.

(A) A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this rule.

(B) A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging through the water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall exhibit:

(1) Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than twenty meters in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket.

(2) A masthead light abaft of and higher than the all-round green light; a vessel of less than fifty meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so.

(3) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(1) Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than twenty meters in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket.

(2) When there is outlying gear extending more than one hundred fifty meters horizontally from the vessel, an all-round white light or a cone apex upward in the direction of the gear.

(3) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(D) A vessel engaged in fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing may exhibit the additional signals described in annex II of the "I.N.R.A."

(E) A vessel when not engaged in fishing shall not exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this rule, but only those prescribed for a vessel of its length.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-27 Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver.

(A) A vessel not under command shall exhibit:

(1) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen.

(2) Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen.

(3) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(B) A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, except a vessel engaged in minesweeping operations, shall exhibit:

(1) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white.

(2) Three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond.

(3) When making way through the water, masthead lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (B)(1) of this rule.

(4) When at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this rule, the light, lights or shapes prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-30 of the Administrative Code.

(C) A vessel engaged in a towing operation which severely restricts the towing vessel and its tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this rule, exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-24 of the Administrative Code.

(D) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in its ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in paragraphs (B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3) of this rule and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:

(1) Two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the obstruction exists.

(2) Two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass.

(3) When at anchor, the lights or shape prescribed by this rule, instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-30 of the Administrative Code for anchored vessels.

(E) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in paragraph (D) of this rule, the following shall instead be exhibited:

(1) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen; the highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white.

(2) A rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than one meter in height; measures shall be taken to insure its all-round visibility.

(F) A vessel engaged in minesweeping operations shall, in addition to the lights prescribed for a power-driven in rule 1501:47-2-23 of the Administrative Code, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach closer than one thousand meters astern or five hundred meters on either side of the minesweeper.

(G) A vessel of less than twelve meters in length, except when engaged in diving operations, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this rule.

(H) The signals prescribed in this rule are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in annex IV of the "I.N.R.A."

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-30

(A) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

(1) In the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball.

(2) At or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule, an all-round white light.

(B) A vessel of less than fifty meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule.

(C) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of one hundred meters or more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate its decks.

(D) A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (A) or (B) of this rule and in addition, if practicable, where they can best be seen:

(1) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line.

(2) Three balls in a vertical line.

(E) A vessel of less than seven meters in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway, anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in paragraphs (A) and (B) of this rule.

(F) A vessel of less than twelve meters in length when aground shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (D)(1) and (D)(2) of this rule.

(G) A vessel of less than twenty meters in length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the secretary or by this state or any of its political subdivisions, shall not be required to exhibit the anchor lights and shapes required by this rule.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 18, 1991
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-29 Pilot vessels.

(A) A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:

(1) At or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower red.

(2) When underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight.

(3) When at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule, the anchor light, lights, or shape prescribed in rule 1501:47-2-30 of the Administrative Code for anchored vessels.

(B) A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a vessel of its length.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-32 Definitions for rules 1501:47-2-32 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code.

For the purpose of rules 1501:47-2-32 to 1501:47-2-36 of the Administrative Code, except where the context otherwise requires, the definitions are as follows:

(A) "Whistle" means any sound signaling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with specifications in annex III of the "I.N.R.A."

(B) "Short blast" means a blast of about one second duration.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-33 Equipment for sound signals.

(A) Any vessel operating on the waters of this state shall be equipped with sound signaling devices as follows:

(1) A vessel of twelve meters or more in length shall be provided with a whistle.

(2) A vessel of twenty meters or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to the required whistle.

(3) A vessel of one hundred meters or more, in addition to the required whistle and bell, shall be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell.

(B) Any whistle, bell, or gong shall comply with the specifications in annex III of the "I.N.R.A." The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible.

(C) A vessel of less than twelve meters in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signaling appliances prescribed in paragraph (A) of this rule but if it does not, it shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal.

(D) A vessel that is propelled by human muscular effort, a sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel less than sixteen feet in length, when using waters other than lake Erie, the Ohio river or the Muskingum river, shall not be obligated to carry the sound signaling appliances prescribed in paragraphs (A) and (B) of this rule or produce the sound signals prescribed in rules 1501:47-2-34 and 1501:47-2-35 of the Administrative Code.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 8, 2014
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-2-35

In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this rule shall be used as follows:

(A) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, one prolonged blast.

(B) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about two seconds between them.

(C) A vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, whether underway or at anchor; a sailing vessel; a vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor; and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (A) or (B) of this rule, sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, three blasts in succession; namely, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts.

(D) A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel of the tow, if manned, shall at intervals of not more than two minutes sound four blasts in succession; namely, one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel.

(E) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and shall give the signals prescribed in paragraph (A) or (B) of this rule.

(F) A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds. In a vessel of one hundred meters or more in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about five seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may in addition sound three blasts in succession; namely, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, to give warning of its position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.

(G) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the gong signal prescribed in paragraph (F) of this rule and shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell. A vessel aground may in addition sound an appropriate whistle signal.

(H) A vessel of less than twelve meters in length shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals but, if it does not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than two minutes.

(I) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraph (A), (B) or (F) of this rule sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts.

(J) The following vessels shall not be required to sound signals as prescribed in paragraph (F) of this rule when anchored in a special anchorage area designated by the secretary:

(1) A vessel of less than twenty meters in length.

(2) A barge, canal boat, scow, or other nondescript craft.

No person shall operate or permit to be operated, any vessel on the waters in this state, in violation of this rule.

History

Effective: August 24, 1990
Promulgated Under: Ch 119.

Chapter 1501:47-3 State Park Areas

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-01 Exceptions.

The rules contained within Chapter 1501:47-3 of the Administrative Code are applicable to all water areas under the supervision and control of the Ohio division of parks and watercraft. However, nothing herein is to be interpreted or construed in such a manner as to prevent or delay authorized personnel of the department of natural resources in the completion of necessary duties or while on patrol or emergency service.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-02 Definition of terms.

Whenever used in any division of parks and watercraft rules, the following terms, unless otherwise expressly defined, mean and include each of the meanings as provided herin.

(A) "Air propelled powercraft" means any powercraft propelled by machinery which produces a current of air for the purpose of locomotion and direction control on water or marsh areas.

(B) "All purpose vehicle" as used in these rules has the same meaning as set forth in section 4519.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Closed Zone" means any water area wherein the presence or operation of any recreational vessel is prohibited, and is marked as provided in section 1547.08 of the Revised Code.

(D) "Danger zone" means that water area wherein are located navigational hazards requiring reduced operating speeds.

(E) "Department" means the state of Ohio, department of natural resources.

(F) "Division" means the state of Ohio, department of natural resources, division of parks and watercraft.

(G) "Dock" means that part of any structure over or on the water of the division which may be used for the moorage of one or more vessels.

(H) "Horsepower" means the horsepower rating published by the manufacturer for the power unit involved.

(I) "Ice boat" means any contrivance used or designed to skim over frozen bodies of water and which is driven along by sail, propeller, motor, or jet engine.

(J) "Lock" means the lock walls, chamber, gates and the adjoining areas in the immediate vicinity of any enclosed part of a canal, river, stream or other waterway, equipped with gates so that the level of the water in the chamber can be changed to raise or lower boats from one level to another.

(K) "No motor zone" means any water area wherein the operation of powercraft is unlawful. No motor zone buoys will display text stating "No Motors."

(L) "Operator" means any person who operates or is in actual physical control of a vehicle which includes but is not limited to a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle, motor vehicle, bicycle, recreational vessel or recreational vessel and detachable motor.

(M) "Owner" includes any person, firm, association, partnership or corporation, owning, leasing, operating, or having the exclusive use of a vehicle, watercraft, animal, or any other property under lease or otherwise, or any of the above who claims lawful possession by virtue of legal title or equitable interest therein which entitles him to such possession.

(N) "Person" includes any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or body politic, or any combination of individuals, except the United States and the state of Ohio, and includes any agent, trustee, executor, receiver, assignee, or other representative thereof.

(O) "Shore zone" means that water area of a uniform width of three hundred feet lying parallel with and contiguous to the shoreline, except that as it pertains to lake White, Salt Fork lake, lake Loramie, Dillon lake, and Delaware lake, where "shore zone" means that water area of a uniform width of one hundred feet lying parallel and contiguous to the shoreline.

(P) "Ski zone" means any water area whereon towed watersports activities are permitted within the buoys so placed to designate the zone. Ski zone buoys will display text stating "Ski Zone."

(Q) "Special water ski zone" means a ski zone designated for public use and wherein equipment or facilities for trick skiing may be placed or acrobatic skiing by more than one person acting together may be performed.

(R) "Speed zone" means any water area wherein powercraft may be operated at such a speed as is reasonable, having due regard to traffic, surface and any hazardous conditions then existing. Speed zone buoys will display text stating "Speed Zone."

(S) "Unzoned area" means any water area that has not been zoned.

(T) "Water" and "water area" means any and all bodies of water in a liquid or frozen condition which are administered by the division.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-03 Authority of lock personnel.

The lock personnel are charged with the immediate control and management of a navigation lock, and of the area set aside as the lock area, including the lock approach channels. The lock personnel will ensure that all laws, rules, regulations, and signs for the use of the lock and lock area are duly complied with, to which end such lock personnel are authorized to give all necessary orders and directions in accordance therewith, both to employees of the state and to any and every person within the limits of the lock or lock area, whether navigating the lock or not. It is a violation of this rule for any person to cause any movement of any vessel, boat or other floating thing in the lock or lock approaches except by or under the direction of the lock personnel.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-08 Ten-mile per hour speed limit; exceptions.

It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a powercraft within or on any water of the division of parks and watercraft at any time at a speed greater than ten miles per hour, except from sunrise to sunset in the designated speed zones, ski zones, open zones, or unzoned water areas.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-09 Speed and ski zone operation.

Any person who operates or permits the operation of a powercraft within or through a designated speed zone, ski zone or unzoned area designated for combined speed boating and water skiing as provided in rule 1501:47-3-08 of the Administrative Code, between the hours of sunrise E.S.T. to sunset E.S.T. is responsible for ensuring that the powercraft does not exceed a speed that is reasonable, having due regard to traffic, surface and any other hazardous conditions then existing within such zones. Except from sunset E.S.T. to sunrise E.S.T. the speed limit for all watercraft is reduced to ten miles per hour within or through said zones.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-10 Airfoils prohibited.

While being towed by a watercraft, it is unlawful for any person to have any airfoil or balloon device in hand or affixed to the person for the purpose of becoming airborne over the waters of the division of parks and watercraft.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-11 Air propelled powercraft, hovercraft.

Except as provided in rule 1501:46-13-11 of the Administrative Code, no person shall use or operate any air propelled powercraft or hovercraft on any water area of the division of parks and watercraft except that it shall be lawful to use these craft in the speed or ski zone only on the waters of the division of parks and watercraft named in this paragraph, and also in the waters that directly lead from a launch ramp or dock facility to these speed or ski zones.

Indian lake

Grand Lake St. Marys

Buckeye lake

Mosquito lake

Rocky Fork lake

Lake Milton

Last updated January 9, 2023 at 8:38 AM

History

Effective: September 3, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:46-13-11

(A) Upon or within the boundaries of any lands administered by the division it is permissible to utilize any land class aircraft operated by an onboard pilot, including but not limited to any single or multi-engine airplane, helicopter or gyroplane, wing-in-ground craft, balloon or lighter than air ship, glider, powered lift aircraft, ultralight or powered parachute, or any other flying machine or aerial apparatus, to take off, ascend, land, alight, or otherwise come to rest where designated airfields or maintained landing zones are located.

(B) Upon any waters administered by the division it is permissible to take off, ascend, land, alight, or otherwise come to rest, utilizing a sea class aircraft operated by an onboard pilot, including but not limited to, any sea plane or float plane, amphibious helicopter, wing-in-ground craft, glider, parachute, or any other amphibious flying machine or aerial apparatus, on any body of water meeting all of the following criteria:

(1) Designated as unlimited horsepower;

(2) Having no speed or wake restrictions that apply to the waterway as a whole, and;

(3) Having an established sea plane landing zone designated by the Ohio department of transportation, office of aviation or the federal aviation administration (FAA).

Sea class aircraft are not permitted to operate in any water area where motorized vessels are not permitted or in any water area designated for motorized vessels powered only by electric motors. Any person landing or taking off from the waters of the division as permitted by this rule may use the waters of the division as necessary to taxi between such landing area and a service or docking area.

It is the responsibility of any pilot endeavoring to take off, ascend, land or alight upon the waters administered by the division to be fully aware of and comply with the boundaries of the approved landing zone and comply with inland navigation rules as prescribed in 33 CFR, subchapter E, part 83, rules 4 through 19, including taking actions to keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding the navigation of any watercraft.

(C) It is not permissible for any person to operate or permit the operation of any unmanned aerial craft within the boundaries of any state park except with permission from the chief or the chief's authorized agent, or where airfields or landing zones maintained specifically for such craft are located.

For the purposes of this rule, "unmanned aerial craft" includes but is not limited to, any drone, model aircraft, unmanned aircraft system, or other flying machine capable of achieving flight without carrying a human pilot or operator while in flight, and possesses any of the following attributes:

(1) Is mechanically powered by an electric or combustion motor,

(2) Achieves flight through the employment of a non-mechanical propulsion system utilizing petroleum-based fuel, chemical fuel, composite fuel, open combustion, or any combination thereof,

(3) Is controlled by an operator by means of a radio control unit or other wireless device, or

(4) Is designed to be capable of achieving or sustaining flight at an altitude of one hundred feet or more for a period of time exceeding one minute.

"Unmanned aerial craft" does not include toys or novelties that are propelled through human muscular effort, mechanisms powered by the kinetic energy of elastic bands or springs, or that are launched with a human-generated surge of air or water pressure.

Except with permission from the chief or the chief's authorized agent, it is not permissible for any person to utilize unmanned aerial craft to engage in photographing, filming, or otherwise recording public activities, historical or cultural features, natural formations, division owned or operated facilities, or any other aspects of the lands and waters under the management authority of the division.

It is mandatory for any person operating or allowing the operation of an unmanned aerial craft to comply with all federal aviation administration regulations currently in effect including such rules restricting operations over people and operations over moving vehicles. In accordance with the federal rules, it is not permissible for the operation of an unmanned aerial craft over any open-air assemblies of human beings, beaches, boats, or roadways in any area administered by the division.

The use of any unmanned aerial craft for the purpose of harassing wildlife within the boundaries of any lands or waters of the division is restricted to only such persons that have obtained an official nuisance animal control permit and permission from the chief or the chief's authorized agent to conduct such activities.

It is unlawful for any person to utilize or allow the utilization of any unmanned aerial craft for the purpose of harassing persons on any lands or waters of the division.

(D) It is unlawful for any person to voluntarily or negligently operate any land class, sea class, unmanned aerial craft or other aerial apparatus as described in this rule, within or upon the lands or waters administered by the division in violation of the provisions of this rule.

Last updated January 2, 2025 at 9:04 AM

History

Effective: January 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-12 Horsepower limitations; paddlecraft.

The maximum allowable horsepower rating for any motorized canoe, kayak, or paddleboard on waters managed by the division of parks and watercraft is four horsepower.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-13 Powercraft prohibited in no motor zone.

No person is permitted to start, engage, or operate any mechanical propulsion device to maneuver a powercraft within or through a "No Motor Zone."

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-14 No wake zones.

No person is permitted to operate or allow the operation of a powercraft at a speed that produces a wake within or through a shore zone or danger zone or through any area marked as a no wake zone at any time.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-15 No watercraft permitted.

No person is permitted to launch or operate any watercraft on any water areas located at Tinkers creek state park.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-16 No powercraft permitted.

The operation of powercraft is not permitted on the following waters of the division of parks and watercraft.

Kiser lake

Green Pine lake (Punderson state park)

Stump lake (Punderson state park)

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-17 Lakes permitting electric motors only.

No powercraft, except motorized watercraft propelled by an electric motor and operated at no-wake speed, are permitted to operate on the waters of the division of parks and watercraft in the following areas:

A.W. Marion state park

Adams lake state park

Barkcamp state park

Blue Rock state park

Findley state park

Jefferson lake state park

Lake Alma state park

Lake Hope state park

Madison lake state park

Middle Harbor at East Harbor state park

Mt. Gilead state park

Nimisila reservoir at Portage lakes state park

Inland lakes and ponds at Maumee Bay state park

Pike lake state park

Punderson state park

Lake Roosevelt at Shawnee state park

Rose lake at Hocking Hills state park

Scioto Trail state park

Stonelick state park

Tar Hollow state park

Van Buren state park

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-18 Lakes permitting no wake operation.

On waters under the management authority of the division of parks and watercraft listed in this rule, no person shall operate or permit the operation of a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed as defined in section 1546.01 of the Revised Code:

(A) Harrison lake at Harrison lake state park.

(B) Turkey creek lake at Shawnee state park.

History

Effective: January 30, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-19 Lakes permitting ten horsepower.

No person shall operate or permit the operation of a powercraft propelled by a motor or combination of motors with a horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower through the waters of the division of parks and watercraft in the following state park areas:

Cowan lake state park

Guilford lake state park

Jesse Owens state park

Lake Logan state park

Wolf Run state park

Strouds Run state park

History

Effective: January 30, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-20 Lakes permitting more than ten horsepower.

Powercraft propelled by a motor with a horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower may be operated upon the waters of the division of parks and watercraft in the following park areas.

Buckeye lake state park

Deer creek state park

Delaware state park

Dillon state park

Grand Lake St. Marys state park

Indian lake state park

Lake Loramie state park

Lake White state park

Mosquito state park

Portage lakes state park

Rocky Fork state park

Salt Fork state park

West Branch state park

Alum creek state park

Buck creek state park

Paint creek state park

Caesar creek state park

East fork state park

Lake Milton state park

Last updated May 6, 2024 at 9:45 AM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-21 Sleeping on watercraft prohibited.

No watercraft is permitted to drift, be anchored, docked, moored, tied up, or beached by the operator, owner, or other occupants on waters of the division of parks and watercraft for the purpose of sleeping thereon at night except at locations that have been designated for such purpose by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-23 Ski patterns.

At those areas where water ski zones are designated, the direction of travel for ski boat traffic on that specific lake may be posted. It is unlawful for any person to operate or cause a watercraft to move in a direction in violation of the posted direction of travel except when a person has fallen overboard or when a skier has fallen, and then only for the purpose of retrieving the fallen person.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-32 Watercraft operation in activity zone.

At Portage lakes state park and Buckeye lake state park, no person is permitted to operate a watercraft in either of the two activity zones for purposes other than the activity that is designated for that period of time. This rule is effective from Memorial day to Labor day between the hours of nine a.m. and eight p.m., and from Labor day to Memorial day between the hours of nine a.m. and sunset.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-33 Limitations on swimming from watercraft; designation of boat swim areas.

(A) It is unlawful to swim, dive, wade or bathe from any watercraft other than in an area that is designated by the division of parks and watercraft as a public beach, swim, dive or wading area in the waters of the following state parks:

(1) Grand lake St. Marys

(2) Indian lake

(3) Lake Loramie

(4) Buckeye lake

(5) Portage lakes

(6) Guilford lake

(7) Lake White

(B) In or upon any waters within the boundaries of areas administered by the division of parks and watercraft not listed in paragraph (A) of this rule, swimming, bathing, diving, or wading from watercraft is only permitted in areas officially designated by the chief as boat swim areas.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:01 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-35 Intoxicating beverages on waters administered by the division of parks and watercraft.

It is unlawful to overtly and publicly consume or display the presence of any beer or intoxicating liquor on any watercraft on any waters administered by the division of parks and watercraft. For the purposes of this section, beer or intoxicating liquor are defined as in section 4301.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-37 Unlimited horsepower at no-wake speed.

It shall be unlawful for any vessel powered by a motor or combination of motors with a horsepower rating of more than ten horsepower to be operated at a speed greater than idle speed or at a speed that creates a wake on the waters of the following areas:

(A) Water areas within the boundaries of Burr Oak state park;

(B) Acton lake at Hueston Woods state park;

(D) Water areas within the boundaries of Forked run state park.

No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel in violation of this rule.

Last updated February 18, 2026 at 7:55 AM

History

Effective: January 10, 2019
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-3-38 Pymatuning horsepower and boating restrictions.

(A) No person shall operate or permit the operation of any watercraft propelled by a single motor or combination of motors that produces a horsepower rating in excess of twenty horsepower on the waters of Pymatuning lake.

(B) On the waters of Pymatuning lake, no person is permitted to ride or attempt to ride upon one or more water skis, surfboards, towed inflatable devices, or similar devices, or use any watercraft to tow a person thereon.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 1:28 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:47-5 Division of Wildlife Areas

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-5-01 Exceptions.

The rules contained within Chapter 1501:47-5 of the Administrative Code are applicable to all waters owned or controlled by the division of wildlife. However, nothing herein is to be interpreted or construed in such a manner as to prevent or delay authorized personnel of the department of natural resources in the completion of necessary duties or while on patrol or emergency service. The division of parks and watercraft's interest in enforcing these rules pertain to the use of boats and motors on water areas under control of the division of wildlife.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:04 PM

History

Effective: June 30, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-5-02 Anchoring, docking, mooring, beaching watercraft on wildlife areas.

(A) Under authority of section 1531.06 of the Revised Code and after compliance with Chapter 1547. of the Revised Code, the chief of the division of wildlife orders that:

(B) It is unlawful for any person to use a watercraft mooring or tie-up stake on any property administered or controlled by the division of wildlife without first having complied with the provisions of rule 1501:31-9-06 of the Administrative Code ("User fee schedule").

(C) It is unlawful for any person to anchor, dock, moor, beach, or tie up any watercraft or leave any watercraft unattended for a period in excess of eight consecutive hours on the Resthaven wildlife area, Margaretta township, Erie county, Ohio.

(D) Watercraft, except watercraft occupied continuously by persons fishing or hunting rails, gallinules, or waterfowl are not permitted to be anchored, docked, moored, beached, tied up, or left unattended by any person on any land or water area of the division of wildlife for a period of time in excess of four hours unless such watercraft is anchored, docked, moored, beached, or tied up at a division-designated public docking area.

(1) It is unlawful for any person to anchor, dock, moor, beach, tie up or leave unattended for a period in excess of forty-eight hours, more than one watercraft on any lake administered or controlled by the wildlife division except as herein provided.

(2) It is unlawful for any person to dock, moor, tie up, leave unattended, or control more than one watercraft at a wildlife division public docking area.

(3) The provisions of this rule and provisions in rule 1501:31-5-02 of the Administrative Code do not apply to concessionaires properly licensed by the department of natural resources to rent watercraft to the public, or watercraft owned by any division within the department of natural resources, or watercraft owned by any agency of the federal government or any political subdivision.

(4) It is unlawful for any person to anchor, dock, moor, beach, or tie up any watercraft at a division-designated public docking area from December first to March first of the following year except waterfowl hunters having a tie-up permit may use such areas during the waterfowl season.

(5) It is unlawful for any person to anchor, dock, moor, beach, or tie up any watercraft, to any designated division public docking area when such watercraft is not properly registered, numbered, or otherwise marked in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1547. of the Revised Code.

(E) Public boat docking areas are designated by signs and may be extended by the chief of the division at any time. Such areas are hereby established on the following water areas:

Aquilla lake	Geauga county
Clark lake	Clark county
Clouse lake	Perry county
Fox lake	Athens county
Grant lake	Brown county
Highlandtown lake	Columbiana county
Knox lake	Knox county
Monroe lake	Monroe county
Oxbow lake	Defiance county
Ross lake	Ross county
Rush run lake	Preble county
Shreve lake	Wayne county
Spencer lake	Medina county
Spring valley lake	Warren county
Tycoon lake	Gallia county
Veto lake	Washington county
Zepernick lake	Columbiana county

(F) It is unlawful for any person to dock, moor, or tie up any watercraft at the division of wildlife dock at the state fish hatchery on South Bass island, Put-In-Bay township, Ottawa county, Ohio unless such person has official business at the state fish hatchery.

(G) It is unlawful for any person to anchor, beach, tie up, or leave any watercraft unattended in the Metzger marsh boat launching channel, for a period in excess of four consecutive hours.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:07 PM

History

Effective: June 30, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:31-9-06

(A) The following fees are hereby established under authority of Chapters 119., 1531., and 1533. of the Revised Code:

(1) The daily fee for Tri-Valley wildlife area when used for field trials is two hundred and thirty-five dollars per day. Persons who pay this fee are entitled to use the field trial grounds, horse corral, parking facilities, meeting room, and dog kennels.

(2) The daily fee for any property used for field trial purposes which is administered or controlled by the division of wildlife is fifty dollars.

(3) The annual use permit fee for watercraft mooring at tie up boat stakes is two hundred and sixty dollars. The annual use permit fee for watercraft mooring at private tie up boat stakes is one hundred dollars. The permit expires on the last day of December of each year.

(4) There is a non-refundable application fee for hunting, fishing and trapping control permits administered by the division of wildlife headquarters office. The non-refundable fee is three dollars when submitted by internet application and up to a five dollar fee when submitted by any other method.

(5) The annual fee for a "Range Permit" is twenty-three dollars and a one dollar writing fee, unless the person also obtains an annual resident hunting license in the same transaction, then the annual fee for a "Range Permit" will be ten dollars and a four per cent writing fee. The annual "Range Permit" is valid on the date of purchase and expires one year from the date of purchase, unless it is purchased in the same transaction with an annual resident hunting license, then the discounted "Range Permit" expires on the same date as the hunting license.

(6) The daily fee for a "Range Permit" is four dollars and a one dollar writing fee. A daily "Range Permit" is valid for only one day of use.

(7) There is a four-dollar fee for reissuing any "Range Permit."

(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to use any of the facilities or participate in any of the activities for which fees have been established under this rule without first having paid said fees and received proof of payment.

(C) It shall be unlawful for any person, except those authorized by the wildlife chief, to sublease, or charge, or accept a fee for any facility on property owned, administered, or operated by the division of wildlife.

(D) The chief of the division of wildlife is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with an individual for the purpose of operating concessions at a facility owned, controlled, or maintained by the division of wildlife. Such fees will be set by the chief in accordance to the service provided to the public.

(E) It shall be unlawful for any person to anchor, dock, moor, beach or tie up any watercraft at a dock space or tie up stake other than that designated on the mooring permit issued by the division of wildlife.

(F) The division of wildlife may produce, acquire, or sell conservation related items which promote wildlife conservation. The chief of the division of wildlife may waive all or any portion of any listed fee for items used in division sponsored programs.

(G) The division may accept bids for trapping rights on properties owned, controlled, or maintained by the division where limited access is maintained, or where animal removal is needed for management or research purposes. The division will advertise each year that trapping by bidding is available through digital media. If any provision of the bid form or contract is violated, the contract will terminate and any fees paid to the state will be forfeited to the state.

(H) The division may accept bids for boat stakes or docks at division facilities on an annual basis when such would be of benefit to the public. The division will determine the number necessary for each lake, and the bid per stake cannot be less than is provided in paragraph (A)(3) of this rule. The successful bidder can dock boats on these facilities and rent the same. The division will advertise each year that boat rental opportunities by bidding will be available. This advertisement will be through digital media. If any provision of the bid form or contract is violated, the contract will terminate and any fees paid to the state will be forfeited to the state.

(I) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code apply to this rule.

Last updated January 2, 2025 at 8:58 AM

History

Effective: January 1, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:31-5-02

Under authority of section 1531.06 of the Revised Code and after compliance with Chapter 1547. of the Revised Code, the chief of the division of wildlife orders that:

(A) No person shall operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a motor, other than an electric motor, to propel a vessel on water areas on the following state-owned or on controlled areas, or on water areas managed under agreement by the division of wildlife.

Barnesville reservoir #2	Belmont county
Barnesville reservoir #3	Belmont county
Barnesville reservoir #4	Belmont county
Belmont lake	Belmont county
Big island wildlife area	Marion county
Circleville canal	Pickaway county
Cooper hollow wildlife area	Jackson county
Darke wildlife area	Darke county
Delaware wildlife area	Delaware, Morrow, and Marion counties
Deer creek lake	Stark county
Deer creek wildlife area	Pickaway, Madison and Fayette counties
Grand river wildlife area	Trumbull county
Hammertown lake wildlife area (Jackson city reservoir)	Jackson county
Hebron canal	Licking and Fairfield counties
Indian creek wildlife area	Brown county
Ismond pond	Columbiana county
Lake Vesuvius	Lawrence county
Miller Blue hole	Sandusky county
New Lexington City reservoir	Perry county
Oberlin reservoir	Lorain county
Oldaker pond wildlife area	Highland county
Orwell pond wildlife area	Ashtabula county
Ottoville quarry wildlife area	Putnam county
Pleasant valley wildlife area	Ross county
Ruff pond wildlife area	Columbiana county
Spring valley wildlife area	Warren county
Timbre Ridge lake	Lawrence county
Tranquility wildlife area	Adams county
Wallace H. O'Dowd wildlife area	Athens county
Walhonding canal	Coshocton county
Waterloo wildlife area	Athens county
Wellington reservoir	Lorain county
Wolf creek wildlife area	Morgan county
Woodbury wildlife area	Coshocton county

(B) No person shall operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a motor, or combination of motors, exceeding a horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower on the waters of Appalachian Hills wildlife area in Morgan, Muskingum and Noble counties, Greenfield lake wildlife area in Fairfield county, Jesse Owens wildlife area in Morgan County, Kokosing lake in Knox county, Rush creek reservoir in Fairfield and Perry counties, Veto lake in Washington county, Rockmill lake wildlife area in Fairfield county, Clouse lake in Perry county, Fox lake in Athens county, Monroe lake in Monroe county, Clark lake in Clark county, Grant lake in Brown county, Rush Run lake in Preble county, Jockey Hollow wildlife area ponds in Harrison county, Zepernick lake wildlife area in Columbiana county, and Highlandtown lake wildlife area in Columbiana county.

(C) No person shall operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a motor, or combination of motors, exceeding a horsepower rating of ten horsepower on Knox lake in Knox county, and Rupert lake in Vinton county unless motors in excess of ten horsepower are operated at idle speed and do not create a wake.

(D) No person shall operate (start/run), or permit to be operated any powercraft on any water area on Aldrich pond wildlife area in Sandusky county, Aquilla lake wildlife area in Geauga county, La Su An wildlife area Williams county, Fallsville wildlife area in Highland county, Fulton ponds wildlife area in Fulton county, Killdeer Plains wildlife area in Wyandot county, New Lyme lake in Ashtabula county, Oxbow lake wildlife area in Defiance county, Resthaven wildlife area in Erie county, Ross lake wildlife area in Ross county, St. Joseph river wildlife area in Williams county, Shreve lake in Wayne county, Spencer lake in Medina county, Tycoon lake wildlife area in Gallia county, Wayne R. Carr lake in Paulding county, and Wingfoot lake in Portage county, unless the powercraft is operated at idle speed and does not create a wake.

(E) No person shall operate (start/run) or permit to be operated an electric motor exceeding four horsepower to propel a vessel on or within any water area owned or controlled by the division of wildlife.

(F) No person shall operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a motor, or combination of motors, exceeding a horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower on any body of water on the American electric power recreation area.

(G) Vessels with higher horsepower motors may be present on the waters listed in this rule provided they comply with paragraphs (A), (B), (C), (D) (E) and (F) of this rule.

(H) No person shall operate (start/run), use, or permit to be operated or used, a boat on Barnesville reservoir no. 1.

(I) It shall be unlawful to operate watercraft on or within any water area owned or controlled by the division of wildlife in a manner that is not in conformity with posted regulations.

(J) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code apply to this rule.

Last updated January 3, 2023 at 9:36 AM

History

Effective: January 1, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-5-03 Use of outboard motors and power boats on wildlife areas.

(A) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit the operation of a powercraft, other than a powercraft propelled by an electric motor, on the following water areas under the management authority of the division of wildlife.

Barnesville reservoir #2	Belmont county
Barnesville reservoir #3	Belmont county
Barnesville reservoir #4	Belmont county
Belmont lake	Belmont county
Big Island wildlife area	Marion county
Circleville canal	Pickaway county
Cooper hollow wildlife area	Jackson county
Darke wildlife area	Darke county
Deer creek lake	Stark county
Deer creek wildlife area	Pickaway, Madison and Fayette counties
Delaware wildlife area	Delaware, Morrow and Marion countries
Grand river wildlife area	Trumbull county
Hammertown lake wildlife area (Jackson city reservoir)	Jackson county
Hebron canal	Licking and Fairfield counties
Indian creek wildlife area	Brown county
Ismond pond	Columbiana county
Lake Vesuvius	Lawrence county
Miller blue hole	Sandusky county
New Lexington city reservoir	Perry county
Oberlin reservoir	Lorain county
Oldaker pond wildlife area	Highland county
Orwell pond wildlife area	Ashtabula county
Ottoville quarry wildlife area	Putnam county
Pleasant valley wildlife area	Ross county
Ruff pond wildlife area	Columbiana county
Spring valley wildlife area	Warren county
Timbre Ridge lake	Lawrence county
Tranquility wildlife area	Adams county
Wallace H. O'Dowd wildlife area	Athens county
Walhonding canal	Coshocton county
Waterloo wildlife area	Athens county
Wellington reservoir	Lorain county
Wolf creek wildlife area	Morgan county
Woodbury wildlife area	Coshocton county

(B) On the following water areas, the presence of any portable or external liquid fuel container or any outboard motor, other than an electric motor, is prohibited. It is not lawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit the operation of any watercraft propelled by an inboard or outboard motor other than an electric motor:

East Branch reservoir	Geauga county
LaDue reservoir	Geauga county
Mogadore reservoir	Portage county

(C) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a powercraft propelled by a motor, or combination of motors, with a horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower on the waters of the following areas:

Appalachian Hills wildlife area	Morgan, Muskingum and Noble counties
Clark lake	Clark county
Clouse lake	Perry county
Fox lake	Athens county
Grant lake	Brown county
Greenfield lake wildlife area	Fairfield county
Highlandtown lake wildlife area	Columbiana county
Kokosing lake	Knox county
Jesse Owens wildlife area	Morgan county
Jockey Hollow wildlife area	Harrison county
Monroe lake	Monroe county
Rockmill wildlife area	Fairfield county
Rush creek reservoir	Fairfield and Perry counties
Rush Run lake	Preble county
Veto lake	Washington county
Zepernick lake wildlife area	Columbiana county

(D) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a powercraft propelled by a motor, or combination of motors, exceeding a horsepower rating of ten horsepower, unless any such powercraft equipped with motors in excess of ten horsepower are operated at idle speed or at a speed that does not create a wake on the following water areas:

Knox lake	Knox county
Rupert lake	Vinton county

(E) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit to be operated any powercraft on the waters of the following areas, unless the powercraft is operated at idle speed and does not create a wake:

Aldrich pond wildlife area	Sandusky county
Aquilla lake wildlife area	Geauga county
Fallsville wildlife area	Highland county
Fulton ponds wildlife area	Fulton county
Killdeer Plains wildlife area	Wyandot county
La Su An wildlife area	Williams county
New Lyme lake	Ashtabula county
Oxbow lake wildlife area	Defiance county
Resthaven wildlife area	Erie county
Ross lake wildlife area	Ross county
St. Joseph river wildlife area	Williams county
Shreve lake	Wayne county
Spencer lake	Medina county
Tycoon lake wildlife area	Gallia county
Wayne R. Carr lake	Paulding county
Wingfoot lake	Portage county

(F) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit to be operated an electric motor exceeding four horsepower to propel a vessel on or within any water area under the management authority of the division of wildlife.

(G) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a motor, or combination of motors, exceeding a horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower on any body of water on the American electric power recreation area.

(H) Vessels with higher horsepower motors may be present on these waters provided they comply with paragraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (F), and (G) of this rule.

(I) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run), use, or permit to be operated or used, any watercraft on Barnesville reservoir no. 1.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-5-04 Regulations prescribed for the use of watercraft on Berlin reservoir, situated in the couties of Mahoning, Portage and Stark.

(A) The water of Berlin reservoir is divided into five designated areas:

(1) Area one includes of the waters lying between U.S. route 224 and the dam.

(2) Area two includes the waters lying between U.S. route 224 and the "N.Y.C. railroad" bridge.

(3) Area three includes the waters lying between the "N.Y.C. railroad" bridge and state route 14.

(4) Area four includes the waters lying between state route 14 and state route 225.

(5) Area five includes the remaining waters not described in paragraphs (A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), and (A)(4) of this rule that are westward of state route 225.

(B) In area one, it is unlawful to:

(1) Operate permit the operation, or otherwise willfully or negligently allow a watercraft within five hundred feet of the intake tower and crest gate in the dam at Berlin reservoir.

(2) Operate (start/run) or permit to be operated a motor, other than an electric motor, to propel a boat within two thousand feet of the dam at Berlin reservoir.

(3) Engage in water skiing or aquaplaning within two thousand feet of the dam at Berlin reservoir.

(4) Operate or permit the operation of a watercraft within one hundred fifty feet of any undeveloped shoreline in such a manner as to cause a wake of sufficient size or force to cause discomfort, injury or damage to any person, watercraft or property.

(5) Operate a vessel at greater than idle speed or at a speed that creates a wake within three hundred feet of any marina, boat docking facility, boat gasoline dock, launch ramp, recreational boat harbor, or harbor entrance.

For any person to operate or permit the operation of a watercraft within one hundred fifty feet of any undeveloped shoreline in such a manner as to cause a wake of sufficient size and force to cause discomfort, injury or damage to any person, watercraft, or property.

(D) In area three, it is unlawful:

(E) In area four, it is unlawful:

(1) For any person to operate or permit the operation of a watercraft within one hundred feet of any undeveloped shoreline in such a manner as to cause a wake of sufficient size or force to cause discomfort, injury or damage to any person, watercraft or property.

(2) For any person to operate or permit the operation of a watercraft within the area from state route 14 to a line of buoys located at the area known as Treasure Cove in such a manner as to cause a wake of sufficient size or force to cause discomfort, injury to damage to any person, watercraft or property.

(F) In area five, it is unlawful:

(1) For any person to operate, be in physical control, or manipulate any water-skis, or aquaplane, or for any person to operate a watercraft towing any person using waterskis, aquaplane or similar device at any time.

(2) For any person to operate or permit the operation of a watercraft within one hundred fifty feet of any undeveloped shoreline in such a manner as to cause a wake of sufficient size to cause discomfort, injury or damage to any person, watercraft or property.

(G) It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operations of a watercraft within one hundred feet of any bridge in such a manner as to cause a wake of sufficient size and force to cause discomfort, injury, or damage to any person, watercraft or property.

(H) A "wake" as used in this rule is defined as a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

(I) All definitions set forth in rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code apply to this rule.

(J) It is unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft at a speed greater than ten miles per hour from sunset to sunrise local time.

Last updated May 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:31-1-02

The species of wild animals listed in this rule include all future name changes and taxonomic reclassifications of these same species after their inclusion. As used in rules 1501:31-1-01 to 1501:31-40-03 of the Administrative Code, the following respective terms mean:

(A) "Accompany" as it relates to youth hunting seasons and hunters with apprentice licenses means going along with another person while staying within a distance from the person that enables uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory communications.

(B) " All-purpose vehicle" means any vehicle that is designed primarily for cross-country travel on land, water, or land and water and that is steered by wheels, caterpillar treads, or a combination of wheels and caterpillar treads and includes vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes, and trail bikes.

(C) Amphibians" include Acris crepitans crepitans (Eastern cricket frog), Ambystoma barbouri (streamside salamander), Ambystoma jeffersonianum (Jefferson salamander), Ambystoma laterale (blue-spotted salamander), Ambystoma maculatum (spotted salamander), Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander), Ambystoma texanum (small-mouthed salamander), Ambystoma tigrinum (Eastern tiger salamander), Anaxyrus americanus americanus (American toad), Anarxyrus fowleri (Fowler's toad), Aneides aenus (green salamander), Crytpobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis (Eastern hellbender), Desmognathus fuscus (Northern dusky salamander), Desmognathus ochrophaeus (Allegheny mountain dusky salamander), Eurycea bislineata (Northern two-lined salamander), Eurycea cirrigera (Southern two-lined salamander), Eurycea longicauda longicauda (long-tailed salamander), Eurycea lucifiga (cave salamander), Gyrinophilus porphyriticus duryi (Kentucky spring salamander), Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus (Northern spring salamander), Hemidactylium scutatum (four-toed salamander), Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope's gray treefrog), Hyla versicolor (gray treefrog), Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog), Lithobates clamitans (green frog), Lithobaes palustris (pickerel frog), Lithobates pipiens (Northern leopard frog), Lithobates sphenocephalus (Southern leopard frog), Lithobates sylvaticus (wood frog), Necturus maculosus maculosus (common mudpuppy), Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens (red-spotted newt), Plethodon cinereus (Eastern red-backed salamander), Plethodon glutinosus (Northern slimy salamander), Plethodon richmondi (Southern ravine salamander), Pseudotriton montanus diastictus (midland mud salamander), Pseudotriton ruber ruber (Northern red salamander), Pseudacris brachyphona (mountain chorus frog), Pseudacris crucifer (spring peeper), Pseudacris triseriata (Western chorus frog), Scaphiopus holbrookii (Eastern spadefoot).

"Collectable amphibians" include Ambystoma barbouri (streamside salamander), Ambystoma jeffersonianum (Jefferson salamander), Ambystoma maculatum (spotted salamander), Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander), Ambystoma texanum (small-mouthed salamander), Ambystoma tigrinum (Eastern tiger salamander), Anaxyrus americanus americanus (American toad), Anarxyrus fowleri (Fowler's toad), Desmognathus fuscus (Northern dusky salamander), Desmognathus ochrophaeus (Allegheny mountain dusky salamander), Eurycea bislineata (Northern two-lined salamander), Eurycea cirrigera (Southern two-lined salamander), Eurycea longicauda longicauda (long-tailed salamander), Gyrinophilus porphyriticus duryi (Kentucky spring salamander), Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus (Northern spring salamander), Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope's gray treefrog), Hyla versicolor (gray treefrog), Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog), Lithobates clamitans (green frog), Lithobaes palustris (pickerel frog), Lithobates pipiens (Northern leopard frog), Lithobates sphenocephalus (Southern leopard frog), Lithobates sylvaticus (wood frog), Necturus maculosus maculosus (common mudpuppy), Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens (red-spotted newt), Plethodon cinereus (Eastern red-backed salamander), Plethodon glutinosus (Northern slimy salamander), Plethodon richmondi (Southern ravine salamander), Pseudacris brachyphona (mountain chorus frog), Pseudacris crucifer (spring peeper), Pseudacris triseriata (Western chorus frog), Pseudotriton ruber ruber (Northern red salamander).

(D) "Angling" means fishing with not more than two hand lines, not more than two units of rod and line, or a combination of not more than one hand line and one rod and line, either in hand or under control at any time while fishing. The hand line or rod and line may have attached to it not more than three baited hooks, or not more than three artificial fly rod lures, or one artificial bait casting lure equipped with not more than three sets of three hooks each.

(E) "Artificial lure" means a manufactured lure other than a fly, constructed with a single, double, or treble hooks, not containing any natural or prepared food substances but may include synthetic imitations of such. Including soft plastic lures, synthetic grubs or synthetic eggs not containing natural food substances.

(F) "Baited area" means any area where shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed whatsoever capable of luring, attracting, or enticing such birds is directly or indirectly placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered and such area will remain a baited area for ten days following complete removal of all such corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed. However, a person may:

(1) Take mourning doves and migratory game birds, including waterfowl, on or over standing crops, flooded standing crops, including aquatics, flooded harvested crop-lands, grain crops properly shucked on the field where grown, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural planting or harvesting, or if you restore and manage wetlands as habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds, you can manipulate the naturally occurring vegetation in these areas and make them available for hunting; and

(2) Take mourning doves and migratory game birds, except waterfowl, on or over any lands where shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed has been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for wildlife management purposes; provided, that manipulation for wildlife management purposes does not include the distributing or scattering of grain or other feed once it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown.

(G) "Baiting" means the placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of shelled, shucked, or unshelled corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed so as to constitute for such wild turkeys, mourning doves or migratory birds, a lure, attraction or enticement to, on or over any area where hunters are attempting to take them.

(H) "Bag limit" means the number, measurement, or weight of any kind of clams, mussels, crayfish, aquatic insects, fish, frogs, turtles, wild birds, and wild quadrupeds permitted to be taken.

(I) "Blind" means any type of constructed shelter or device that conceals a person pursuing a wild animal.

(J) "Body gripping trap" means a device used to capture or restrain an animal by the body.

(K) "Buyer" means a person who buys or otherwise acquires ginseng for resale or trade.

(L) "Cage trap" means a device used to capture or restrain an animal that fully encloses the animal within wood, wire, plastic or metal.

(M) "Camping unit" means a car trailer, modified motor vehicle or tent accommodating not more than four persons. The limit of four persons does not apply to children under six years of age.

(N) "Captive white-tailed deer" means legally acquired deer that are held in private ownership at a facility licensed under section 943.03 or 943.031 of the Revised Code and under section 1533.71 or 1533.721 of the Revised Code.

(O) "Channels" or "passages" means those narrow bodies of water lying between islands or between an island and the mainland in lake Erie.

(P) "Chief" means chief of the Ohio division of wildlife.

(Q) "Certificate of competency" means a card certifying a student has successfully completed a hunter safety course administered by a state or provincial wildlife agency or the "National Rifle Association"; or a card certifying the person listed thereon has successfully completed a trapper education course administered by a state or provincial wildlife agency.

(R) "Cervidae" means all members of the deer family which includes but is not limited to caribou, moose, elk and deer.

(S) "Class A Aquaculture Species" means:

(1) The following species: alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus), black buffalo (Ictiobus niger), black bullhead (Ameiurus melas), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), black redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei), blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus), bowfin (Amia calva), brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown bullhead (Ameirus nebulosus), brown trout (Salmo trutta), burbot (Lota lota), central mudminnow (Umbra limi), chain pickerel (Esox niger), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), chinook salmon, (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), common shiner (Luxilus cornutus), creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), creek chub sucker (Erimyzon oblongus), cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkia), emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), Giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), golden redhorse (Moxostoma erythrurum), golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas), goldfish (Carassius auratus), grass pickerel (Esox americanus), greater redhorse (Moxostoma valenciennesi), green frog (Lithobates clamitans), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer), Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile), lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans), least darter (Etheostoma microperca), longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis), longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), mooneye (Hiodon tergisus), muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), Northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans), Northern pike (Esox Lucius), orangespotted sunfish (Lepomis humilis), Pacific white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus), rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), redfin shiner (Notropis umbratilis cyanocephalus), river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio), river redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum), rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), sauger (Sander canadense), scarlet shiner (Lythrurus fasciolaris), shorthead redhorse (Moxostoma macrolepidotum), silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum), silver shiner (Notropis photogenis), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus), spotfin shiner (Cyprinella spiloptera), spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops), steelcolor shiner (Cyprinella whipplei), tilapia (Tilapia spp. or Oreochromis spp.), walleye (Sander vitreum), warmouth (Lepomis gulosus), Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), white bass (Morone chrysops), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), papershell crayfish (Orconectes immunis), rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), white river crayfish (Procambarus acutus), the following snails: (Physella gyrina), (Physella integra), (Planorbella trivolvis), (Helisoma anceps), (Ferrissia rivularis), (Campeloma decisum), (Elimia livescens), (Stagnicola elodes).

(2) The following species outside of the lake Erie drainage basin: white bass X striped bass hybrid (Morone chrysops X morone saxatilis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), sauger X walleye hybrid (Sander canadense X sander vitreum), blue catfish X channel catfish hybrid (Ictalurus furcatus X ictalurus punctatus), threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus), paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus), skipjack herring (Alosa chrysochloris), and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus).

(3) The following species outside the Ohio river drainage basin: cisco or lake herring (Coregonus artedi).

(4) The following species outside the Ashtabula, Chagrin, Conneaut and Grand river drainage basins: brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalus).

(5) The following species when naturally occurring within the watershed of the aquaculture facility according to Thoma, R.F., and R.F. Jezerinac, 2000, "Ohio Crayfish Shrimp Atlas." "Ohio Biological Survey Miscellaneous Contributors" No. 7. 28pp: Allegheny crayfish (Orconectes obscurus), Sanborn's crayfish (Orconectes sanbornii), Northern clearwater crayfish (Orconectes propinquus), Northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis), spiny stream crayfish (Orconectes cristavarius), rock crawfish (Cambarus carinirostris), Ortmann's mudbug (Cambarus ortmanni), Teays river crayfish (Cambarus sciotensis), Ohio crawfish (Cambarus sp.), big water crayfish (Cambarus robustus), great plains mudbug (Cambarus sp.), paintedhand mudbug (Cambarus sp.), digger crayfish (Fallicambarus fodiens), Sloan's crayfish (Orconectes sloanii).

(T) "Class B Aquaculture Species" means:

(1) The following species: barramundi (Lates calcarifer) trapdoor snail (Viviparus sp.), Melantho snail (Lymnaea sp.), and Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).

(2) The following species within the lake Erie drainage basin: white bass X striped bass hybrid (Morone chrysops X morone saxatilis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), sauger X walleye hybrid (Sander canadense X sander vitreum), blue catfish X channel catfish hybrid (Ictalurus furcatus X ictalurus punctatus), threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus), paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus), skipjack herring (Alosa chrysochloris), and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus).

(3) The following species within the Ohio river drainage basin: cisco or lake herring (Coregonus artedi).

(4) The following species within the Ashtabula, Chagrin, Conneaut and Grand river drainage basins: brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalus).

(5) The following species when the aquaculture facility is outside of the watershed where the species naturally occurs according to Thoma, R.F., and R.F. Jezerinac, 2000, "Ohio Crayfish Shrimp Atlas." "Ohio Biological Survey Miscellaneous Contributors" No. 7. 28pp: Allegheny crayfish (Orconectes obscurus), Sanborn's crayfish (Orconectes sanbornii), Northern clearwater crayfish (Orconectes propinquus), Northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis), spiny stream crayfish (Orconectes cristavarius), rock crawfish (Cambarus carinirostris), Ortmann's mudbug (Cambarus ortmanni), Teays river crayfish (Cambarus sciotensis), Ohio crawfish (Cambarus sp.), big water crayfish (Cambarus robustus), great plains mudbug (Cambarus sp.), paintedhand mudbug (Cambarus sp.), digger crayfish (Fallicambarus fodiens), Sloan's crayfish (Orconectes sloanii).

(U) "Clay pigeon" means a circular clay target no larger than two hundred millimeter in diameter.

(V) "Closed season" means that period of time during which the taking of wild animals protected by Chapters 1531. and 1533. of the Revised Code is not allowed.

(W) "Collector" means a person who harvests ginseng.

(X) "Commercial bird shooting preserve" means an area of land where game birds are released and hunted by shooting as authorized by a commercial bird shooting preserve license obtained under section 1533.72 of the Revised Code.

(Y) "Commercial fish" means those species of fish permitted to be taken, possessed, bought, or sold unless otherwise restricted by the Revised Code or division order and are alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), bowfin (Amia calva), burbot (Lota lota), carp (Cyprinus carpio), smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus), big mouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus), grass carp, (Ctenopharyngodon idella), black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), yellow bullhead (Ictalurus natalis), brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), whitefish (Coregonus sp.), cisco (Coregonus sp.), freshwater drum or sheepshead (Aplodinotus grunniens), gar (Lepisosteus sp.), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), goldfish (Carassius auratus), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), mooneye (Hiodon tergisus), quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus), smelt (Allosmerus elongatus, Hypomesus sp., Osmerus sp., Spirinchus sp.), sturgeon (Acipenser sp., Scaphirhynchus sp.), sucker other than buffalo and quillback (Carpiodes sp., Catostomus sp., Hypentelium sp., Minytrema sp., Moxostoma sp.), white bass (Morone chrysops), white perch (Morone americanua), yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and (Perca fluviatilis). When the common name of a fish is used in Chapter 1531. or 1533. of the Revised Code, it refers to the fish designated by the scientific name in this definition.

(Z) "Commercial fishing gear" means seines, trap nets, fyke nets, dip nets, carp aprons, trotlines, other similar gear, and any boat used in conjunction with that gear, but does not include gill net.

(AA) "Controlled access opportunity" means any opportunity where access or the number of people is restricted, and a permit is issued by the chief of the division of wildlife to participate.

(BB) "Crib" or "car" refers to that particular compartment of the net from which the fish are taken when the net is lifted.

(CC) "Crossbow" means a device for propelling an arrow by means of limbs and a string, with a shoulder-mount stock, and having a working safety.

(DD) "Cultivated ginseng" means the plant species Panax Quinquefolius l., also known as Panx Quinquefolium l., which is growing in tilled beds under shade of artificial structures or under natural shade and is cultivated according to standard ginseng horticultural practices.

(EE) "Dealer" means a person who buys or otherwise acquires ginseng for resale or trade.

(FF) "Dealer state registration permit" means a permit issued by the chief of the Ohio division of wildlife authorizing a dealer to buy or otherwise acquire ginseng for resale and export ginseng from the state.

(GG) "Deer" means white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

(HH) "Division order," "division of wildlife order," or "order of the division of wildlife" means any written order, rule or regulation of the chief of the division of wildlife.

(II) "Domestic deer" means nonnative deer that have been legally acquired or their offspring and that are held in private ownership for primarily agricultural purposes.

(JJ) "Electronic Catch Reporting System" means a computerized electronic database system for the capture, transmission and management of commercial fishing data.

(KK) "Falconry" means taking game with a trained raptor, or with a trained raptor and a dog, and includes the training of a raptor to take game.

(LL) "Farm machinery" means all machines and tools that are used in the production, harvesting, and care of farm products, and includes trailers that are used to transport agricultural produce or agricultural production materials between a local place of storage or supply and the farm, agricultural tractors, threshing machinery, hay-baling machinery, corn shellers, hammermills, and machinery used in the production of horticultural, agricultural, and vegetable products.

(MM) "Federal regulations" means the current U.S. fish and wildlife service regulations and standards governing falconry.

(NN) "Field trials" means the using or working of dogs or raptors that are being tested or judged in their performance in finding, tracking, trailing, pointing, hunting or retrieving game birds, by persons other than the owner or handler.

(OO) "Fillet" means the pieces of flesh taken or cut from both sides of a fish, joined to form one piece of flesh.

(PP) "Firing line" means a designated zone, area, or location on any division range where shooters may fire from.

(QQ) "Fish" means cold-blooded vertebrate having fins.

(RR) "Fishing" means taking or attempting to take fish by any method, and all other acts such as placing, setting, drawing, or using any device commonly used to take fish whether resulting in a taking or not.

(SS) "Fishing guide" means any person who, for consideration or hire, operates a boat, rents, leases, or otherwise furnishes angling devices, ice fishing shanties or shelters of any kind, or other fishing equipment, and accompanies, guides, directs, or assists any other person, in order for the other person to engage in fishing.

(TT) "Fly" means a lure constructed on a single-point hook of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, hair, silk, rayon, or nylon thread or floss, with or without spinner.

(UU) "Foot encapsulating trap" means a device used to capture or restrain an animal with a trigger enclosed within a housing only accessible through a single opening when set.

(VV) "Foothold trap" means a device used to capture or restrain an animal by the foot.

(WW) "Fur farm" means any area used exclusively for raising furbearing animals or in addition thereto used for hunting game, the boundaries of which are plainly marked as such.

(XX) "Furbearing animals" includes minks, weasels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, muskrats, fox, beavers, badgers, otters, coyotes, bobcats and fishers.

(YY) "Gallinules" includes common gallinule and common moorhen.

(ZZ) "Game" includes game birds, game quadrupeds, and furbearing animals.

(AAA) "Game birds" includes mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves, ringneck pheasants, bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, pinnated grouse, wild turkey, Hungarian partridge, chukar partridge, woodcocks, black-breasted plover, golden plover, Wilson's snipe, greater and lesser yellowlegs, rail, coots, gallinules, duck, geese, brant, mergansers and crows.

(BBB) "Game quadrupeds" includes cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, black squirrels, fox squirrels, red squirrels, flying squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs or woodchucks, white-tailed deer, elk, black bears, and porcupines.

(CCC) "Gill net" means a single section of fabric or netting seamed to a float line at the top and a lead line at the bottom, which is designed to entangle fish in the net openings as they swim into it.

(DDD) "Ginseng" means wild or cultivated ginseng.

(EEE) "Green wild ginseng" means freshly collected wild ginseng root which has not been dried out and which is still pliable.

(FFF) "Grower" means a person who grows ginseng in cultivated plots according to standard ginseng horticultural practices.

(GGG) "Haggard birds" means raptors after their first year of life in the wild.

(HHH) "Harvest" means to pick, cut, dig, root up, gather or otherwise collect ginseng.

(III) "Hunting" means pursuing, shooting, killing, following after or on the trail of, lying in wait for, shooting at, or wounding wild birds or wild quadrupeds while employing any device commonly used to kill or wound wild birds or wild quadrupeds whether the acts result in killing or wounding or not. It includes every attempt to kill or wound and every act of assistance to any other person in killing or wounding or attempting to kill or wound wild birds or wild quadrupeds.

(JJJ) "Ice fishing shelter" means something taken to or used on a frozen body of water as protection or cover from the weather.

(KKK) "Imping" means the repair of a broken feather on a raptor by attaching a molted feather or a feather from another bird to the stub of the damaged feather.

(LLL) "Injurious aquatic invasive species" means the following:

(1) Fish: Alabama bass (Micropterus henshalli), amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), Crucian carp (Carassius carassius), diploid grass carp - white amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella), eastern banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus), Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides), ide (Leuciscus idus), large-scale silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys harmandi), Nile perch (Lates niloticus), Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), roach (Rutilus rutilus), round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), snakeheads (Channa app. and Parachanna app.), stone moroko (Pseudorasbora parva), tench (Tinca tinca), three spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), tubenose goby (Proterorhinus marmoratus), walking catfish (Claris batrachus), Wels catfish (Silurus glanis), white perch (Morone americana), and zander (Sander lucioperca);

(2) Crustaceans: Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus), marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis), marron (Cherax tenuimanus), red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), and yabby (Cherax destructor);

(3) Mollusks: golden mussel (Limnoperna fortune), New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha).

(MMM) "Island" means a rock or land elevation above the waters of lake Erie having an area of five or more acres above water.

(NNN) "Lake Erie sport fishing district" means the Ohio waters of lake Erie, its embayments including Maumee bay, Sandusky bay, east harbor, middle harbor, west harbor and the entire length of all tributaries, or to the first dam or designated landmark as follows:

Vermilion river - state route 2 bridge

Black river - state route 611 bridge

Rocky river - Detroit road bridge

Cuyahoga river - Harvard road bridge

Euclid creek - state route 283 bridge

Chagrin river - state route 283 bridge

Arcola creek - U.S. route 20 bridge

Wheeler creek - U.S. route 20 bridge

Cowles creek - U.S. route 20 bridge

Indian creek - U.S. route 20 bridge

Grand river - state route 535 bridge

Conneaut creek - main street (downtown Conneaut) bridge

Ashtabula river - east 24th street bridge

(OOO) "Lake Erie yellow perch management unit" means the geographic area within the lake Erie fishing district by which yellow perch quotas are allocated. Ohio's yellow perch quotas for each lake Erie yellow perch management unit are derived from the total allowable catch (TAC) established by the lake Erie committee of the Great Lakes fishery commission. Each lake Erie yellow perch management unit derives from the home range of a yellow perch stock for which the quota management system was instituted.

(1) Unit 1

Lake Erie yellow perch management unit one consists of the waters of lake Erie in Lucas, Ottawa and Erie counties between east and west boundaries as defined:

(a) The west boundary is the Michigan-Ohio state line beginning in Maumee bay and extending northeast to the United States-Canada international line in lake Erie including all waters in Lucas and Ottawa counties.

(b) The east boundary is the eighty-two degree, thirty minute meridian extending from the lake Erie shoreline north to the United States-Canada international line.

(2) Unit 2

Lake Erie yellow perch management unit two consists of the waters of lake Erie in Erie, Lorain, Lake and Cuyahoga counties between west and east boundaries as defined:

(a) The west boundary is the eighty-two degree, thirty minute meridian extending from the lake Erie shoreline north to the United States-Canada international line.

(b) The east boundary is the eighty-one degree, twenty minute meridian extending from the lake Erie shoreline north to the United States-Canada international line.

(3) Unit 3

Lake Erie yellow perch management unit three consists of the waters of lake Erie in Lake and Ashtabula counties between west and east boundaries as defined:

(a) The west boundary is the eighty-one degree, twenty minute meridian extending from the lake Erie shoreline north to the United States-Canada international line.

(b) The east boundary is the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line extending from the lake Erie shoreline north to the United States-Canada international line.

(PPP) "Loaded firearm" means a firearm that has cartridges or shells in either the chamber, or magazine, or both.

(QQQ) "Longbow" or "bow" means a device for propelling an arrow by means of limbs, and a string which is hand-held, hand-drawn, and held in a drawn position by hand or a hand-held mechanical release or by a mechanical device with a working safety.

(RRR) "Marker" means a federally approved identification device bearing a serial number for identifying a raptor used in falconry.

(SSS) "Measurement of fish" means length from end of nose to the longest tip or end of tail.

(TTT) "Migrate" means the transit or movement of fish to or from one place to another as a result of natural forces or instinct and includes, but is not limited to, movement of fish induced or caused by changes in the water flow.

(UUU) "Migratory bird preservation facility" means any residence or place of business which, for hire or other consideration, or any cold-storage facility or locker plant which, for hire or other consideration, or any hunting club which in the normal course of operation, receives, possesses, or has in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person for purposes of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, storage, or shipment.

(VVV) "Migratory game birds" mean waterfowl, rails, mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves, cranes, cormorants and shorebirds.

(WWW) "Minnow" means any fish of the Cyprinidae family; including common carp but not other carp or goldfish.

(XXX) "Motor-driven conveyance" means anything having wheels, tracks, or runners, propelled or drawn by power other than human muscular power.

(YYY) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power or power collected from overhead electric trolley wires, except motorized bicycles, road rollers, traction engines, power shovels, power cranes, and other equipment used in construction work and not designed for or employed in general highway transportation, hole-drilling machinery, well-drilling machinery, ditch-digging machinery, farm machinery, and trailers designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a street or highway for a distance of no more than ten miles and at a speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less.

(ZZZ) "Muskrat spear" means any device used in spearing muskrats.

(AAAA) "Mussel" means any bivalve mollusk including all native and nonnative mussels and clams.

(BBBB) "Muzzleloading rifle" and "muzzleloading shotgun" means a primitive weapon that shoots a projectile or projectiles loaded exclusively from the muzzle and that is incapable of firing modern-day ammunition.

(CCCC) "Native wildlife" means any species of the animal kingdom indigenous to this state.

(DDDD) "Natural habitat" means the environment in which a species exists as a natural population.

(EEEE) "Nestling or eyass" means young raptors not yet capable of flight.

(FFFF) "Net" means fishing devices with meshes composed of twine or synthetic material, and includes but is not limited to trap nets, fyke nets, crib nets, carp aprons, dip nets and seines, except minnow seines and minnow dip nets.

(GGGG) "New applicant for a commercial fishing license" means any person who was not licensed in the previous fishing season or did not hold in reserve a commercial fishing license in the previous fishing season. Such person must meet the pre-application qualifications set forth in section 1533.342 of the Revised Code for a person who was not licensed in the previous fishing season.

(HHHH) "Nongame birds" includes all other wild birds not included and defined as game birds or migratory game birds.

(IIII) "Nonnative wildlife" means any wild animal not indigenous to this state, but does not include domestic deer.

(JJJJ) "Nonresident" means any person who does not qualify as a resident.

(KKKK) "Non-toxic shot" means shot comprised totally of steel, steel shot coated with copper, or any shot which has been approved by the U.S. fish and wildlife service.

(LLLL) "Nuisance wild animal" means a wild animal that interferes with the use or enjoyment of property, is causing a threat to public safety, or may cause damage or harm to a structure, property, or person.

(MMMM) "Ohio ginseng management program" means the program established by the Ohio division of wildlife, under the guidance of the federal wildlife permit office of the U.S. fish and wildlife service, to achieve a sustained yeild of ginseng so that harvesting efforts will not be detrimental to the survival of the species.

(NNNN) "Ohio wild ginseng" means the plant species Panax Quinquefolius L., also known as Panax Quinquefolium L., which is growing in an uncultivated state or has been collected from its native habitat in an uncultivated state, notwithstanding whether the ginseng occurs naturally from that habitat or was introduced or increased in abundance by sowing ginseng seed or by transplanting ginseng plants from other areas and performing no other cultivation practices.

(OOOO) "Open season" means that period of time during which the taking of wild animals protected by such chapters is permitted.

(PPPP) "Out-of-state" means ginseng originating from a state other than Ohio.

(QQQQ) "Part fillet" means a piece of flesh taken or cut from one side of a fish.

(RRRR) "Passage birds" means raptors in their first year of life and having immature plumage and capable of flight.

(SSSS) "Permanent-type tree stand" means any apparatus or structure designed or used to hold or conceal a person except such apparatus or structure that can be taken to and returned daily from the place of use.

(TTTT) "Person" means a person as defined in section 1.59 of the Revised Code or a company; an employee, agent, or officer of such a person or company; a combination of individuals; the state; a political subdivision of the state; an interstate body created by a compact; or the federal government or a department, agency, or instrumentality of it.

(UUUU) "Personal abode" means one's principal or ordinary home or dwelling place, as distinguished from his temporary or transient place of abode or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club house, cabin, tent, trailer or house used as a hunting club, or any hotel, motel, or rooming house used during a hunting, pleasure or business trip.

(VVVV) "Possession" means both actual and constructive possession and any control of things referred to.

(WWWW) "Primitive weapons" means single shot muzzleloading rifles, .38 caliber or larger, or any muzzleloading shotguns using single ball or rifled slug, crossbows and longbows and arrows.

(XXXX) "Rails" (Rallidae), means coots, gallinules and sora and other rails.

(YYYY) "Raptor" means any live bird of the family Falconidae, Strigidae, or Accipitridae, other than a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

(ZZZZ) "Rearing unit" means any of the following when associated to an aquaculture facility:

(1) "Cages" means an open or covered, enclosed structure constructed with netting, mesh or any porous material, allowing natural water interchange. These structures may be floating, suspended, or fixed to the substrate but still permitting water interchange from below.

(2) "Enclosures and pens" means water areas confined by netting, mesh and other barriers allowing uncontrolled water interchange and distinguished by the fact that enclosures occupy the full water column between substrate and surface; pens and enclosures will generally enclose a relatively large volume of water.

(3) "Hatcheries" means installations for housing facilities for breeding, nursing and rearing seed of fish, or invertebrates to fry, fingerlings or juvenile stages.

(4) "Ponds and tanks" means artificial units of varying sizes constructed above or below ground level capable of holding and interchanging water.

(5) "Raceways" means artificial units constructed above or below ground level capable of high rates of water interchange.

(AAAAA) "Reef" means any location, not connected to a mainland or island, that has a depth less than twenty feet and a slope of greater than thirteen degrees (one foot change in depth over three hundred thirty feet).

(BBBBB) "Relaxing lock" means a lock that stops tightening the snare loop when the captured animal stops pulling against the snare.

(CCCCC) "Reptiles" includes Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen (Northern copperhead), Apalone mutica mutica (midland softshell turtle), Apalone spinifera spinifera (Eastern spiny softshell turtle), Carphophis amoenus amoenus (Eastern wormsnake), Carphophis amoenus helenae (Midwestern wormsnake), Chelydra serpentina serpentina (snapping turtle), Chrysemys picta marginata (midland painted turtle), Clemmys guttata (spotted turtle), Clonophis kirtlandii (Kirtland's snake), Coluber constrictor constrictor (Northern black racer), Coluber constrictor foxii (blue racer), Crotalus horridus (timber rattlesnake), Diapophis punctatus edwardsii (Northern ring-necked snake), Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding's turtle), Graptemys geographica (Northern map turtle), Graptemys ouachitensis (ouachita map turtle), Heterodon platirhinos (Eastern hog-nosed snake), Lampropeltis getula nigra (Eastern black kingsnake), Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum (Eastern milk snake), Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta (copper-bellied watersnake), Nerodia sipedon sipedon (common watersnake), Nerodia sipedon insularum (Lake Erie watersnake), Opheodrys aestivus aestivus (Northern rough snake), Opheodrys vernalis (smooth greensnake), Pantherophis alleghaniensis (Eastern ratsnake), Pantherophis gloydi (Eastern foxsnake), Plestiodon fasciatus (common five-lined skink), Plestiodon laticeps (broad-headed skink), Podarcis muralis (common wall lizard), Regina septemvittata (queensnake), Sceloporus undulatus (Eastern fence lizard), Scincella lateralis (little brown skink), Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (Eastern massasauga), Sternotherus odoratus (Eastern musk turtle), Storeria dekayi dekayi (Northern brownsnake), Storeria dekayi wrightorum (midland brownsnake), Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata (Northern red-bellied snake), Terrapene carolina carolina (Eastern box turtle), Thamnophis brachystoma (short-headed gartersnake), Thamnophis butleri (Butler's gartersnake), Thamnophis radix (plains gartersnake), Thamnophis sauritus sauritis (common ribbonsnake), Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Eastern gartersnake), Trachemys scripta elegans (red-eared slider), Virginia valeriae valeriae (Eastern smooth earthsnake).

(1) "Collectable reptiles" includes Carphophis amoenus amoenus (Eastern wormsnake), Carphophis amoenus helenae (Midwestern wormsnake), Chrysemys picta marginata (midland painted turtle), Coluber constrictor constrictor (Northern black racer), Coluber constrictor foxii (blue racer), Diapophis punctatus edwardsii (Northern ring-necked snake), Graptemys geographica (Northern map turtle), Heterodon platirhinos (Eastern hog-nosed snake), Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum (Eastern milk snake), Nerodia sipedon sipedon (common watersnake), Pantherophis alleghaniensis (Eastern ratsnake), Plestiodon fasciatus (common five-lined skink), Plestiodon laticeps (broad-headed skink), Podarcis muralis (common wall lizard), Sceloporus undulatus (Eastern fence lizard), Sternotherus odoratus (Eastern musk turtle), Storeria dekayi dekayi (Northern brownsnake), Storeria dekayi wrightorum (midland brownsnake), Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata (Northern red-bellied snake), Thamnophis butleri (Butler's gartersnake), Thamnophis sauritus sauritis (common ribbonsnake), Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Eastern gartersnake), Trachemys scripta elegans (red-eared slider).

(DDDDD) "Resident" means any person who has resided in this state for not less than six months next proceeding the date of making application for a license.

(EEEEE) "Round" when used in describing fish means with head and tail intact.

(FFFFF) "Sell" or "sale" means barter, exchange, or offer or expose for sale.

(GGGGG) "Shorebirds," means woodcock and Wilson's snipe.

(HHHHH) "Shotgun" means a shoulder firearm with a smooth inner surface barrel or a barrel with shallow grooves or rifling on the inner surface as long as the grooved or rifled barrel is stamped by the original manufacturer indicating a commonly recognized shotgun gauge.

(IIIII) "Sinkbox" means a raft or any type of low floating device having a depression which affords the hunter a means of concealing himself below the surface of the water.

(JJJJJ) "Small game" includes pheasants, quail, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, pinnated grouse, Hungarian partridge, chukar partridge, woodcocks, black-breasted plover, golden plover, Wilson's snipe, greater and lesser yellowlegs, rail, coot, gallinules, ducks, geese, brant, crows, rabbits, gray squirrels, black squirrels, fox squirrels, red squirrels, and groundhogs or woodchucks.

(KKKKK) "Snagging," "snag," and "snatch hooks" means taking with a hook or hooks, so as to pierce and hook a fish in a part of the body other than inside the mouth.

(LLLLL) "Snare" means a device used to capture or restrain an animal by means of a loop which closes under the force of the animal pulling against it.

(MMMMM) "Spreader bar" means a brail or rigid bar placed across the entire width of the back, at the top and bottom of the cars in all trap, crib, and fyke nets for the purpose of keeping the meshes hanging squarely while the nets are fishing.

(NNNNN) "State certification of legal taking" means a legal document attesting to the fact that a specific lot of ginseng was legally harvested in the issuing state during a particular harvest year.

(OOOOO) "TAC" means the total allowable catch of walleye and yellow perch for lake Erie as determined annually by the lake Erie committee of the Great Lakes fishery commission. TAC refers to the maximum sustainable amount of walleye (in numbers) and yellow perch (in pounds) that can be removed from lake Erie during a specific year over a defined geographical area.

(PPPPP) "Take" or "taking" includes pursuing, shooting, hunting, killing, trapping, angling, fishing with a trotline, or netting any clam, mussel, crayfish, aquatic insect, fish, frog, turtle, wild bird, or wild quadruped and any lesser act, such as wounding, or placing, setting, drawing, or using any other device for killing or capturing any wild animal, whether it results in killing or capturing the animal or not. It includes every attempt to kill or capture and every act of assistance to any other person in killing or capturing or attempting to kill or capture a wild animal.

(QQQQQ) "Target area" means a designated zone, area, or location where targets are placed in front of a backstop.

(RRRRR) "Taxidermy product" means a product created by art or operation of preparing, stuffing, and/or mounting the skins or other parts of dead animals for exhibition in a lifelike state or form.

(SSSSS) "Tip-up" means a device consisting of a hook and line attached to a spring or other device which is capable of raising a small flag or other signaling device when a fish is biting or is hooked.

(TTTTT) "Transport" or "transportation" means carrying or moving or causing to be carried or moved.

(UUUUU) "Trapping" means securing or attempting to secure possession of a wild bird or wild quadruped by means of setting, placing, drawing, or using any device that is designed to close upon, hold fast, confine, or otherwise capture a wild bird or wild quadruped whether the means result in capturing it or not. It includes every act of assistance to any other person in capturing wild birds or wild quadrupeds by means of the device whether the means result in capturing or not.

(VVVVV) "Tributary" means a stream that flows into a larger body of water.

(WWWWW) "Trotline" means a device for catching fish consisting of a line having suspended from it, at frequent intervals, vertical lines with hooks attached.

(XXXXX) "Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)" means a system or mobile transceiver unit for use on vessels through the installation of a satellite-tracking device to automatically receive and transmit vessel information to include vessel location and speed.

(YYYYY) "Waterfowl" (Anatidae), means brant, wild ducks, mergansers, geese and swans.

(ZZZZZ) "Waters" includes any lake, pond, reservoir, stream, channel, lagoon, or other body of water, or any part thereof, whether natural or artificial.

(AAAAAA) "Whole to include part" means that every provision relating to any wild animal protected by Chapters 1531. and 1533. of the Revised Code applies to any part thereof with the same effect as it applies to the whole.

(BBBBBB) "Wholly enclosed preserve" means an area of land that is surrounded by a fence that is at least six feet in height, unless otherwise specified in division rule, and is constructed of a woven wire mesh, or another enclosure that the division of wildlife may approve, where game birds, game quadrupeds, reptiles, amphibians, or fur-bearing animals are raised and may be sold under the authority of a commercial propagating license or captive white-tailed deer propagation license obtained under section 1533.71 of the Revised Code.

(CCCCCC) "Wild animal hunting preserve" means an area of land where game, captive white-tailed deer, and nonnative wildlife, other than game birds, are released and hunted as authorized by a wild animal hunting preserve license obtained under section 1533.721 of the Revised Code.

(DDDDDD) "Wild animals" includes mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and all other wild mammals.

(EEEEEE) "Wild birds" includes game birds and nongame birds.

(FFFFFF) "Wild Boar" or "feral swine" means a hog, boar, or pig that appears to be untamed, undomesticated, or in a wild state. "Wild boar" or "feral swine" includes both of the following:

(1) Except for Sus scrofa domesticus that is legally confined or held in captivity, members of the family suidae, including all of the following:

(a) Wild pig, wild hog, feral hog, and feral pig;

(b) Old world swine, razorbacks, European wild boar, and Russian wild boar, and any hybrids or crossbreeds thereof;

(c) Wild pig, wild hog, feral hog, or feral pig that appear contained in a wild animal hunting preserve licensed under section 1533.721 of the Revised Code or a wholly enclosed preserve for hunting or trapping.

(2) Members of the family tayassuidae, including collared peccary and javelina, and any hybrids or crossbreeds of members of the family tayassuidae.

(GGGGGG) "Wildlife ornamental product" means a product or item which is enhanced aesthetically by the addition of wild animals or parts thereof during its manufacture and/or display.

(HHHHHH) "Wild quadrupeds" includes game quadrupeds, furbearing animals, and wild boar or feral swine.

Last updated November 12, 2025 at 7:51 AM

History

Effective: November 9, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:47-6 Division of Natural Areas

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-6-01 Application.

The rules contained within Chapter 1501:47-6 of the Administrative Code are applicable to all water areas under the management authority of the division of natural areas. However, nothing herein is to be interpreted or construed in such a manner as to prevent or delay authorized personnel of the department of natural resources, emergency responders, or any law enforcement personnel within thier jurisdition in the completion of necessary duties or while on patrol or emergency service. The interest of the division of parks and watercraft is in enforcing these rules as they pertain to the operation or other use of vessels and motors on water areas under the management authority of the division of natural areas.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 6:10 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-6-03 No wake operation permitted.

No person shall operate or permit the operation of any powered vessel at a speed greater than idle speed upon the waters of the Licking river within the confines of Blackhand gorge state nature preserve from the Toboso road bridge (county road 273) upstream to the confluence of Brushy Fork creek and the Licking river.

History

Effective: January 30, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:47-7 Specific Area Rules

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-01 Exception to rules.

The rules contained within Chapter 1501:47-7 of the Administrative Code are applicable to waters of this state that are managed by a political subdivision, federal agency, or other governing body in accordance with the provisions of section 1547.61 of the Revised Code. However, nothing herein shall be interpreted or construed in such a manner as to prevent or delay authorized personnel of the department of natural resources, a local fire department, emergency medical service, or law enforcement agency acting within its jurisdiction in the completion of necessary duties or while on patrol or emergency service. The division's interest in enforcing these rules pertain to the operation or other use of vessels and motors on waters of this state.

Last updated February 27, 2023 at 11:09 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-02 Brown county.

(A) On the waters of White Oak creek, Red Oak creek, Straight creek and Eagle creek, from the mouth to the headwaters, it is unlawful to operate a watercraft at a speed in excess of six MPH and to operate a watercraft in such a manner to cause a wake of sufficient size or strength to cause damage to any property or endanger the safety of any watercraft or person greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake.

(B) A "wake" as used in the rule means as a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:09 PM

History

Effective: June 30, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-03 Vessels and operations on waterways within the jurisdiction of the city of Columbus, Franklin county.

(A) For the purpose of this section, "waterways of the city" shall be defined as all waters within the territorial limits of the city of Columbus or bounded by city owned lands.

(B) No person shall operate any vessel of more than ten horsepower on the waterways of the city.

(1) Exceptions

(a) Griggs reservoir

(b) O'Shaughnessy reservoir

(C) No person shall operate any motorized vessel on any waterways of the city at a speed exceeding idle speed within a distance of one hundred feet of the shorelines.

(D) Personal watercraft, which are classified by the United States coast guard as small class A-1 or A-2 vessels and which use as the primary source of mechanical power an inboard or outboard motor powering a jet pump, and which are designed to be operated by a person in a sitting on, standing on, or in a kneeling position on the craft rather than that of the conventional manner of either sitting or standing inside the vessel, are prohibited on all city controlled waterways.

(E) No person shall operate any motorized vessel on waterways of the city at a speed exceeding ten miles per hour between sunset and sunrise.

(F) No person shall take off or ascend within or from the waterways of the city or voluntarily bring, land or alight upon the waterways of the city in any airplane, flying machine, balloon, glider, or other aerial apparatus.

(G) No person shall operate an iceboat on any waterways of the city except on Hoover reservoir, where such iceboats shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Iceboats may not be propelled by any means other than sails;

(2) Gross vessel weight may not exceed three hundred pounds, to include mast, sails, and all other equipment;

(3) All iceboats are required to carry fifty feet of line readily accessible for use.

(H) The operator of any vessel on any waterways of the city shall not intentionally use a water spray device or cause a water spray so as to impede the safe operation of any vessel.

(I) Any vessel operated by any law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel while in the course of duty shall be exempted from this rule in the exercise of their regular duty.

Last updated February 27, 2023 at 11:09 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-04 Five Rivers metroparks; Eastwood lake.

(A) With the exception of special events approved by the five rivers metroparks, on eastwood metropark lake, on odd dates of the month, it is unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake. Personal watercraft and sailing vessels are exempted from this idle speed, no wake restriction.

(B) On even dates of the month, all other watercraft, except personal watercraft and sailing vessels, may be operated.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:01 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-05 Great parks of Hamilton county.

General provisions:

(A) On any waters under the management authority of the Great parks of Hamilton county, it is unlawful to:

(1) Willingly swim, bathe, or leave a vessel to enter the water in a manner contrary to posted regulations.

(2) Use any recreational floats, novelties, water toys, or any other floating apparatus not specifically designed to be used as a means of transportation on the water.

(3) Knowingly operate or permit the operation of any vessel at any time except during established public park visitation hours.

(B) Operating or permitting the operation of a class of vessel is limited to those specifically authorized as follows:

(1) Campbell lakes preserve:

Manually propelled vessels only.

(2) Winton Woods lake:

(a) Manually propelled vessels.

(b) Sailboats.

(3) Miami Whitewater Forest lake:

(a) Manually propelled vessels.

(b) Sailboats.

(4) Sharon Woods lake:

(a) Manually propelled vessels.

(b) Sailboats.

(C) Permission to access any waterway under the management authority of the Great parks of Hamilton county may be revoked and all vessels will be ordered to vacate the waters when conditions are determined to be hazardous. Such conditions include but are not limited to: severe weather, high lake levels or flooding, or the presence of ice.

First responders, vessels owned or rented by the Great parks of Hamilton county conducting official government business, and other craft specifically authorized with written permission by the executive director of the Great parks of Hamilton county may be exempt from the provisions of this rule.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:01 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-06 Odell lake, Holmes county.

(A) It is unlawful for any person to operate (start/run) or permit the operation of a motor, or combination of motors, exceeding a total horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower to propel a vessel on or within Odell lake.

(B) Vessels equipped with higher horsepower motors may be present on these waters provided they comply with paragraph (A) of this rule.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-07 Board of commissioners of Sandusky county.

Upon the waters of the Sandusky river in Sandusky county, north of the city of Fremont, there is hereby established the following special zone relating to operations of watercraft, said zone to be indicated by marker buoys, as specified in section 1547.08 of the Revised Code, such buoys to indicate the nature and extent of the restricted zone:

Buoy #1: (No wake zone) center of channel, section 5, T5N, R16E, on north section line. Said section line located approximately 250 feet north of the Wightman's Grove dancehall.

Buoy #2: (No wake zone) center of channel, section 5, T5N, R16E, south nine-hundred feet from north section line, east three hundred feet from west section line.

Buoy #3: (No wake zone) center of channel, section 6, T5N, R16E, located on a line extending north from the west bank of schoolhouse swale.

Last updated May 6, 2024 at 9:46 AM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-08 On the waters of Clearfork reservoir, Richland county.

On the waters of Clearfork reservoir, no person shall operate or permit the operation of any powercraft at a speed that creates a wake. A "wake" as used in this rule shall be defined as a track left in the water causing waves or swells.

Last updated February 27, 2023 at 11:09 AM

History

Effective: May 25, 2017
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-09 On the waters of Nettle lake: Williams county, Ohio.

Designated areas:

The slip between the middle bay and the north bay includes all waters between a line crossing Nettle lake from the beach at camp Diclair (4141'15"N 8443'31"W) to the opposite eastern shoreline (4141'15"N 8443'35"W) and extending northward to the north bay.

The north bay includes all waters north of a line crossing Nettle lake from the mouth of Nettle creek (4141'19"N 8443'28"W) to the opposite eastern shoreline (4141'19"N 8443'31"W).

The south bay includes all waters south of a line crossing the bay from the Lazy Acres boat launch at the intersection of Flagler street and Hollywood street (4140'42"N 8443'27"W) to the point at the end of Hiawatha trail (4140'41"N 8443'31"W).

General provisions:

(A) No person is permitted to:

(1) Engage or attempt to engage in water skiing or utilize any other towable device between the hours of six p.m. and ten a.m. local time.

(2) Operate a watercraft at a speed that creates a wake between the hours of six p.m. and ten a.m. local time.

(3) Engage or attempt to engage in any towed watersports in the slip between the middle bay and the north bay at any time. It is permissible to utilize a towable device in the north bay or south bay during the hours of ten a.m. and six p.m. local time, provided that such activities are conducted at no-wake speed.

(4) Operate a powercraft at a speed that creates a wake in the south bay, the north bay, or the slip between the middle bay and the north bay.

(5) Anchor a watercraft in the slip between the middle bay and the north bay.

(6) Operate a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake at any time when the lake warning flags are displayed as notice of hazardous conditions or flood stage.

(B) All powercraft are to travel in a counter-clockwise direction with the shoreline to the starboard (right) side of the vessel except while beaching or going into shore.

It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of any vessel in violation of this rule.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-10 Springfield lake, Summit county.

Upon the waters of Springfield lake, it is unlawful:

(A) To operate or permit the operation of a watercraft at a speed greater than idle or no-wake speed between the hours of seven p.m. and ten a.m.

(B) For any watercraft to anchor, idle, or stop in the designated speed and ski zone except to retrieve a fallen skier between the hours of ten a.m. and seven p.m.

(D) To operate or permit the operation of a powercraft in the designated speed and ski zone in a manner that is inconsistent with the established counter-clockwise direction of travel, keeping the near shoreline on the starboard (right) side of the vessel.

(E) To operate or permit the operation of any type of hydroplane, airboat, airfoil, tunnel hull, drag hull, wing-in-ground craft, hovercraft, submersible watercraft or diver propulsion device.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-11 On the waters of lake Seneca, Williams county.

(A) Definitions:

(1) "Shore zone" means the water area of a uniform width of fifty feet lying parallel with and contiguous to the shoreline.

(2) "Open zone" means any water except the shore zone, designated swim areas, and the marina or boat launch area.

(3) "Designated swim area" means any water area designated and marked as a swim zone by the lake Seneca property owners association. The designated swim area shall exclusively include the water along and contiguous to the shore area designated by the lake Seneca property owners association as the community beach area.

(B) General provisions

(1) No person shall place, anchor, or otherwise affix any type of buoy, sign, mooring apparatus, swim platform, or other floating structure in the open zone or in an area that obstructs access to a navigable channel or boat launch. This does not preclude the use of buoys to mark hazards in the water.

(2) All power craft shall proceed in a counter-clockwise direction with the shore to the starboard side, except to retrieve a fallen skier or while beaching or going in to shore.

(3) No person shall operate a power craft at a speed that creates a wake in the following areas:

(a) The shore zone, or

(b) Within fifty feet of the designated swim area.

(4) No person shall operate a power craft at a speed that creates a wake between the hours of eight p.m. and ten a.m. local time.

(5) No person shall operate a power craft at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake at any time when the lake warning flags are displayed as a notice of hazardous conditions or flood stage.

Last updated July 16, 2021 at 9:41 AM

History

Effective: July 16, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-12 Stark county park district.

On the waters under the management authority of the Stark county park district, it is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a class of vessel not specifically permitted as follows:

(A) A vessel propelled by a motor, or combination of motors, with a total horsepower rating of not more than ten horsepower may be operated on the waters or within Walborn reservoir or Sippo lake.

(B) No motorized vessel, other than a vessel propelled by electric motor is permitted on the waters of Deer creek reservoir.

(C) Only non-motorized vessels are permitted on the waters or within Petros lake or the Ohio and Erie canal within Stark county.

Vessels equipped with higher horsepower motors may be present on the waters specified in paragraphs (A) and (B) of this rule provided they comply with paragraphs (A) and (B) of this rule.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:02 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-13 City of Cuyahoga Falls.

(A) It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit to be operated a motor, or combination of motors, exceeding a horsepower rating in excess of ten horsepower to propel a vessel on the Cuyahoga river between the state route 91 bridge in Munroe falls to the Broad street dam in Cuyahoga Falls.

(B) This rule does not apply to any vessel whose owner is a state or subdivision thereof which is clearly identifiable as such.

(C) Vessels equipped with higher horsepower motors may be present on these waters provided they comply with paragraph (A) of this rule.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-14 Lake Snowden: Athens county, Ohio.

(A) Upon the waters of lake Snowden, it is unlawful for any powercraft to be operated at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake, unless specifically permitted in writing by the park manager.

(B) A "wake" as used in the rule means a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-15 Apple Valley lake: Knox county, Ohio.

(A) Upon the waters of Apple Valley lake, it is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake between sunset and sunrise.

A "wake" as used in the rule means a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

(B) All powercraft are to travel in a counter-clockwise direction with the nearest shoreline on the starboard (right) side of the vessel, except when operating at no wake speed.

(C) No person may operate or permit the operation of a watercraft in a manner intended to allow one or more persons to engage in wake boarding, wake surfing, or wake skating through the utilization or employment of any wake-enhancing device outside the designated activity area which consists of the waters north of Sutton beach extending to the south of Davis beach at a distance of at least three hundred feet from shore and not less than two hundred feet from any no wake zone.

Wake-enhancing devices consist of any integrated or assembled apparatus intended to lower the stern of the vessel for the purpose of increasing the wake created by the vessel under normal or low speed operating conditions. Wake-enhancing devices include, but are not limited to; ballast tanks or bladders, wedges, attitude adjustment plates, hydrogates, trim tabs, wake plates, hydrofoils, or any other contrivance, commercially manufactured or independently engineered for the purpose of increasing wake.

Last updated April 9, 2026 at 7:31 AM

History

Effective: April 9, 2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-16 Lake Lorelei, Brown county.

Upon the waters of lake Lorelei, it is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a powercraft:

(A) At a speed greater than thirty-five miles per hour from sunrise to sunset within the water-ski or open zone.

(B) At a speed greater than six miles per hour from sunset to sunrise within the water-ski or open zone.

(C) At greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake within one hundred fifty feet of the marina, gasoline dock, and launch ramp.

(D) At greater than idle speed or at a speed that creates a wake within the coves and the mouth of Glady Run.

(E) In the designated speed and ski zone in a manner that is inconsistent with the established counter-clockwise direction of travel, keeping the near shoreline on the starboard (right) side of the vessel.

Exceptions:

(1) It is permissible for a powercraft to deviate from the counter-clockwise direction of travel only when the operator is picking up a fallen water-skier.

(2) A powercraft being utilized by the lake Lorelei ski club is exempt from the counter-clockwise direction of travel when navigating the ski slalom course.

A "wake," as used in this rule, is defined as a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-17 Lakengren lakes, Preble county.

(A) General provisions:

(1) No person shall operate a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake from sunset to sunrise.

(2) No person shall operate a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake at any time when the lake warning flags are displayed.

(3) Powercraft operating in the designated speed and ski zones shall travel in a counter-clockwise direction with the shoreline on the starboard (right) side of the powercraft.

(4) All powercraft operating at a speed greater than idle speed shall maintain a distance of one hundred feet from the shore or any designated no-wake zone.

(5) Swimming from watercraft shall be permitted only in designated no-wake zones.

(6) A "wake" as used in this rule shall be defined as a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

(B) Restrictions:

(1) The operation of seaplanes, hovercraft, mechanically propelled airboats, airfoils, and ski-free mechanisms is prohibited.

(2) No powercraft shall tow more than two skiers, ski tubes, or other approved towable devices.

(3) It shall be unlawful for any watercraft to tow a parasail, kite, or any other device intended to achieve and maintain a distance of more than ten feet above the surface of the water.

(4) No person shall anchor, moor, dock or tie up any watercraft to any private dock facility without the express permission of the owner or other authorized agent.

(5) No person shall operate a powercraft, except by electric motor on the waters of the following areas:

(a) Thor lake

(b) Valhalla lake

(d) Kastrup lake

(e) Hatchet lake

(f) Bear lake

Last updated February 18, 2026 at 7:56 AM

History

Effective: May 8, 2020
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-18 Lake Buckhorn, Holmes county.

(A) Operating regulations

(1) No person shall operate a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed or at a speed that creates a wake from sunset to sunrise.

(2) Powercraft operating in the designated speed and ski zones shall travel in a counter-clockwise direction with the shoreline on the starboard (right) side of the powercraft.

(3) All powercraft operating at a speed greater than idle speed shall maintain a distance of fifty feet from the shore.

(4) Swimming from watercraft shall be permitted only in designated no-wake zones.

(5) A "wake" as used in this rule shall be defined as a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

(B) Restrictions

(1) No powercraft shall tow more than two skiers, ski tubes, or other approved towable devices.

(2) No person shall anchor, moor, dock or tie up any watercraft to any private dock facility without express permission of the owner or other authorized agent.

(3) While being towed by a watercraft, no person shall have any type of airfoil or other device in hand or affixed to the person for the purpose of becoming airborne over the waters of lake Buckhorn.

(4) It shall be unlawful for any watercraft to tow a parasail, kite, or any other airborne device on the waters of lake Buckhorn.

(5) The operation of seaplanes, hovercraft, mechanically propelled airboats, airfoils, and ski-free mechanisms is prohibited.

Last updated April 22, 2025 at 7:58 AM

History

Effective: April 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-19 Lake Roaming Rock, Ashtabula county.

(A) Definitions:

(1) "No-wake speed" means to operate a powered vessel at a speed determined by the minimum amount of power required to maintain steerage of the craft.

(2) "Open zone" means the waters of lake Roaming Rock which are more than seventy-five feet from the shoreline and not otherwise designated as "no-wake."

(3) "Shore zone" means that water area of a uniform width of seventy-five feet lying parallel with and contiguous to the shoreline.

(4) "Wake" means a track left by a watercraft causing waves or swells.

(B) Operation:

(1) No person may operate or permit the operation of a vessel at a speed greater than no-wake speed within the shore zone.

(2) Powercraft operating in the open zone are to travel in a counter-clockwise direction with the shoreline on the starboard (right) side of the powercraft except to pick up a fallen skier.

(3) No person may operate or permit the operation of a watercraft in a manner intended to allow one or more persons to engage in wake boarding, wake surfing, or wake skating through the utilization or employment of any wake-enhancing device without maintaining a minimum distance of two hundred-fifty feet from shore.

(4) No person may operate or permit the operation of at a motorized vessel at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake at any time when the lake warning beacons are activated as notice of hazardous conditions.

(1) The use or operation of any air propelled powercraft, hovercraft, wing-in-ground craft, jet boards, e-foils, or submersible watercraft is not permitted on the waters of lake Roaming Rock.

(2) No person may operate or permit the operation at a speed greater than idle speed, or at a speed that creates a wake between sunset and sunrise.

(3) No watercraft is permitted to be used for the purpose of sleeping on board overnight or as a dwelling.

(4) No watercraft may be left unattended between the hours of sunset and sunrise at beach number 1 or beach number 2.

(5) No watercraft are permitted to come ashore, anchor, or tie up anywhere other than at an assigned location in the area of beach number 1. Watercraft may be permitted to come ashore, anchor, or tie up in areas of beach number 2 specifically designated for such use.

(6) Not more than two skiers or other towable devices are to be towed by any single watercraft simultaneously.

(7) While being towed by a watercraft, no person is permitted to have any type of airfoil or other device in hand or affixed to the person for the purpose of becoming airborne over the waters of lake Roaming Rock.

(8) No races, regattas, or other special events may be conducted on the waters of lake Roaming Rock without the express written permission of the RomeRock association board of directors.

Last updated April 9, 2026 at 7:31 AM

History

Effective: April 9, 2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-20 Little Miami river, Warren county.

(A) On the waters of the Little Miami river in Warren county, it is unlawful to operate a watercraft in such a manner that creates a wake.

(B) A "wake" as used in this rule is defined as a track left by a watercraft in the water causing waves or swells.

(C) Vessels being operated in the course of official government business or in the course of emergency operations are exempt from this rule.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:03 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-21 Medina county park district.

For the purposes of this rule, "waters of the district" means any water areas within the boundaries of any park and any waters under the management authority of the Medina county park district.

The administrator of the Medina county park district, or the administrator's designee, may grant written permission for vessels exceeding the horsepower limits or motor restrictions established in this rule to operate on waters of the district if it is determined that the public safety will be adequately protected. Such a permit may be issued to park district personnel and contracted service providers for law enforcement, training, rescue, salvage, testing, and maintenance activities when necessary for safe and efficient operations. Written permission allowing for the operation of vessels that exceed established horsepower limits or motor restrictions may also be issued to the owners or operators of recreational vessels and commercial passenger carrying vessels when it is determined that greater horsepower is necessary for safe operations due to the size, shape, and weight of such vessels.

(A) Limitations on powercraft.

(1) On any waters of the district except Chippewa lake:

(a) It is unlawful to operate or permit the operation of any powercraft other than a powercraft propelled by an electric motor.

(b) The operation of a powercraft propelled by an electric motor or combination of electric motors exceeding a total combined horsepower rating of ten horsepower is forbidden.

(2) Upon the waters of Chippewa lake:

(a) It is unlawful to operate or permit the operation of a powercraft propelled by a motor or combination of motors with a total combined horsepower rating in excess of three hundred, ninety-nine horsepower.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a watercraft in manner that does not comply with an area of controlled operation as designated and marked under the provisions of section 1547.08 of the Revised Code.

(c) No person is permitted to operate or permit the operation of a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed or at a speed that creates a wake in the south bay, the western shore zone, or the eastern shore zone.

(i) "South bay" includes all waters south of a line extending southeast from the boat launch (41 3' 39.69" N 81 54' 35.56" W) to the north end of Beau Bay beach (41 3' 35.49" N 81 54' 13.54" W) on the eastern shoreline.

(ii) "Western shore zone" includes all waters of a uniform width of one-hundred feet lying parallel with and contiguous to the shoreline extending northward from the boat launch (41 3' 39.69" N 81 54' 35.56" W) to the inlet (41 4' 24.21" N 81 54' 40.47" W) along the western side of the lake.

(iii) "Eastern shore zone" includes all waters of a uniform width of three-hundred feet lying parallel with and contiguous to the shoreline extending northward from the Beau Bay beach (41 3' 35.49" N 81 54' 13.54" W) to the inlet (41 4' 24.21" N 81 54' 40.47" W) along the eastern side of the lake.

Exemptions to the Chippewa lake powercraft limitations may be granted by the administrator of the Medina county park district, or the administrator's designee, for sanctioned events or activities. Any person or organization wishing to apply for an exemption may submit an application detailing the dates, times, and any other information deemed to be necessary not less than thirty days prior to the commencement of such activities. Notice of an approved exemption will be provided to the applicant. Any person operating a powercraft while participating in exempted activities may be compelled to show proof of such exemption to law enforcement or Medina county park district personnel upon request. Failure to abide by provisions stated in the notice of exemption may result in the suspension or revocation of the exemption.

(B) It is unlawful for any person to operate, or permit to be operated, a powercraft at a speed in excess of idle speed on any waters of the district from sunset to sunrise local time.

(C) It is unlawful for any person to voluntarily leave any vessel to swim in district waters except in a designated boater swim area.

(D) The operation of submersibles, seaplanes, hovercraft, mechanically propelled airboats, wing-in-ground craft, and ski-free mechanisms is prohibited on all waters of the district.

(E) It is unlawful for any person to operate or allow the operation of any mechanically powered apparatus, device, contrivance, or combination of a mechanically powered recreational vessel and any towable apparatus, device, or contrivance to become airborne over the waters of the district.

(1) It is unlawful for any person, while operating a powercraft, to tow or allow the towing of any person using an apparatus, device, or other contrivance for the purpose of becoming airborne over the waters of the district.

(2) It is unlawful for any person to utilize any device, or allow the utilization of any apparatus, device, or contrivance designed or used for the purpose of becoming airborne over the waters of the district while being towed by a powercraft.

(3) It is unlawful for any person to use any hydro jet device while operating upon waters of the district.

For the purposes of this rule, "hydro jet device" means a modular apparatus that is tethered to a mechanically powered recreational vessel or other type of power unit by a hose or conduit that delivers pressurized water allowing the device to utilize water jets for the purpose of allowing an operator or passenger to maneuver along the surface of the water, ascend above the surface of the water, or dive below the surface of the water by means of controlling the thrust and direction of the water jets.

Use of any sailboard or kite board, as defined in section 1547.532 of the Revised Code, is permitted on waters of the district, provided that any such vessel is operated in a safe manner and does not interfere with the navigation of other vessels.

(F) It is unlawful for any person to possess or overtly and publicly consume or display the presence of any beer or intoxicating liquor, as defined in section 4301.01 of the Revised Code, while occupying any vessel on the waters of the district.

(G) It is unlawful for any person to use, access, moor, tie-up or otherwise secure a vessel to a privately held dock or park district dock designated for seasonal contractual use without permission of the owner or contracted lessee except in emergency situations or in storm conditions which constitute a hazard to the safety of any persons or property involved.

(H) It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a powercraft at a speed greater than idle speed on waters of the district or at a speed that creates at wake at any time when warning flags are posted.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:11 PM

History

Effective: June 30, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-7-22 Waters under the management authority of the city of Aurora, Ohio.

Use of motorized watercraft on the waters of Geauga lake, restrictions:

(A) No person may operate (start/run) or permit the operation of any watercraft propelled by an inboard or outboard motor other than an electric motor.

(B) Motorized watercraft equipped with a motor other than an electric motor may be present on the waters of Geauga lake provided that such vessels comply with paragraph (A) of this rule.

If it is determined that public safety will be adequately protected, the administrator of the city of Aurora parks and recreation department, or the administrator's designee, may grant written permission for the use of vessels and other recreational craft otherwise not permitted by this rule for special events or other sanctioned purposes.

No person may operate or permit the operation of any vessel in violation of the provisions of this rule.

Last updated September 3, 2026 at 8:16 AM

History

Effective: September 3, 2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 1501:47-9 Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-01 Horsepower limitations.

The following horsepower limitations apply to the below named waters of the Muskingum watershed conservancy district.

(A) "Horsepower" means the horsepower rating published by the manufacturer for the power unit involved and any power unit modified to reduce or increase the manufacturers rating is not to be operated on the waters of the district.

(B) It is unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft having a motor capacity in excess of ten horsepower on Beach City, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont and Wills Creek lakes.

(C) It is unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft with a motor in excess of twenty-five horsepower on Atwood lake.

(D) It is unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft with a motor in excess of three hundred ninety-nine horsepower on Tappan lake.

(E) It is unlawful for any person to operate a watercraft with a motor in excess of three hundred ninety-nine horsepower on Seneca lake.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 6:18 AM

History

Effective: June 30, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-02 Speed limitations.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a watercraft at any time at a speed greater than idle speed or at a speed that creates a wake within an area zoned by the Muskingum watershed conservancy district and marked by buoys as a no-wake zone or designated as a shore zone. In areas which are not marked and designated as specific activity zones watercraft may be operated at such speed as is reasonable, having due regard to the traffic, surface and other existing conditions.

History

Effective: January 30, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-03 Sleeping on watercraft.

It is unlawful for any person to use any watercraft on the waters of the district for the purpose of sleeping on board unless such person has obtained a docking permit and the watercraft is anchored, tied, or otherwise secured in a designated area.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:04 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-04 Intoxicating beverages.

(A) No person shall overtly and publicly consume or display the presence of any beer or intoxicating liquor, as defined in section 4301.01 of the Revised Code while occupying any watercraft upon the waters of Atwood lake, Beach City lake, Charles Mill lake, Clendening lake, Leesville lake, Pleasant Hill lake, Piedmont lake, Seneca lake, Tappan lake, or Wills Creek lake.

History

Effective: January 30, 2021
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-05 Launching, anchoring, and storage.

Ingress and egress for watercraft to the reservoirs of the district is only permitted at sites authorized by the district and no boats are authorized to be anchored, tied, or stored overnight at any points along the shores of the reservoirs unless under the terms of special contracts. Boats found unattended in violation of this regulation will be deemed "abandoned" and handled as provided in section 1547.30 of the Revised Code providing for the disposition of "abandoned" watercraft.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:04 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-06 Seaplanes, hovercraft, and submersibles prohibited.

The operation of seaplanes, hovercraft, and submersibles is unlawful on any waters of the district.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:04 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-08 Night speed activities.

It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit to be operated a watercraft at a speed in excess of six miles per hour, or to engage in water skiing, surfboarding, or other like towing activities on any waters of the Muskingum watershed conservancy district from sunset to sunrise local time.

Last updated February 15, 2024 at 2:04 PM

History

Effective: February 15, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-09 Administrative permits.

The chief executive officer of the Muskingum watershed conservancy district, or his/her designee, may, if he/she determines that the public safety will be adequately protected, grant written permission for over-horsepower watercraft operation(s) on Muskingum watershed conservancy district controlled waterways under the conditions described in this rule. Such a permit may be issued to safety, fire department, law enforcement, and marina maintenance personnel, for law enforcement, training, rescue, salvage, testing, and maintenance activities when necessary for safe and efficient operations. Said officer may issue such permits for houseboats and commercial passenger carrying watercraft when it is determined that greater horsepower is necessary for safe operations due to the size, shape, and weight of the watercraft.

Last updated May 6, 2024 at 9:46 AM

History

Effective: January 26, 2018
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Ohio Adm.Code 1501:47-9-10 Use of airborne devices prohibited.

No person, while being towed by a watercraft, is permitted to use any device for the purpose of becoming airborne over Muskingum watershed conservancy district waters. No person while operating a watercraft is permitted to tow any person using a device for the purpose of becoming airborne over the muskingum watershed conservancy district waters.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 7:12 PM

History

Effective: June 30, 2024
Promulgated Under: 119.03