Ohio's Boater Education Law

Ohio law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, to successfully complete either a boating course or a proficiency exam in order to operate a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower. (Ohio Revised Code 1547.05-1547.052; effective 1/1/2000)

The boating course must be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators; and the proficiency exam must be approved by the ODNR Division of Watercraft. [SEARCH FOR A COURSE]

The law applies to any operator AND any supervising adult who was born on or after January 1, 1982.

Questions Concerning the Boater Education Law

Q: Am I required to have a license to drive a boat?

A: An education certificate is not a license. Having a drivers license (for driving a car) has nothing to do with being able to operate a boat according to the law. The education law requires any boat operator born on or after January 1, 1982 to successfully complete a boating education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) or proficiency test before operating any craft powered by greater than 10 horsepower.

 

Q: Is this just a youth education bill?

A: The law seems to affect only young adults, but as the years pass, the January 1, 1982, date stays the same. In 50 years, just about every person who operates a boat of greater than 10 horsepower will have been certified.

 

Q: Is an education certificate needed to rent a boat?

A. Boaters born on or after January 1, 1982, have the option of either presenting a certificate from a NASBLA-approved boating education course or proficiency test, or signing an statement that they possess the certificate, or taking an on-site abbreviated test provided by the ODNR Division of Watercraft when renting any craft powered by greater than 10 horsepower.

 

Q: Can kids still operate a boat under the new law?

A: As long as the child operator fulfills the requirements of the new law, they can continue to operate a boat. If a supervising person is required, then the supervising person must also fulfill the law. The law only applies to boats of greater than 10 horsepower and to operators who were born on or after January 1, 1982. Operator age limits for personal watercraft remain the same: under 12 not permitted to operate; 12-15 need a supervising adult 18+ on board; 16-year-olds may operate alone -- as long as the operators have education certification.

 

Q: What courses are acceptable to meet this requirement?

A: Any NASBLA-approved boating education course. Currently that includes courses offered by the ODNR Division of Watercraft, the US Power Squadron and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. It also includes some online courses and the ODNR Division of Watercraft Home Study Course. Be wary that some online course certificates are not accepted by other states. The course certificate you get from US Power Squadron, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Ohio Boater Education Course (classroom or online) are accepted in every surrounding state.

 

Q: Is my boating education certificate from another state good in Ohio?

A: A certificate from another state is acceptable provided it is for a NASBLA approved course.

 

Q: When did this law go into effect?

A: The education requirement became effective January 1, 2000.

 

Q: Where can I find out about boating courses in my area?

A: From our Boating Course Search web site. On-line, home-study, and proficiency exam options are available to you as well.

72 Hours to Produce Proof of Education

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, who is operating a vessel powered by more than 10 horsepower and is stopped by a law enforcement officer on Ohio waters must produce a certificate of completion of either an approved course or proficiency test not later than 72 hours after being stopped. Proof that the person holds such a certificate may also be provided within the 72-hour period instead of the actual certificate. Failure of the person to present the certificate or proof of holding a certificate within the 72-hour period is prima-facie evidence of a violation.

Rentals:

Rental businesses cannot lease or rent a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower to anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, unless the person:

  • Signs a statement that they have successfully completed an approved boating course or a proficiency exam, OR
  • Successfully passes an abbreviated exam, with a score of 90 percent or better, administered by the business and valid only for the period of the rental agreement.

Violations

Violators of this requirement are guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if the violation is not related to a collision, injury to a person, or damage to property, punishable by a fine of not more than $250, a term of imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both.

If the violation is related to a collision, injury to a person, or damage to property, it is a misdemeanor of the third degree, which is punishable by a fine of not more than $500, a term of imprisonment of not more than 60 days, or both.

Any person who operates a boat powered by more than 10HP and commits a violation which involves a threat to the safety of persons or property must be ordered by the court to successfully complete a boating education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Administrators before the offender is allowed to operate any boat greater than 10HP on Ohio waters. Violation of such a court order is punishable as contempt under existing law.