How To Register A Kayak In Ohio
All water vessels in the state of Ohio need to be registered by law, and that includes kayaks. However, there are a few exceptions…. and we’re going to get to that later.
So how exactly do you register your kayak in Ohio and what do you need to do it? To give you some advice and hopefully to ease your concerns, we’ve put together this helpful guide.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. You should contact a legal attorney if you need definitive answers regarding Ohio state law.
I Need To Register My Boat? Why?
Ohio law requires that all water-going vessels are registered with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Types of boats, including kayaks (as well as inflatables), powerboats, sailboats, canoes, and pedal boats, fall into this category. So before you head out on the water in your kayak, you must pay a registration fee, and you must display the registration decal on your vessel.
Exceptions
There are a couple of exceptions that may mean that Ohio boat registrations are not required for your kayak. If you are in the state for a vacation and you bring your vessel into Ohio from another state or country, then you do not need to register your kayak.
Similarly, if you are participating in a kayaking competition in Ohio and you are ordinarily resident in another state within the United States, you will not need to register your kayak. As long as you and your kayak are not in Ohio for longer than 60 days.
It might be worth noting that paddle boards, sail boards, kite boards, belly boats, and float tubes, are also exempt from the registration laws.
How To Register A Kayak Or Small Boat In Ohio
If you have a kayak, canoe or any other paddle/hand powered boat then you can register it with an Alternative Registration. This will give you registration for 3 years.
However, if you plan to attach any type of motor, or even a sail to your craft you will need to register it as a Traditional Registration, as your Alternative Registration will be invalid if you attach a motor or sail (even if it’s temporary).
The decal you receive must be attached to your vessel (shameless plug: how to place decals on your kayak) so that it can be seen, either at the bow or stern. One recommended place to display it on your kayak is at the stern, just behind the cockpit.
Keep in mind that you will also be required to carry the registration paperwork with you while you’re out on the water.
Where To Register Your Boat And Kayak
There are several locations across Ohio where you can register your kayak. This can be at an Ohio Department of Natural Resources office or at an Ohio DNR approved Watercraft boat registration agent. These agents include Great Lakes Boat Works in Painesville, OH and Sea Ray of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH.
Your registration is valid for three years and expires on March 1st. You can renew your registration online using your OH boat number and your PIN. These can be found on your renewal notice.
All watercraft principally operated on Ohio waters must be registered and issued an Ohio Registration Certificate by the Ohio Division of Parks & Watercraft.
What You Need To Register You Kayak
What Else Is Required For Ohio Boat Registration?
A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) are required for every person on the kayak, whether they’re paddling or not. Children under 10 years of age, on any vessel under 18 feet in length, are required to wear life jackets at all times while on the water. U.S. Coast Guard approved life vests should be used.
At least one Type IV flotation device should be kept on board boats over 18 feet in length.
For paddling between sunset and sunrise, you are also required to have a white light or lantern so your kayak is visible to other water users in the dark. And during these hours, if you’re paddling on Lake Erie you are also required to carry visual distress signals.
You may also require additional safety equipment, particularly if your boat is motorized.
Boating fatalities are taken seriously...Having said that, you don't need a fire extinguisher (if your boat is less than 26 feet in length).
Video: Ohio Boating Safety Equipment Requirements
Ohio Alcohol Boating Laws
A kayak / boat operator with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more is considered to be intoxicated and operating under the influence (OUI).
Any refusal to cooperate with a law enforcement officer in providing an alcohol breath test is also an offence. The penalty can be hefty fines and a boating ban.
Finishing Up
Registering your kayak or boat in Ohio can be pretty easy once you know how and where to do it. You can then explore the many lakes and waterways that Ohio has to offer. Just make sure you know the type of boat you’re registering, so you can ensure you are applying for the correct Ohio boat registration.
Let us know how you get on and don’t forget to share this information with your fellow kayakers to make sure everyone’s following the rules. And remember to stay safe on the water.
Main Source: http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov
