Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Ohio, no person shall operate any watercraft without a valid registration. Exceptions are:

“Bellyboats”/“float tubes,” kiteboards, paddleboards, and sailboards
Those exempt from numbering (except documented vessels) that are:
- Numbered by another state and not used in this state for more than 60 days
- From a country other than the United States temporarily using Ohio waters
- Owned by the United States, a state, or a political subdivision
- A ship’s lifeboat
- Exempted by the chief of the Division of Parks & Watercraft
- Under a waiver issued for a race or special event
- Hand-powered canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and inflatable vessels that have Alternative Registration
Those issued commercial documentation and used exclusively for commercial purposes
Vessels meeting another state’s registration requirements that are used in Ohio for less than 60 days

Glossary

“bellyboat” or “float tube”: An inflatable vessel that is operated by a person who remains partially submerged in the water and manually propels the vessel without using an oar, paddle, or pole
kiteboard: An inherently buoyant recreational vessel that is operated by a person standing on the vessel and using a kite for propulsion and lift
lifeboat: A boat that is held aboard another vessel and used exclusively for emergency purposes
paddleboard: An inherently buoyant recreational vessel that is operated by a person kneeling, standing, or lying on the vessel and propelling it with a pole or a single- or double-bladed paddle
sailboard: An inherently buoyant recreational vessel that is operated by a person standing on the vessel and using a single sail mounted on the vessel for propulsion

Unit 4 of 6
Topic 1 of 19
Page 1 of 5

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