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Boating Laws .com   |  Boater Safety by State   |  DNR Regulations by State


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Boating laws .com would like to welcome you to what we believe can be an important tool in your quest for information regarding rules and regulations. Our people are working to make this the most extensive site on the net for information dealing with rules and regulations. We have compiled a thorough database of state Department of Natural Recourse (DNR) links to offer you a comprehensive source. Throughout the years regulations have drastically changed to adapt to new watercraft styles and technologies. Personal watercraft have become a very popular means of recreation bringing up many important issue with states all over. New regulations are being written to aid in the safety of boaters and to prevent accidents before they occur. Mandatory courses are going into effect in many states to reduce accidents and to better educate children and adults on the proper requirements. Seminars are being offered along with convenient on-line courses so that everyone can get the right certificate needed for their state. Many state DNR's are also making it easier than ever to renew boat registrations. Instead of traveling to your nearest marina, many people now have the option to register online. This not only makes it easier for citizens, but also the state. Everyone needs to know what required equipment is needed to go on the water. When trying to find the right list, it is important to understand that there are three main types of craft that have required equipment: power boats, sail boats, and manually propelled boats. Having the right equipment is a very important issue. A boat should always have sufficient amount of personal floatation devices, along with a fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, and lights are among the few required by many states. Many boats in the United States need to be titled. Even personal watercraft, which once did not have to be titled, are being required by many states to register and title each machine when sold or transfer ownership. We have done our homework and are determined in our efforts to find new ways to search specifically on new ideas, look up rules in your state, and browse our listings of Department of Natural Recourses links. The links lists are located above. By clicking there you find entire lists of  rules by state and also DNR links by state.


 
   

SPLASH FACT:

    Most vessel fires and explosions occur shortly after refueling.  Gasoline fumes are much heavier than air and can collect in the lower parts of a craft, such as a bilges.  One cup on vaporizing gasoline has the explosive equivalency of 15 sticks of dynamite.
To reduce the risk of an explosion occurring: Before fueling, turn off all engines, motors and fans and extinguish open flames.  Close all ports, doors, windows and hatches to prevent fumes from entering
enclosed areas.
While fueling, keep the nozzle or spout in contact with the mouth of the tank to prevent the buildup of static electricity from producing a spark.  Tanks for outboard motors should be filled on the dock or on shore.  Be careful no to spill any fuel or overfill the tank.  Always allow space for expansion of gasoline to prevent overflowing.
After fueling, close tanks and wipe up any gasoline spills, properly disposing of the wipe-up rag on shore.  Open all ports, doors, windows and hatches and turn on the exhaust blower.  Ventilate the craft for at least five minutes and sniff in and around the engine compartment before starting engine.  Although your nose is the most reliable detector to determine whether gasoline vapors are present, consult a marine dealer about electronic vapor detectors which prevent the ignition from starting if fuel vapors are detected.
Maintaining your vessel can also reduce risks.  Regularly inspect the condition of fuel lines.  Look for loose connections, cracked hoses or other leaks.  Keep the flame arrester clean and securely attached to the carburetor.
 
Hypothermia:     The Silent Killer  Hypothermia is a life threatening medical condition. It is one of the biggest killers of water-goers in Ohio. Hypothermia may develop gradually or when sudden immersion in water causes rapid cooling of the body. When the cooling progresses beyond the skin and limbs and reaches the inner organs of the body core, it is called hypothermia. If hypothermia is not stopped, a variety of symptoms affect the body very quickly, rendering the person unable to survive by staying afloat, clinging to a boat, swimming, or treading water. The symptoms follow a predictable progression.

Symptoms
  • Shivering is the first sign and becomes vigorous with continued exposure.
  • Skin color becomes flushed initially, but later may turn blue.
  • Slurred speech
  • Clumsiness and poor coordination
  • Withdrawn and apathetic
  • Heart rate and blood flow slow down
  • Limbs become stiff as muscles get rigid
  • Mental confusion
  • Shivering ceases as body is no longer able to rewarm itself
  • Unconsciousness eventually occurs
  • Heart failure may occur, but drowning usually occurs first.

Prevention    Always dress for the water temperature and prepare for cold water immersion.
Particularly protect the head, neck, sides, and groin, which are the primary high heat loss areas.
Wear a wetsuit or dry suit if your water activity involves exposure to cold water.
When wetsuits or dry suits are impractical due to warm air temperature, dress in several layers of clothing under your life jacket.

Survival

  • A PFD is critical to survival. Wear it at all times.
  • Carry a blanket, hat and extra dry clothing on board.
  • A windbreaker or raincoat will help reduce futher heat loss from wind chill.
  • Climb onto the bottom of the upturned boat if unable to right it.
  • Remain as still as possible. Excessive movement in cold water cools the body 35 times faster.
  • Do not attempt to swim for shore as this will cause greater exposure to the water.
  • Assume the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) to protect the body core organs: while floating in a life jacket, draw your knees together toward your chest and hold your upper arms tightly to your sides. Keep your head, neck and face out of the water.
  • Do not attempt to remove clothing which traps water that will be warmed by the body's heat. Thrashing flushes the warmer water away from the body.

Treatment   The victim will need emergency care provided by a knowledgeable medical team. Hypothermic victims must be handled gently with movement minimized. Wrap the person in blankets to prevent further heat loss and transport them to the nearest medical facility in a warm vehicle.


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