Ohio Boating and Watercraft

Ohio Boating and Watercraft Always wear a life jacket - keep what matters afloat! However, we will remove posts that are deemed inappropriate. Such content will be removed.

Our mission is to provide the finest boating services, facilities, protection, and education for users of Ohio's waterways through the innovative and wise use of our resources. Guidelines for Content on the Division of Parks and Watercraft Page: Ohio Boating and Watercraft

The Division of Parks and Watercraft welcomes open discussion on its social networking sites. Our goal is to share ideas and information with as many individuals as possible, and our policy is to accept the majority of comments made to our profiles. Before you post, be sure to read our full policy below. This page is meant for social interaction, information, and education only. It is never meant to be used for official submission of public comments or reports. If in need of assistance, please find our contact information at https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/division-parks-watercraft/contact-parks-watercraft. The Division monitors participation on our profiles and pages, but we are not responsible for content generated by users. The opinions, comments or views expressed by participating users on the Division’s social networking sites do not represent the views of the Division of Parks and Watercraft. If you wish to submit content for consideration, please email it to [email protected]. All suggestions will be reviewed and a select few will be shared if they are deemed appropriate. Anyone who submits a photo gives the Division of Parks and Watercraft consent to use their photo in future publications or on our Web site. Photos of minors must be submitted by a parent or guardian. Posts are moderated for relevance and suitability and are approved at the discretion of the moderator. We do not allow profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, trolling, advertising, or political campaigning on this page. Other posts that will be removed include, without limitation, hate speech, nudity, illegal activity, and defamation to a person or people. People who post such material will be prohibited from making further posts. The Division may provide links to Web pages that are not part of our social networking sites. These sites are not under Division control and the Division is not responsible for the information or links you may find there. We provide these links only as a convenience. The presence of these links on any Division Web site does not imply Division endorsement of that site. By submitting content to any of the Division of Parks and Watercraft’s social networking sites, you understand and acknowledge that this information is available to the public. No information you consider confidential should be posted to this site. By posting you agree to be solely responsible for the content of all information you contribute, link to, or otherwise upload to the Web site and release the Division of Parks and Watercraft from any liability related to any use of the Web site.

On Thursday at the Ohio River Way Summit, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources officially designated the Ohio River ...
10/02/2026

On Thursday at the Ohio River Way Summit, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources officially designated the Ohio River as the state’s 18th Ohio Water Trail—and its longest yet at 167 miles.

This milestone celebrates years of community teamwork, regional partnerships, and passionate advocates who recognize the Ohio River as one of our greatest natural assets. It also builds on the National Park Service’s 2025 recognition of the Ohio River Way as a 308‑mile National Water Trail spanning Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Starting at Ice Creek in Coal Grove and flowing to Cincinnati’s Shawnee Outlook Park, this new state water trail strengthens recreation access, supports safer paddling, and highlights the cultural and historical corridor that connects river communities.

With help from initiatives like H2Ohio and Appalachian community grants, Ohio continues making measurable progress in restoring and protecting our waterways. This designation is another big step forward—and a proud moment for everyone committed to the river’s future.

🌅 Here’s to the Ohio River—now officially a state water trail and always a source of pride, adventure, and opportunity.

While attending this year’s NASBLA conference in Knoxville, ODNR's education grants coordinator, Craig Watson, moderated...
09/18/2026

While attending this year’s NASBLA conference in Knoxville, ODNR's education grants coordinator, Craig Watson, moderated a great discussion with boating educators from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New Mexico on mandatory life jacket wear laws for small boats and cold‑water conditions.

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Ohio was proud to be part of the national conversation at the 2026 NASBLA Conference in Knoxville! State boating educati...
09/17/2026

Ohio was proud to be part of the national conversation at the 2026 NASBLA Conference in Knoxville! State boating education coordinator Andy Foos took the stage with experts from across the country to share insights on today’s biggest challenges in boating safety and education.

Great to see Ohio’s voice helping shape safer waterways nationwide! 🚤🌊

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
Ohio Department of Natural Resources

09/15/2026

We need your help! ODNR was submitted for the Light Ohio Blue Photo Contest under the “Specialty” Category. You can vote once per day with each device. Let’s get together and show support for our Natural Resources Officers!

https://lightohioblue.org/p/cmtio180f000ntg27kzf98wzl

⏰ Deadline Extended!Great news for our boating partners and waterfront organizations — we’ve officially extended the dea...
09/15/2026

⏰ Deadline Extended!

Great news for our boating partners and waterfront organizations — we’ve officially extended the deadline to apply for this year’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG)!

If you’re planning improvements to transient mooring facilities or considering upgrades for vessels 26’ and longer, you now have extra time to submit your application and secure funding support. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost public access, modernize your docks, and strengthen Ohio’s boating infrastructure.

📩 Questions? Reach out to the grant coordinator, Sean Landon, at [email protected] or visit https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/apply-for-grants/grants/boating-infrastructure.

📆 Updated deadline: Still open — get your application in while there’s time!

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Spectrum News 1 Ohio

09/08/2026
Heading out on the water this Labor Day weekend? Make safety your first stop! Please follow all boating safety guideline...
09/04/2026

Heading out on the water this Labor Day weekend? Make safety your first stop! Please follow all boating safety guidelines — and remember, wear a life jacket anytime you’re on or around the water. Let’s keep the holiday fun and safe for everyone!

More info: ohiodnr.gov/boating

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
National Safe Boating Council
Safe Boating Campaign
ODNR Parks & Watercraft Cleveland Marine Office

09/01/2026
As we approach early waterfowl season (September 5–13), we want to help every hunter make it back to shore safely. Befor...
09/01/2026

As we approach early waterfowl season (September 5–13), we want to help every hunter make it back to shore safely. Before you head out, keep these important tips in mind:

• Don’t overload your boat. Hunting gear, decoys, blinds, and coolers add weight and increase the risk of swamping or capsizing. Always follow the capacity limits on your boat’s plate.

• Attach your engine cutoff switch. If you fall overboard, this simple device shuts off the engine—preventing the boat from running away or circling back toward you.

• Use your navigation lights. Ohio law requires properly mounted and visible navigation lights for any vessel operating between sunset and sunrise.

• Wear your life jacket. Life jackets save lives. USCG‑approved inflatable vests provide safety without restricting movement, and USCG‑approved float coats offer both warmth and flotation. Both options come in camo patterns so they won’t disrupt your hunt.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy a great start to the season!

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Division of Wildlife
Ohio, The Heart of it All
Ohio State Parks
ODNR Parks & Watercraft Cleveland Marine Office

Address

2045 Morse Road, Bldg A
Columbus, OH
43229

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16142656480

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