§ 1547.25 Specification for flotation devices

Codes > Ohio Revised Code > Title XV > Chapter 1547 : Safety Provisions > 1547.25

1547.25 Specification for flotation devices

(A) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel, other than a commercial vessel or other vessel exempted by rules adopted under section 1547.52 of the Revised Code, on the waters in this state:

(1) That is sixteen feet or greater in length without carrying aboard one type one, two, or three personal flotation device for each person aboard and one type four personal flotation device;

(2) That is less than sixteen feet in length, including canoes and kayaks of any length, without carrying aboard one type one, two, or three personal flotation device for each person aboard.

(B) A type five personal flotation device may be carried in lieu of a type one, two, or three personal flotation device required under division (A) of this section.

(C) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any commercial vessel on the waters in this state:

(1) That is less than forty feet in length and is not carrying persons for hire without carrying aboard at least one type one, two, or three personal flotation device for each person aboard;

(2) That is carrying persons for hire or is forty feet in length or longer and is not carrying persons for hire without carrying aboard at least one type one personal flotation device for each person aboard;

(3) That is twenty-six feet in length or longer without carrying aboard at least one type four ring life buoy in addition to the applicable requirements of divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section.

(D) Each personal flotation device carried aboard a vessel, including a commercial vessel, pursuant to this section shall be coast guard approved and in good and serviceable condition, of appropriate size for the wearer, and readily accessible to each person aboard the vessel at all times.

(E) As used in this section, “commercial vessel” means any vessel used in the carriage of any person or property for a valuable consideration whether flowing directly or indirectly from the owner, partner, or agent or any other person interested in the vessel. “Commercial vessel” does not include any vessel that is manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use or that is leased, rented, or chartered to another for noncommercial use.