(A) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel, other than a vessel exempted by rules, on the waters in this municipality:
(1) That is 16 feet or greater in length without carrying aboard one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard and one throwable personal flotation device;
(2) That is less than 16 feet in length, including paddlecraft of any length, without carrying aboard one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard.
(B) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any commercial vessel on the waters in this municipality:
(1) That is less than 40 feet in length and is not carrying persons for hire without carrying aboard at least one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard;
(2) That is carrying persons for hire or is 40 feet in length or longer and is not carrying persons for hire without carrying aboard at least one type one wearable personal flotation device for each person aboard that complies with all of the following:
(a) It is designed to support the person wearing the wearable personal flotation device in the water in an upright or slightly backward position and provides support to the head so that the face of an unconscious or exhausted person is held above the water.
(b) It is capable of turning the person wearing the wearable personal flotation device, upon entering the water, to a safe flotation position.
(c) It is capable of being worn inside out.
(d) It is capable of supporting a minimum of 22 pounds in fresh water for 48 hours.
(e) It is a highly visible color.
(3) That is 26 feet in length or longer without carrying aboard at least one throwable personal flotation device in addition to the applicable requirements of divisions (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this section.
(C) 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, and used in accordance with any requirements on its approval label or in accordance with requirements in its owner’s manual if the approval label refers to such a manual.
(D) A personal flotation device shall not be used in a manner that is inconsistent with any limitations or restrictions related to federal approval under 46 C.F.R. 160 or special instructions for use provided by the manufacturer. Appropriate use shall be indicated on the label of an approved personal flotation device.
(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. The phrase 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.
(R.C. § 1547.25) (Rev. 2024)
(F) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
(R.C. § 1547.99(F)) (Rev. 2002)