971.24 VENTILATION REQUIRED ON POWERCRAFT.

   All powercraft using gasoline or other liquid fuel having a flashpoint of less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit shall be provided with ventilation as follows:

   (a)    At least two ventilators fitted with cowls or their equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every engine and fuel tank compartment in order to remove any inflammable or explosive gases;

   (b)    Any type of ventilating system approved for use by the United States Coast Guard.

   The ventilation of the boat is not required where the greater portion of the bilges of the engine and fuel tank compartment are open to the natural atmosphere.

(ORC 1546.29)

971.25 ABANDONMENT FORBIDDEN; PROCEDURES FOR REDEEMING OR DISPOSING OF ABANDONED WATERCRAFT OR OUTBOARD MOTOR.

   No person shall abandon any watercraft at any time on the waters of this City.

   (a)    Any watercraft or outboard motor found unattended in a sunken, beached or drifting condition shall be deemed abandoned by the owner. In the interest of the public safety, such watercraft or outboard motor may be removed and impounded for safekeeping and disposal in accordance with the provisions in subsections (b) through (e) hereof.

   (b)    Such watercraft or outboard motor may be impounded by any law enforcement officer having jurisdiction in the water area where such abandoned watercraft or outboard motor is found.

   (c)    The owner of such impounded watercraft or outboard motor, if he is known or can be found, shall be notified and the owner shall be permitted to redeem such watercraft or outboard motor by payment of a storage fee not to exceed one dollar ($1.00) per day plus the actual cost incurred in the removal of such watercraft or outboard motor.

   (d)    When the owner of such watercraft or outboard motor cannot be found, the impounded watercraft or outboard motor shall be held at the place of safekeeping for a period of time not less than ninety days nor longer than six months.

   (e)    Any watercraft or outboard motor unclaimed by the owner at the expiration of the time set forth in subsection (d) hereof shall be disposed of by destroying such watercraft or outboard motor or by offering such watercraft or outboard motor for sale at public auction.

   (f)    All money received by reason of the sale at public auction shall be deposited in the General Fund of the City. (ORC 1547.30)

971.26 EXHAUST MUFFLER REQUIRED.

   No person shall operate on the waters of this City, any powercraft without a muffler, underwater exhaust or other device that muffles or suppresses the sound of the exhaust at all speeds. (ORC 1547.31)

971.27 CRAFT USED AS DWELLING PROHIBITED IF NUISANCE CREATED; EXCEPTIONS.

   No person shall use any watercraft for the purpose of establishing or maintaining a dwelling, which creates a nuisance, of either permanent or temporary nature, on any of the waters of this City. (ORC 1547.32)

971.28 DISCHARGING SANITARY SYSTEMS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION.

   No person shall launch, moor, dock, use or operate on any of the waters of this City, any watercraft which contains a sink, toilet or sanitary system which is capable of discharging urine, fecal matter, contents of a chemical commode, kitchen wastes, laundry wastes, slop sink drainage or other household wastes into the waters of this City. Such sink, toilet or sanitary system shall be removed or sealed or made to drain into a tank or reservoir which can be carried or pumped ashore for disposal into a sewage treatment works approved by the Ohio Director of Environmental Protection. (ORC 1547.33)

971.29 DUTY TO PROVIDE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

   No person who lets watercraft for hire, or the agent or employee thereof, shall rent, lease, charter or otherwise permit the use of such watercraft, unless such person provides the watercraft with the equipment required under this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 1547 and complies with all requirements thereof. (ORC 1547.38)

971.30 ATTACHMENT OF CAPACITY PLATE REQUIRED.

   No person shall operate a watercraft for which a capacity plate is required by Ohio R.C. 1547.39 unless a capacity plate as prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Division of Watercraft is attached. (ORC 1547.41)