971.31 LOAD, OCCUPANT AND HORSEPOWER LIMITATIONS.

   (a)   No person shall operate a watercraft to which a capacity plate required by Ohio R.C. 1547.39 is attached, if the total load exceeds the weight capacity indicated on the capacity plate, or if the number of persons aboard exceeds the occupant capacity indicated on the capacity plate, or if the horsepower of any attached outboard motor exceeds the maximum horsepower indicated on the capacity plate.

   (b)   When no capacity plate exists, no person shall operate a watercraft if a reasonably prudent person would believe that either of the following circumstances applies:

      (1)   The total load aboard the watercraft has associated with it a risk of physical harm to persons or property;

      (2)   The total horsepower of any inboard engine or attached outboard motor has associated with it a risk of physical harm to persons or property.

         (ORC 1547.42)

971.32 NUMBERING WATERCRAFT REQUIRED.

   Every watercraft operated on the waters of this City shall be numbered. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any watercraft on such waters unless the watercraft is numbered in accordance with Federal law or a federally approved numbering system of this or another state, and unless:

   (a)    The certificate of number awarded to such watercraft is in effect.

   (b)    The identifying number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the bow of such watercraft. (ORC 1547.53)

971.33 DISPLAY OF NUMBER.

   Each owner shall attach to each side of the bow of his watercraft the permanent identification number in such manner as may be prescribed by applicable Federal standards in order that it shall be clearly visible. The number shall be maintained in a legible condition at all times. No number other than the number assigned to a watercraft or granted by reciprocity pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 1547 shall be painted, attached or otherwise displayed on either side of the bow of such watercraft. (ORC 1547.54)

971.34 TAMPERING OFFENSES.

   No person shall knowingly:

   (a)    Damage, remove or tamper with any signal, buoy or other aid to navigation.

   (b)    Sever the mooring lines of, set adrift or tamper with any watercraft that is moored or tied up on the waters of this City. (ORC 1547.92)

971.35 OPERATING WATERCRAFT WITHOUT CERTIFICATE OF TITLE.

   No person shall:

   (a)    Operate a watercraft for which a certificate of title is required or watercraft powered by an outboard motor for which a certificate of title is required without having such a certificate, or a valid temporary permit and number, in accordance with Ohio R.C. Chapter 1548;

   (b)    Operate a watercraft for which a certificate of title is required or watercraft powered by an outboard motor for which a certificate of title is required upon which the certificate of title has been canceled.

      (ORC 1548.18)