Boating laws...

Question
Hi,

I live in Ohio, and just purchased a 9' inflatable rowboat. The boat is legally registered and all that jazz, but I was investigating the laws regarding alcohol on boats and can't come up with much online. I understand that there are BAC guidelines for "operators" if stopped by officials, but do you know what the laws are regarding alcohol on board? I called the Coast Guard, and they said there is no alcohol allowed at any time, but I don't think this is true. I asked a ferry captain and he said it's not true.  It is a common and open thing that people do on boats. I'm trying to be safe before I take it out, and didn't want to end up in jail over having an open 6-pack. And, who would be considered the "driver" or "operator"? Anyone with oars in their hand? I'm having a hard time finding information on this, and I hope you can help.

Answer
Hi Kristen...Thanks for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

The answer is very simple when it comes to pleasure crafts. Unless your boat has proper sleeping accommodations, a toilet (head), cooking facilities, and is either docked or anchored, consumption of alcohol onboard is prohibited.

Certain commercial vessels are licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, even while the boat is underway.

However, if you're transporting alcohol of any kind from say the mainland to an island or remote cottage, including full or partial cases of beer and/or bottles of liquor, there's no problem so long as the alcohol is not within immediate reach of the person in charge of the vessel (operator). In other words Kristen, it all boils down to applying commonsense.

Safe Boating
Ron