As the warmer weather starts to settle in, avid boaters are likely eager to dust off their vessels and get themselves back out on the water.

What You Need To Know

  • As the weather warms, the ODNR announced they'll be offering free boat inspections at specific times and locations through June

  • The inspections are voluntary

  • They'll check for the essentials and let you know if there are any issues

In order to ensure that’s done safely, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft is hosting free boat safety checks.

“Vessel safety checks are a great opportunity for boaters to make sure their boats and trailers are ready for the season before hitting the water,” said Cindy Bellar, ODNR boating law administrator, in an ODNR press release. “These inspections give boaters peace of mind, knowing they have the necessary equipment to meet legal requirements and stay safe on the water.”

The voluntary inspections will check for life jackets, fire extinguishers and more as well as offer the boat owner various tips.

Before the inspection, the ODNR recommends referencing the required equipment lists found here for each type of boat.

“Boaters who pass the inspection will receive a vessel safety check (VSC) decal, showing compliance with Ohio’s safety requirements,” the release reads. “If an issue is found, officers will provide guidance on how to correct it.”

The free safety checks are as follows:

  • Sunday, April 6: 4 to 6 p.m. at Delaware State Park, Main Marina boat ramp
  • Friday, April 11: 5 to 7 p.m. at Side Cut Metropark (Metroparks Toledo), Silver Lake parking lot
  • Saturday April 12: 5 to 7 a.m. at Side Cut Metropark (Metroparks Toledo), 475 Boat access; and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Delaware State Park, Main Marina boat ramp
  • Sunday, April 27: 8 to 10 a.m. at Delaware State Park, Main Marina boat ramp; and 4 to 6 p.m. at Alum Creek State Park, New Galena boat ramp
  • Saturday, May 3: noon to 3 p.m. at Franklin Furnace, Holiday Point Marina
  • Saturday, May 17: 8 to 10 a.m. at Delaware State Park, Main Marina boat ramp; 8 to 10 a.m. at Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview boat ramp; noon to 2 p.m. at Dillon State Park, Dillon Marina; and noon to 3 p.m. at Buck Creek State Park, Marina boat ramp
  • Sunday, May 18: 8 to 10 a.m. at Indian Lake State Park, Blackhawk boat ramp; noon to 2 p.m. at Salt Fork State Park, Salt Fork Marina; 1 to 3 p.m. at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, West Bank boat ramp; 4 to 6 p.m. at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, East Bank boat ramp; and 5 to 7 p.m. at Kiser Lake State Park, Kiser Lake Marina
  • Friday, May 23: 1 to 2 p.m. at East Fork State Park, Tate boat ramp; and 5 to 7 p.m. at Indian Lake State Park, Moundwood boat ramp
  • Saturday, May 24: noon to 4 p.m. at Lake White State Park, Lake White boat ramp; 1 to 2 p.m. at Lake Loramie State Park, Earls Island boat ramp; and 3 to 4 p.m. at East Fork State Park, Tate boat ramp
  • Saturday, June 21: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Rocky Fork State Park, North Shore boat ramp

If you’re unable to attend one of these safety checks, you can set up an inspection through your closest ODNR watercraft office.

“Don’t wait until you’re on the water to discover you’re missing something,” the release reads. “Get peace of mind with a free vessel safety check.”