March 19, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources:
COLUMBUS, Ohio – As boating season approaches, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) encourages boaters to prepare for safe and legal adventures on the water by completing the Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) this spring. Whether you're an experienced boater or just starting out, the OBEC provides essential knowledge to help you navigate Ohio's waterways responsibly and confidently.
“Spring is the perfect time to get prepared for a fun and safe boating season,” said Andy Foos, ODNR Boating Education Coordinator. “The Ohio Boating Education Course is a great way to make sure you understand key safety measures, navigate legal requirements, and become a more confident boater. It's not just about meeting the law—it's about enjoying the water responsibly.”
The OBEC is a comprehensive, typically one-day course that covers boating skills, emergency procedures, and water sports safety. It fulfills the state’s legal requirement for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, who operates a boat over 10 horsepower. The course is open to anyone looking to improve their boating skills and is approved nationwide, no matter where you plan to boat. Each session concludes with a test to ensure participants are well-prepared for their time on the water.
While these OBEC courses are free of charge, registration is required.
Upcoming OBEC Dates and Registration Links:
- March 22 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Hillsboro – Registration
- March 22 (8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) – Ney – Registration
- March 22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Waynesville – Registration
- March 22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Indian Lake – Registration
- March 22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Ravenna – Registration
- March 23 (9 a.m.-1 p.m. both days) – Ashville – Registration
- March 24 and 25 (3-7 p.m. both days) – Grand Rapids – Registration
- March 26, April 2, and April 3 (6-9 p.m. all three days) – North Olmstead – Registration
- March 28 and 29 (9 a.m.-1 p.m. both days) – Logan – Registration
- March 29 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Cleveland – Registration
- March 29 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – East Liverpool – Registration
- April 2, 9, and 16 (5-7:30 p.m. all 3 days) – Macedonia – Registration * ($10 site fee)
- April 9, 10, and 11 (5-8 p.m. all three days) – Ashtabula – Registration
- April 12 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Youngstown – Registration
- April 16 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) – Loudonville – Registration
- April 19 (8 a.m.- 4 p.m.) – Franklin Furnace – Registration
- April 19 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Bethel – Registration
- April 26 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Cleveland - Registration
- April 26 (8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) – Deersville – Registration
- April 26 (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Dayton – Registration
- April 26 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Indian Lake – Registration
- April 26 (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) – Columbiana – Registration
- May 3 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Cleveland – Registration
- May 3 (8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) – Mineral City – Registration
- May 3 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Madison – Registration
- May 17 (7 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Lore City – Registration
- May 17 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Waverly - Registration
- May 17 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Delaware – Registration
- May 17 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Huron – Registration
- May 17 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) – Oregon – Registration
- May 17 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Indian Lake – Registration
- May 17 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Waynesville – Registration
- May 17 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Youngstown – Registration
- May 24 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Hillsboro – Registration
- May 31 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) – Port Clinton – Registration
These additional courses that fulfill the state’s legal requirements are offered by partner organizations. They may include a course fee:
- March 22 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Lakeview - Registration
- March 26 (7-9 p.m. for 6 straight Wednesday evenings) – Sandusky – Registration
- April 5 and 12 (8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. both days) – Perrysbug – Registration
- April 5 and 12 (9 a.m.-4:00 p.m. both days) – Akron – Registration
- April 5, 12, and 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m. all 3 days – Lorain – Registration
- April 19 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Dayton – Registration
- April 26 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Lewis Center – Registration
- April 26 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) – Lakeview – Registration
- April 26 and May 3 and 10 (10 a.m.-2 p.m. all 3 days) – North Olmsted – Registration
- May 6 (6-8:30 p.m. for 5 straight Tuesday evenings) – Port Clinton – Registration
- May 7 (7-9 p.m. for 6 straight Wednesday evenings) – via Zoom – Registration
Get ahead this season and ensure you’re ready to navigate the waters safely and legally! Before heading out on the water, take a course, inspect the legally required equipment, and, if needed, renew your vessel registration. For more details on a course and to learn more about boating safety, visit the ODNR website.
