Allow boaters who have safety decals to be free from random stops.

The Issue

This will help law enforcement and boaters because of the multi-jurisdictions involved on many of Ohio's waterways. It's not uncommon for the same boat to be stopped several times in one day.  This is not an efficient use of time and energy and is a huge inconvenience to boaters. It would bring the procedures for stopping boats in-line with the reasonable cause procedures by which an automobile may be stopped. A peace officer should only stop and inspect a vessel which bears a “Safety Decal” upon a reasonable suspicion that the vessel or its operator is in violation of a marine law or is otherwise engaged in criminal activty. It would also be expected to save funding for the Ohio boating safety budget. 

This petition had 83 supporters

The Issue

This will help law enforcement and boaters because of the multi-jurisdictions involved on many of Ohio's waterways. It's not uncommon for the same boat to be stopped several times in one day.  This is not an efficient use of time and energy and is a huge inconvenience to boaters. It would bring the procedures for stopping boats in-line with the reasonable cause procedures by which an automobile may be stopped. A peace officer should only stop and inspect a vessel which bears a “Safety Decal” upon a reasonable suspicion that the vessel or its operator is in violation of a marine law or is otherwise engaged in criminal activty. It would also be expected to save funding for the Ohio boating safety budget. 

The Decision Makers

US Coast Gaurd, Local and State Marine Patrol
US Coast Gaurd, Local and State Marine Patrol

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