Marinas in Ohio are regulated under the authority of Chapter 3733 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and the rules specified in Chapter 3701-35 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC). A marina is defined as a boat basin that has docks or moorings for seven or more watercraft. The rules apply uniformly, throughout the state, affecting the location, development, operation and maintenance of marinas to assure marinas provide adequate sanitary facilities for the watercraft using them and do not cause a nuisance or health hazard.
The Lake County General Health District oversees the marinas in Lake County by inspecting each marina annually and issuing a license to operate. During the marina inspection, the sanitarian with look for health and safety issues, like:
- An adequate number of throwing devices and reach poles
- Fire extinguishers
- Posting of emergency contact numbers
- Proper backflow prevention devices on water spigots and water lines
- Adequate restrooms with hand washing
- First aid kit
- Structurally sound docks
- Adequate solid waste containers
- Proper disposal of liquid wastes from sinks
- Proper disposal of solid wastes, like fish cleanings
- Electrical hazards
- Free of insects and rodents
Backflow Prevention Devices
To marina owners and operators: the current set of Marina rules required that all A.S.S.E. 1011 backflow prevention devices be replaced with either an A.S.S.E. 1052 or A.S.S.E. 1024 device by January 1, 2010. The Lake County General Health District recommends that you install an A.S.S.E. 1024. Contact the Health District with any questions on the backflow prevention device requirements.