Marine Patrol

The port of Vermilion is one of the largest pleasure boating ports on Lake Erie and

welcomes many visitors during the summer months. The Vermilion Police Department,

in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft

operates a Marine Patrol program from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The patrol

boat operates most on weekends and is available for emergency calls 24/7. The Marine

Patrol's purpose is to ensure the safety of all people who are enjoying the waters of lake

Erie and the Vermilion River. This is done through educational contacts, safety inspections,

performing search and rescue and when necessary, by enforcement of State Law and City

Ordinances. The Marine Patrol program also works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard

as well as State and County agencies to ensure Homeland Security.

Officers involved in the marine Patrol Program have all received specialized training

through the ODNR Division of Watercraft in addition to training required of a police

officer are trained in CPR and an AED (automated electronic defibrillator) is carried

onboard. Currently there are ten officers on the Vermilion Police Department trained as

Marine Patrol officers and the department employs four civilian boat operators. Lieutenant

Rich Labis is assigned as the Marine patrol Supervisor.

The Marine Patrol boat is a 1991 Boston Whaler Challenger and is equipped with twin

225 hp Mercury outboard engines. The boat and motors are property of the State of Ohio

and assigned to the Vermilion Police Department on an equipment loan agreement as part

of a Marine Patrol grant. The Marine Patrol grant also provides matching funds for the

operation and maintenance of the boat as well as the salaries of the officers.

For boater safety tips follow this link www.dnr.state.us/watercraft