Welcome from the Oregon State Marine Board

Oregon boaters are blessed with an abundance of boating opportunities as diverse and varied as her landscape. Bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Columbia River to the north, and the Snake River to the east, boaters have an unmatched variety of scenic choices. Within these borders are more rivers, lakes, and reservoirs where Oregonians ski, fish, cruise, and play.

It’s this diversity that requires Oregon boaters to be knowledgeable about boat operation, rules of the road, safety, and clean boating practices. Boater education is the key to reducing accidents and conflicts on our state waters. The Boat Oregon study course is your path to enjoying these wonderful resources in a safe and responsible manner.

Boat Oregon is the Oregon State Marine Board’s guide to help boaters meet the requirements of the state’s Mandatory Boater Education Law. It is a great way to learn the basics of safe boating that all recreational boaters should know. Please study the material and use what you learn to maximize your safety, fun, and enjoyment while boating.

Of course, completing the Boat Oregon course is only the first step in learning more about boating safety. We encourage you to take advantage of additional educational opportunities that are available. Contact us to get a schedule of additional courses offered by our partners in boating safety.

Good luck to you as you study this book and prepare to get your Oregon Boater Education Card. Enjoy Oregon’s waterways and all that she has to offer in a safe and responsible manner. And above all “good boating.”

Paul Donheffner, Director
Oregon State Marine Board

About the Oregon State Marine Board

The Oregon State Marine Board is Oregon’s recreational boating agency. It is located in Oregon’s capital away from the capital mall near the banks of the Willamette River. It was created in 1959 by the Oregon Legislature in response to the growing popularity of recreational boating.

The governing board consists of five members, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The Board sets policy and has authority to enact rules for boat operation. The agency itself is a small, independent department, consisting of a director and 35 staff who work hand in hand with the Board to serve boaters by:

• Titling and registering recreational vessels, currently numbering nearly 200,000
• Keeping waterways safe by establishing statewide boating regulations and training and by contracting with county sheriffs and the State Police for marine law enforcement and safety
• Keeping boats and boaters safe by promoting safe boating, providing boating education courses, and sponsoring water-safety programs for youth
• Making waterways accessible and well-maintained by providing grants to develop and maintain accessible boating facilities and to protect water quality

The Marine Board is funded by registration fees and marine fuel taxes paid by boaters. No general fund tax dollars are used to support its programs. Boater-paid fees go back to boaters in the form of services and facilities such as boat ramps, parking lots, and restrooms.

Mandatory Boater Education … what it means to boat operators

The Oregon Mandatory Boater Education Law passed in 1999 and requires all Oregon recreational powerboat operators to carry a “Boater Education Card” showing they have completed a basic boater education course. This will apply to operators 16 and older operating any type of watercraft of more than 10 horsepower, and youths 12-15 operating any type of powerboat. Under the legislation, you must be at least 12 years old to operate any powerboat legally.

The following are commonly asked questions about this program and how it will affect Oregon boaters. For class and testing locations and other up-to-date information, please check the Marine Board website at www.boatoregon.com or call 503-378-8587.

What is “mandatory education” for boaters?
It requires boaters to take a course on basic boating skills and/or pass a test to demonstrate basic boating knowledge. Upon passing a test, the boater will apply for a Boater Education Card which he or she then needs to carry when operating a craft of more than 10 horsepower.

There are also special requirements for youths. Beginning in 2003, a boater must be 12 or older to operate a powerboat. Youths 12-15 will need a card to operate powerboats of 10 hp and less alone. When operating boats greater than 10 hp, youths must have a boater’s card and must be supervised by a person 16 years old or older (18 years of age if operating a PWC) who possesses a Boater Education Card.

Why is this legislation necessary?
Increasing safety on Oregon waterways is the primary concern. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that an educated boater is five times less likely to be involved in a boating accident. Requiring all powerboat operators to learn the basics of safe boating should lead to a reduction in boating accidents, injuries, deaths, and property damage. It also should reduce the amount of conflict on the state’s waterways as more boaters learn to be safe, courteous, and responsible.

What are my options for getting boating safety training?
There are three ways to meet the education requirements. You can take an approved classroom course, a proctored challenge exam, or an internet course. All of these options are available now. For class listings, check the Marine Board website at: www.boatoregon.com or call 503-378-8587.

What will it cost the boater?
There will be a one-time fee of $10 for the Boater Education Card. The card is good for life and does not have to be renewed. Funds will go into the boater education program, creating a database and producing the wallet-sized card boaters will carry. Depending which option they choose and where classes and tests are offered, boaters also may pay materials, room, or test fees; costs are usually minimal when taking a volunteer-sponsored class.

When will the card be required?
The law passed in 1999 and the age-based phase-in began in 2003. Beginning in 2009, all operators of powerboats with greater than 10 horsepower are required to carry the card.

Has this been tried elsewhere?
Forty-seven states and all of Canada now have some form of mandatory boater education. There is support for mandatory education from the U.S. Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association, and almost every national boating organization.