Beginning January 1, 2009, ALL boaters will need to carry a boater education card when operating powerboats (including personal watercraft or any motorized watercraft) greater than 10 hp. Law enforcement officers are issuing citations for non-compliance with the Mandatory Education Law. Citations are $97.
Boat Oregon - A Course on Responsible Boating: This study guide includes chapter review exercises to help you prepare for the equivalency exam.
These study guides are available for FREE from the Oregon State Marine Board office in Salem or your local Sheriff's Office.
To order a copy, send a $4 check or money order (shipping and handling) to the Marine Board, P.O. Box 14760, Salem, OR 97309-5065. Add $1 for each additional copy included in an order. (One book = $4, two = $5, three = $6, etc.)
Attention all non-profit organizations! The Marine Board's new "Let's Go Boating" Assistance Program provides funds for new, unique or innovative programs that promote safe boating and increase youth involvement in recreational boating.
More than 225,000 boaters have their education cards. By 2009, All boaters will be required to carry a boater education card when operating power boats over 10 hp. The Marine Board estimates over 240,000 boaters will need to take some form of boater education. A citation for not having a boater education card is $97.
Boaters have choices with their education: Equivalency Exam -designed for experienced boaters who wants to take the test. Classroom -for those who like learning with interaction. Internet -for those that want learning flexibility in the comfort of their own home. Costs vary from FREE to $29.95 -Read the course descriptions before you decide!
We're seeing the difference education makes in our boating accident statistics. The numbers are trending downward, which goes to show that educated boaters are safer boaters!