The Mandatory Boater Education Law was passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature
The Mandatory Boater Education Law was passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature. Simply put, it seeks to reduce accidents and conflicts on Oregon’s increasingly crowded waterways. The proposed phase-in will start requiring Boater Education Cards as early as 2002.
Following is a quick rundown on the Mandatory Boater Education program. Please note: proposed rules will be available for public review this summer. For the latest information, check the Marine Board web site at www.boatoregon.com or call the board at (503) 378-8587 x500. Who: Mandatory Boater Education will eventually require power boaters, including PWC operators, to carry a boater education card.
There are exemptions: visitors and new PWC buyers have 60 days before they are required to carry a card and renters will still need the dock-side safety instruction in lieu of a card. People who can show they have already taken an U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Marine Board homestudy or other approved course are exempt from taking a course, but will eventually need a card.
