09/11/10
For the past ten years, personal watercraft manufacturers have loaned thousands of PWC to law enforcement and rescue agencies across the U.S. In Oregon, one manufacturer (Kawasaki) reports that more than 30 Kawasaki Jet Ski watercraft have been loaned to 20 agencies since 1989.
Why would law enforcement, fire departments and other agencies need PWCs? Turns out they’re the best tool to use in certain situations. After tallying numbers from selected agencies (162 agencies responding to a Kawasaki survey), in a one-year period more than 667 rescues were conducted. In addition, 242 lives were saved and more than $1.3 million in property damage was prevented.
08/11/10
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.
04/10/10
Registered boaters (including registered sailboats 12 feet and longer) will pay an additional $5 surcharge when they renew their boat registration. Current boat decals (which are stickers that attach to the bow of the boat) are proof that you’ve paid the permit fee. Renewal notifications will itemize the cost of registration and the $5 surcharge so boaters understand how their fees are used.
If your registration expires December 31, 2010, you do not need to have a permit for the 2010 boating season. The fee will automatically be added when you renew your registration for 2011. If you also have paddle craft in addition to your motorized vessel, you will need individual permits when the paddle craft are in use. Permits for non-motorized vessels are being sold through www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp.
02/10/10
This new program focuses on protecting Oregon’s waterways from invasive species. The Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will implement the program. Funds generated from this program will fund five regional inspection teams, pay for education/outreach materials, voluntary boat inspections and decontamination of infested boats. The fees will also pay for training, decontamination equipment and the infrastructure needed to produce the permits.
WHY THIS LAW IS IMPORTANT TO OREGON’S WATERWAYS
Oregon’s new Aquatic Invasive Species Program became a priority for the 2009 Oregon Legislature as demand grew for an enhanced effort to prevent a devastating introduction of zebra or quagga mussels into Oregon’s waters. Several aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as Eurasian watermilfoil, New Zealand mud snails and others, are already present in Oregon, damaging waterways and costing waterway and fishery managers – and ultimately taxpayers, boaters and anglers – millions. This new program is not as complete a response as some would have liked, but it greatly increases current prevention programs.
29/08/10
Most personal watercraft accidents involve an operator other than the owner. Owners may be held liable if they let someone operate their craft and it is involved in an accident. Be sure that all operators of your craft understand its operation and know the rules of the road. Although liability insurance is not required, it is strongly recommended. Protect yourself from liability claim by buying PWC insurance here!
CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS: Operator Inattention Operator inexperience or inattention is the primary cause of accidents involving personal watercraft. The craft can accelerate quickly and are very maneuverable. To avoid collisions: • Maintain a proper lookout by watching ahead and to the sides and behind your personal watercraft at all times. • Always look before turning. • Keep a reasonable distance between yourself, other boats, and swimmers. • Become familiar with the safe boating rules.
