[OSMB-News] OSMB News: All Boaters Need to Carry a Boater Education Card in 2009

[Randy H Henry]

For Immediate Release	Date: Thursday, January 15, 2009

All Boaters Need to Carry a Boater Education Card in 2009

Beginning in 2009, all Oregon boaters 12 and older must carry their boater education card when operating power boats greater than 10 horsepower. The Oregon Legislature passed the mandatory boater education law in 1999, giving the Marine Board ten years to phase in the requirement based on age.

To qualify for a boater education card, a person must show that they have completed an approved education course. Courses are readily available through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, county law enforcement officers and other partners, or via approved Internet courses accessible at www.boatoregon.com.

"Education makes a difference," says MariAnn Koloszar, Marine Board education coordinator.  "We've seen a steady decrease in accidents since the program began."  In 1995, Oregon had 144 reported recreational boating accidents and in 2008, there were 60.  "When it's beautiful outside, people flock to the waterways.  When you have congestion, it becomes even more important to know the navigation rules, proper launching techniques and boater etiquette.  Law enforcement reports 80 percent compliance with the mandatory education law and now receives fewer complaints from boaters. When boaters play by the same rules, it's safer and more fun on the water," Koloszar adds. 

The program will now focus on new boaters.  "Young boaters, new recruits and new residents will be our most common customers now that the age-based phase-in is complete," says Koloszar. 

As most boaters now know, the mandatory education law requires all persons 12 and older to have a boater education card when operating powerboats greater than 10 horsepower. In addition, youth 12 to 15 must have a card-holding adult on board supervising their actions when operating boats greater than 10 horsepower, and must have a card when operating a motor boat under 10 horsepower.

For more information, check the Mandatory Boater Education information at www.boatoregon.com.

###