[OSMB-News] News Release -All Boaters Need to Carry a Boater Education Card in 2010

[Ashley Massey]

For Immediate Release	Date: Friday, January 15, 2010

All Boaters Need to Carry a Boater Education Card in 2010

	
Beginning in 2010, 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 reduction in boating related
accidents since the program began.”  In 1995, Oregon had 144 reported
recreational boating accidents and for the last several years, the
number of accidents has been reduced by more than half that amount. 
“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, people
just getting into boating 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.  Youth 12 - 15 must have a card
to operate a power boat under 10 horse power and must also be supervised
by a card-holding adult when operating power boats greater than 10
horsepower.  
	
For more information, check the Mandatory Boater Education information
at www.boatoregon.com.
###


Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us
www.boatoregon.com
www.twitter.com/marineboard

Oregonians have the right to use the waterways -and the responsibility
to keep them clean.  Never launch a Dirty Boat.