Interest High in Boater Education Requirements

Oregon's boaters are responding enthusiastically to the new Mandatory Boater Education Certification law passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature. In fact, the Oregon State Marine Board is literally swamped with interest from Oregon boaters, and the program hasn't even started yet.

"People really want to get their certification out of the way," said Randy Henry, of the Marine Board. "Some boaters have even sent money and proof of education to get their certificates early. We're still developing the program and the process for certification. We won't begin issuing certificates until after 2001. Please, don't send money or documents until that time."

On Monday, Nov. 1, the Marine Board mailed 102,000 "Boater Registration Renewal Cards" to Oregon boat owners. The cards are courtesy reminders to boat owners that their boat registration is about to expire. On the card is a paragraph telling boaters that the Mandatory Boater Education Certification is coming, but there is plenty of time before certificates are required.

"We wanted to let people know in advance that it was coming. The post card stirred a huge amount of interest - our phones have been ringing off the hook. We've handled hundreds and hundreds of calls this week," said Henry.

Most callers are looking for local boater education classes they can take now. For class listings, Henry urges boaters to call 1 (800) 336-BOAT, or check the web listing at www.osmb.state.or.us. "If you can't find a class in your locale, be patient. We're exploring ways to offer classes through community colleges, via home-study courses or over the internet," said Henry.

People can certainly take classes now, but no certificates will be issued until at least 2001. Also, once the program rules are adopted, the Marine Board will allow the first group of boaters one or two years before certificates are actually required. All boaters will be phased into the program by 2009, so some boaters literally have 10 years before they will be required to carry proof that they've taken and passed a course. Registered boaters will receive information on deadlines and other program details via newsletter and other mailings after rules are adopted.

"We don't want to discourage people from taking a class now," said Henry. "But we haven't yet built a system that can handle 250,000 boaters. That's why we're phasing it in over 10 years."