Boater Education Program Becomes Law

Oregon's Mandatory Boater Education Bill, HB 2977, sailed through a stormy legislative session, emerging successfully to be signed into law by Governor John Kitzhaber on Aug. 18. The bill creates the first mandatory boater education program in the west, making Oregon one of 20 states nationwide to require some level of boater education.

Governor John Kitzhaber signed the bill with Marine Board Director Paul Donheffner and Sen. Peter Courtney (D-Salem) at his side. Sen. Courtney and Rep. Kevin Mannix worked across the isle to shepherd the bill through the session. Kitzhaber addressed representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, the Oregon Sheriff's Association and other supporters, saying the bill will help Oregon shed the dubious distinction of having the third highest boating accident rate per capita of any western state. The bill, he said, will usher in a new era of boater safety in the next millennium.

The flurry of media attention caught many boaters by surprise, but the law will not affect boaters until after 2001. "The bill allows a generous phase-in period. Furthermore, we want this to be an easy law to comply with," said Donheffner. "This will be user friendly with ample opportunity for boaters statewide to learn about boating safety and get their certification."

Technically, the bill takes effect in October, but the Marine Board has until December 2000 to adopt specific rules. The Board will assemble a working group this fall to begin developing the program's details. Once rules are adopted, the law will focus first on high-risk boating groups. The first user groups will likely be required to have certification one to two years after rule adoption, with other groups phased in by the end of the decade.

"Our goal is one of safety through education," said Donheffner. "Our waterways have become increasingly crowded. It is more important than ever that boaters have a good understanding of boating laws, rules of the road and boating courtesy. This new law is an educational tool that will help keep boating safe in Oregon."

The number of registered boats in Oregon has increased 60 percent since 1978 to nearly 200,000. In addition, boats have become larger, faster and more powerful. Though boating accidents declined during the '70s and '80s, numbers in the '90s have varied from a low of seven in 1990, to 25 in 1993. In 1998, 20 people died in boating accidents. Eleven have died so far this year in Oregon.

The board is expecting up to 250,000 people to go through this program in the next decade. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons currently offer the bulk of boater education in the state, and will be important partners as the new program is established, according to Donheffner.