Date: Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000
For Immediate Release

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Mandatory Boater Education Rules Adopted

Phase-In Begins in 2001, Cards Required Beginning in 2003

With the goal of creating safer boaters and calmer waters, the Oregon State Marine Board on Thursday, Oct. 12, formally adopted rules implementing the first comprehensive Mandatory Boater Education Program in the western United States.

"I'm very pleased with the amount of interest we've had from boaters - it appears we have considerable support for this program, " said Marine Board Chair Nancy Hungerford shortly after the board adopted the administrative rules. "I'm happy to see that many boaters have already chosen to jump on board."

The rules were developed after a year-long process that included a public working group, a two-month public input period and four public meetings held across the state. The rules will implement the intent of HB 2977, passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature, which directed the Marine Board to develop the program. In the year since the HB 2977 was signed by Governor John Kitzhaber, nearly 18,000 Oregonians have completed a basic boating education course in preparation for the upcoming requirements.

"We've had a lot of support from our partners in the last year and a surprising amount of support from the public," said Paul Donheffner, Marine Board Director. "The public clearly feels that the time has come to require some level of education for power boaters. We agree, and we believe we have developed a program that will benefit all water recreationists."

The law will require that operators of power boats greater than 10 horsepower, and youths 12-15 operating any type of power boat, obtain a boater education card showing they have completed a basic boating education course or successfully passed an equivalency exam. "We will begin issuing cards in January but under these rules, we will not begin to require cards until 2003. At that time, we will begin phasing in the law by requiring power boat operators 30 and younger to carry a card when operating their craft of more than 10 horsepower," said Marty Law, Marine Board Education Program Coordinator. "Because the law says you must be 12 to obtain a boater education card, 2003 also becomes the year that we implement the minimum operator age in Oregon. At that point, you must be at least 12 to operate any type of power boat in Oregon."

In 2004, the age goes to 40 and younger, then 45 and younger in 2005, 50 and younger in 2006, 60 and younger in 2007, 70 and younger in 2008 and all boaters by 2009. Youths 12-15 who have a card may operate a powerboat of 10 horsepower or less alone, but will need the direct supervision of a card-carrying adult on boats greater than 10 horsepower.

The only requirement phasing in before 2003 is a May 2002 deadline affecting people who rent boats. Beginning at that time, renters will be required to pass a dock-side safety check before using a rented boat.

"Basic boating education courses are available now," said Kendra Callahan, Marine Board Boater Education Program Coordinator. "We're also setting up our equivalency testing program. This program will be available state-wide but will be especially helpful to people in rural areas where classes may not be offered. If a class is not convenient for you, you can order our homestudy course "Boat Oregon," study it and then take the equivalency exam. It's not going to be an easy test so we recommend that even experienced boaters prepare using the homestudy course or one of the Internet options."

Classes are available on the Internet, too, said Callahan. "If you log on to our web site at www.boatoregon.com, you'll find links to several course options. One option is the BoatOregon on-line course - there is a $15 fee but the material is customized to Oregon and contains all the material on the test. And, if you pass, you can apply for your Boater Education Card on-line and will receive it in the mail within two weeks once we begin issuing cards in January 2001."

People who have already taken an approved class will be able to pick up a Boater Education Card application at boat registration agents, from the Marine Board or from Marine Patrol law enforcement offices beginning in January 2001. Fill it out, include a copy of your course diploma or other paperwork and a $10 check, mail it to the Marine Board and you will receive your card within two weeks. The card is good for life and never needs to be renewed.

Course work teaches Oregon state boating laws, federal boating regulations, boating safety, clean boating and environmental stewardship, trailering and navigation skills. "Oregon's waters are more crowded than ever before, and boats are faster and more powerful than ever before. Yet few people know which side of the buoy to travel on or what a 'stand-on' boat is," said Callahan. "The intent of this law is to make Oregon's waters safer by reducing accidents and property damage. We also believe that if people know how to operate their boats in a safe and courteous manner, we can reduce the conflict and confrontation we see on our waterways. If we do this, boating is more enjoyable for everyone. It will also allow our Marine Patrols to concentrate on offenders who blatantly disregard boating laws and put other boaters at risk."

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Willamette River PWC Pass-Through Zone Maintained

A petition to extend a "pass-through" zone for personal watercraft on the lower Willamette River near Milwaukie has been denied. The Oregon State Marine Board took the action during their Thursday, Oct. 12, meeting in Hood River.

The petition sought to extend an existing "pass-through" zone for personal watercraft on a

portion of the lower Willamette River. The current zone extends from Hog Island to the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge. The new area would have included the area between the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge and Elk Rock Island. According to petitioners, the extension was needed to reduce the noise associated with prolonged personal watercraft use just outside the existing pass-through zone. The pass-through zone is in force May 1 through Sept. 30 each year.

Marine Board staff recommended against the petition because of concerns that the zone extension would concentrate PWC operators in less suitable areas of the Willamette River. The board did, however, ask staff to begin a comprehensive review of personal watercraft activity on the Willamette River to see if other modifications to existing programs could be made.

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South Coast Motorboat Restrictions Delayed

Hoping to witness the alleged conflict "first hand," the Oregon State Marine Board has postponed action on a petition to restrict motorboat use on several small rivers in Curry County. According to petitioners, conflicts between motorized and non-motorized craft peak during late fall and early winter fishing seasons. The petition was filed last March leaving Marine Board staff with no chance to see the fishery in action.

The decision came during a Thursday, Oct. 12, Marine Board meeting in Hood River.

The petition seeks to prohibit motors on boats on Floras Creek, Pistol River, Winchuck River, Elk River and Sixes River. A public meeting was held in Gold Beach in June and written comment was accepted during the summer.

Marine Board staff recommended the postponement and plan to present a final report at the next board meeting scheduled for January 2001. Deputy Director Wayne Shuyler will tour the area during the peak of the area's fishing season to ensure that the staff recommendation is well informed and reflects current conditions.

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