Boater Education Course Options Increasing

More than 5,000 people have completed boater safety education courses in the first three months of 2000, nearly triple the number in all of 1999. "Mandatory Boater Education is coming and many people are getting on board early," said Marty Law, Oregon State Marine Board education coordinator. "At this rate, we could train 30,000 people to be safer boaters in 2000."

A law requiring power boat operators to complete a boater education course was passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature. The Marine Board is now developing rules to implement the law. Proposed rules will go to the public for review this summer and to the Marine Board for adoption this fall. In the proposed rules, boaters have until 2003 before phase-in begins.

Numerous options to meet the education requirement already exist, and more are being developed. "You can take one of the high quality courses offered by the U.S. Power Squadron or U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, you can take the course over the Internet or you can take the home-study option. We're currently working with community colleges, law enforcement officers, other organizations and private individuals to expand opportunity statewide," said Law.

To offset increased shipping and handling costs associated with the large volume of requests, the Marine Board has increased the mailing fee for the Boating Basics homestudy course to $4, effective April 4. The course is free when picked up at the Marine Board or Marine Patrol offices across the state.

The Marine Board will begin issuing the "Boater Education Card" in 2001. At that time, boaters who have completed an approved safety course may obtain their card.

For information on courses or on Mandatory Boater Education, check the Marine Board web site at www.boatoregon.com, or call (503) 378-8587. For information on Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron courses, check local listings, boat dealers, or call 800-336-BOAT.