Mandatory Boater Education Rules Open For Comment

A public meeting on proposed rules to implement Oregon's Mandatory Boater Education Program is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Bend-Metro Parks and Recreation District, Aspen Hall, 18920 Shevlin Park Rd.

HB 2977, passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature, directs the Oregon State Marine Board to implement a program that will require all operators of powerboats greater than 10 horsepower, and youths 12-15 operating any power boat, to take an approved boater education course and obtain a boater education card. People who have already taken an approved course, such as those offered by the U.S. Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Marine Board, will not have to retake a course, but will need to apply for their boater education card.

The proposed rules include the following details:

• Boater Education Cards will be available beginning January 2001
• No cards will be required until 2003 when the phase-in begins.
• Beginning in 2003, eligible boaters age 30 and younger will need a card. In 2004, it jumps 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.

The goal of the program is to reduce accidents, injuries, fatalities and property damage on Oregon's increasingly crowded waterways. Classes, homestudy and Internet courses are already available to help boaters meet the requirement, and more options will come on line in 2001.

The rules will be open for public comment until 5 p.m. Thursday, August 31. The public may respond in writing via mail, e-mail or fax, or may attend the public meeting. Proposed rules are available by calling (503) 378-8587, or via the Marine Board web site at www.boatoregon.com. Written comments may be mailed to: Oregon State Marine Board, PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309. Comments may also be faxed to (503) 378-4597, or e-mailed to marine.board@state.or.us.

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