Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 |
For Immediate Release |
Don't Forget: Register Your Boat Before Launching
The Oregon State Marine Board mailed 35,000 boat registration renewals on April 16. Boaters can speed up the renewal process by using the apple green renewal card for their 2001-2002 registration period.
"We have approximately 196,000 boats registered at any one time in Oregon," said Randy Henry, of the Marine Board. "However, we still have 35,000 boaters who have yet to register their craft for the 2001 boating season. Registration turnaround is quick now but generally slows down when boating season kicks in."
In Oregon, all boats using mechanical power, and sailboats 12 feet and longer, must be registered. Rates vary from $15 per two-year cycle for small motorboats to $30 or more for motor and sailboats 20 feet and over.
If a boat has never been registered, the owner needs to bring a valid title to the Marine Board or any of its 135 registration agents statewide. "Larger sporting goods stores and most boat and marine supply stores are registration agents and can help you get your boat registered," said Henry.
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Boating Opportunity Won't Dry Up This Summer
Boat anglers are looking ahead to a dry fishing season with concern, calling the Oregon State Marine Board and other state and federal agencies to find out if their favorite lake, river or reservoir will be accessible this spring.
"Many of the state's lakes, rivers and reservoir will provide good boat angling opportunity this spring and summer, but on certain reservoirs - especially the Willamette Valley and Rogue River - our advice would be to 'boat early and boat often'," said Paul Donheffner, Oregon State Marine Board Director. "As the summer progresses and access to certain reservoirs gets more difficult, boaters will want to look to other reservoirs, natural lakes, larger rivers and coastal estuaries for boating and fishing access throughout the 2001 season."
Certain western Oregon reservoirs, like Foster and Dexter, will be bright spots, remaining at full pool this summer. Fall Creek, Cottage Grove and Dorena reservoir levels will also remain close to normal. Detroit and Green Peter on the Willamette and Lost Creek on the Rogue will be down, but provide at least limited access even at very low water levels. Other reservoirs may become inaccessible as the summer continues. "It will definitely pay to check locally before you go boating. We'll also keep updated information or links on our website, www.boatoregon.com, through the summer," said Donheffner.
Lakes like Diamond, Odell, Lava, Suttle, Siltcoos, Tahkenitch, Tenmile and other coastal and high Cascade lakes will remain in good shape through the season. Deschutes River Basin reservoirs will provide good early opportunity but certain reservoirs in the system will drop through the summer. Most, such as Wickiup and Crane Prairie, will remain boatable. Lake Billy Chinook, near Madras, is a major draw for Portland-area boaters and will provide good opportunity through the season.
Another eastern Oregon bright spot will be Brownlee Reservoir on the Snake River. Normally low this time of year to make room for snow melt, the reservoir is full and will be kept high into July, providing ample access to some of the states best early season crappie fishing. Generally, Columbia and Snake River reservoirs will remain accessible throughout the year, though the river current might be very slow, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. Lakes and reservoirs in Eastern Oregon will vary basin by basin, with smaller reservoirs drying up and others continuing to provide full or limited opportunity.
"We want to encourage people to continue fishing and boating, but they will need to show extra caution on low reservoirs and rivers," said Donheffner. "Boaters need to be aware of stumps, rocks, sandbars and shoals. If they choose new areas to go boating - such as in estuaries or the ocean, they need to be ready. Coastal estuaries can be excellent places to boat, but they also have unique hazards. Be prepared."
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Check Life Jackets Now - Before Boating
The life jacket that was a little snug on your child last boating season will likely be too small now. For safety's sake, boaters should look over their life jackets now before boating season arrives.
"There are two things to look for when you pull your life jackets out of storage," said Marty Law, of the Marine Board. "One is their physical condition; the other is their fit. If either is a problem, the life jacket becomes a liability, not a life saver."
To test for fit, have the person try the life jacket on - both in a light shirt and with a coat on. It should be adjustable enough to fit securely over each but provide room to breathe and move comfortably. "If you're trying a vest on your child, do the 'touch-down' test," said Law. "Put the life vest on, have the child lift his or her arms like a touchdown and try to pull the life jacket over their head. If it slips off, it's either too big or is not properly adjusted and will likely come off if the child goes in the water."
Next, check for wear and tear. Straps should be in good shape and the life jacket material should flexible and without tears, rot or split seams. "Marine patrols will check the fit and condition of a life jacket, so it pays to be careful. Also, kids are happier wearing a vest that fits correctly and is in good condition, and that makes everybody's day on the water more enjoyable and safe."
Finally, remember that all youths 12 and younger must be wearing an appropriately sized life jacket when in a boat that is underway. Even adults must have quick access to an appropriately sized life jacket. "Storing it under the seat or in a bag isn't quick access," said Law. "Better yet, wear it. Putting a life jacket on once you're in the water is almost impossible. It will not only save your life, but will make it easier to help others if an accident does occur."
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Exemption Sought Under Mandatory Boater Education Rule
The Oregon State Marine Board is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change to the state's Mandatory Boater Education Program. Under the proposed language, people who have attained the status of coxswain or crewman within the U.S. Coast Guard, or a similar classification within other branches of the armed forces, would be eligible to apply for their boater education card without completing a boating safety course or equivalency exam.
Under the Mandatory Boater Education Program, people operating recreational powerboats greater than 10 horsepower will eventually need a boater education card showing they've completed approved training or have passed an equivalency exam. The requirement will begin in 2003 for boaters 30 and younger with older boaters phasing in each year after that.
The change recognizes the extensive training needed to attain these classifications. Applicants would need official paperwork or a letter from the unit commanding officer or officer in charge as proof of competency. Applicants would still need to apply and pay for their boater education card and pay the $10 fee.
Additional details on the program and the proposed rule are available at the Marine Board’s on-line help desk at www.boatoregon.com, or via phone at (503) 373-1405 x241. The Marine Board will consider the rules at the Tuesday, May 22, Marine Board meeting. Comments must be received by Friday, May 18. Written comments may be delivered to: Marty Law, OSMB, PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309; via e-mail to Martin.Law@state.or.us; or via fax at (503) 378-4597. Telephone comments will not be accepted.
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