Marine Board Meets in Klamath Falls Oct. 17
The Oregon State Marine Board will meet in Klamath Falls Oct. 17 to consider numerous but generally minor rules affecting boat operation on rivers, lake and reservoirs across Oregon. The meeting will be held at the Running Y Ranch, 5115 Running Y Road.
The meeting agenda follows:
- Salmon River – The Hebo Ranger District, Siuslaw National Forest, is requesting the Board to limit motorboats using the Salmon River in Lincoln County to a maximum of 15 horsepower upstream of Knight Park. Marine Board staff is recommending that the Board adopt the limit above a point approximately one mile downstream of the Highway 101 bridge.
- Siletz River – Petitioners are asking the Board to adopt rules limiting motorboats using the Siletz River in Lincoln County to electric motors only upstream of Morgan Park. Marine Board staff recommends denial of the petition.
- Funding Request – Marine Board staff is asking the Board to authorize a formal request to increase Federal Fund limitation in the 2001-03 budget for grants received from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for boating infrastructure projects.
- Consent Items – A number of rulemaking requests are considered non-controversial and will be considered simultaneously. Staff recommends approval of these items. They include:
- Ollala Lake, Lincoln County - Rule limiting motor use to electric motors only. This will bring state rules in line with rules enforced by the property owner.
- Roslyn Lake, Clackamas County – Rule prohibits use of motorboats. This will bring state rules in line with rules enforced by the property owner.
- Northfork Lake, Clackamas County – Rule to require a "slow no wake-5 mph" limit for motorboats within 200 feet of entrance to North Arm and on North Arm.
- Prineville Reservoir, Crook County – Rule to require a "slow no wake-5 mph" limit on motorboats in Roberts Bay on Prineville Reservoir.
- Accident Reporting Minimum Threshold – Rule raises the threshold for mandatory accident reporting from $500 to $2000 to reflect changes in federal law that became effective July 2001.
- Mandatory Education – Rule to include specific training competencies that would qualify as meeting mandatory education requirements.
- Approval of internal control policy – Internal control policy will comply with Dept. of Administrative Services Policies regarding agency head transactions.
The board will also hear briefings on the "Operation Boat Smart" program of the U.S. Coast Guard; the Director's Report, including the 1999-2001 budget wrap up and an update on the 2001-2003 budget; the Board-directed study of policies, practices and experiences of other states in registering non-motorized boats; Facility Program Report; Law Enforcement Program Report; Education/Information Program Report.
The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. The meeting facility is accessible for persons with disabilities. Persons needing some form of assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability should contact Jill Andrick at (503) 373-1405, ext. 243, by Friday, Oct. 12. Persons wishing to address the Board on non-agenda items may do so during a designated period at the start of the meeting. For information or directions on the meeting location, call the Running Y Ranch at (541) 850-5500.
Safety, Preparation Urged for Boating Waterfowlers
Waterfowl season opens Saturday, Oct. 6, in Oregon, with many hunters choosing to hunt from a boat. "Duck hunting from a boat can be a lot of fun, but it is also a challenge that presents unique hazards," said Randy Henry, of the Oregon State Marine Board. He offered the following suggestions to help hunters have a safe, enjoyable season.
- Check the location you're hunting for adequate access and safe conditions. Extreme low water in some rivers and reservoirs can make boating difficult to impossible. Unexpected rocks, sand bars, logs and other hazards can easily damage or flip a boat.
- Make sure your motor is tuned and in good running order. Clean the motor of oil and grease, check spark plugs, fuel filter, gas and oil lines, vent hoses and make sure the gas tank has fresh gas in it. Check and/or change the oil in the lower unit. Start the motor to ensure that it operates properly and shifts correctly.
- Check your boat for dry rot, cracks or leaks. Make sure the bilge pump is functioning or that you have a bailing bucket on board.
- Carry appropriately sized life vests for each user and make sure they aren’t waterlogged, torn or deteriorating. You’ll need an approved throwable flotation device, too, a sound-making device such as a whistle or horn, and, if operating in coastal estuaries, a visual distress signal. Depending on your boat, you may need a fire extinguisher and other equipment - check regulations. Lack of any of these items is a citable offense.
- Any boat operating before sunrise or after sunset must display navigation lights. Many sporting goods stores or boat equipment stores carry clip-on lights.
- Finally, don’t overload your boat or yourself. Decoys, dogs, guns, ammunition, camo netting and other equipment can quickly add up. Overloaded boats swamp and capsize easily and are difficult to operate. Load the boat evenly and avoid passenger movement that can easily tip a boat.
“If you hunt from a boat, your odds of drowning are greater than being involved in a firearm accident,” said Henry. “If you don't like life jackets, buy a good quality, camouflage flotation coat or a camouflage inflatable life jacket. You won't even know you've got it on, and it really can save your life.”
“Watch the weather and know your waters, too," said Henry. "We have accidents each year where boat-blinds are capsized by strong wind or boats hang up in log jams or submerged hazards,” said Henry. “You spend a lot of time preparing for the hunt - spend a few extra minutes making sure it’s a safe hunt.”
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