For Immediate Release

Date: March 8, 2003

Mandatory Boater Education Law Enforcement Underway

Oregon's Mandatory Boater Education Program reached two milestones recently. First, the first citation under the new law was issued to an individual in Josephine County who wasn't carrying the required boater education card; and second, the Oregon State Marine Board issued its 50,000th Boater Education Card in late February.

"We are now enforcing the law," said Ashley Massey, Mandatory Education Program Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. "We're getting more than 300 applications for boater education cards each week so many people know about the requirement and are complying." Massey said that county and state marine officers are asking to see that boater education card when they're on the water. "If you don't have it, it could cost you $75 and a court date," warned Massey.

The Boater Education Program was passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature to raise the knowledge and skill of boaters to help reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities on Oregon's increasingly crowded waterways. Under the program, people operating powerboats greater than 10 hp, and youths 12-15 operating any size powerboat, must carry the Marine Board's card that shows they completed an approved course or equivalency exam. The program phases in by age. This year, powerboat operators 30 and younger must carry the card. Next year it jumps to 40 and younger, then 45, 50, 60, 70 and finally all boaters by 2009.

"We've been successful in making educational opportunities available to boaters all across the state," said Massey. "There are opportunities available in this county at this time. We maintain a current listing on our website at www.boatoregon.com. Most boating dealerships will also list locally available classes."

For experienced boaters, Massey suggests that people contact their local county sheriff's marine patrol program and ask about the equivalency exam. The officers will provide a free study guide on request.

"We've issued more than 50,000 cards under this program and it's still a brand-new requirement, so compliance is off to a great start," said Massey. "We continue to hear from many boaters that this is a good idea. For boaters who don't yet have their card, now is a good time to get it. Don't wait until the spring rush when you might end up missing boating opportunity because you don't yet have the card."

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