| OSMB News |
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| Date: Monday, April 2, 2007 |
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Fishing Season Beckons Boaters
For Immediate Release
Thousands of boats will come out of storage this month as the weather finally warms and the long gray days of winter come to a close. “Water, fishing and boating go hand-in-hand with family fun,” says Ashley Massey, Public Affairs Specialist for the Oregon State Marine Board. “Here are some reminders before boaters head out for the first big trip of the season.”
“First,” says Massey, “is making sure if you’re 60 or younger you have your boater education card or temporary permit.” This applies to people operating motor boats greater than 10 hp, and youths 12-15 operating any size powerboat, must have their boater education card. “Another important thing to know is that if your 12- to 15-year-old plans to help run the boat, not only will the youth need the card, but the supervising adult will need a card, too.” For those who are in a bind, Massey says you can log onto www.boatoregon.com and find approved Internet courses. The certificate you print once you’ve successfully passed the exam serves as a temporary permit for up to 60-days. Instructions on applying for the permanent boater education card are online, too.
“Second, make sure your boat registration is current,” says Massey, “and that you’ve actually put the decals on your boat. If you forgot to renew your registration, check your mail. You should have received a renewal card in the mail in March that will allow you to renew online and print a temporary permit until your new stickers arrive. If you can’t find the registration reminder card, you can take care of it with one of the Marine Board’s 125 registration agents. Most major sporting goods stores and boat dealers are registration agents. You can get the full list of agents online or by calling the Marine Board.
“Third, make sure your boat is in good shape before you get to the water,” says Massey. “There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a person spend 20 minutes on the boat ramp trying to get the boat ready to launch, only to have the boat motor not start. Preparing at home or near the staging area is much more courteous and prevents frustration for everybody.”
If your boat’s been in storage all winter, charge the battery, check all fittings and cables, make sure it has fresh gas, is full of oil and all other fittings have been properly greased, including the trailer’s wheel bearings. “Sit on your boat and try everything out before you leave home.”
“Finally, safety is everything,” says Massey. “Check your life jackets and make sure each one fits the wearer properly and is in good condition. If it’s too small, torn or water-soaked, it won’t pass inspection. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons conduct free vessel safety checks around the state and alert the boater if any safety equipment is needed. Remember, too, to watch the weather and be ready to head in if the wind picks up. There’s a lot of debris on some of the lakes and especially the reservoirs, and the rivers have a lot of brush and downed trees. It’s very difficult to see a waterlogged stump in a rough chop.”
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