Mandatory Boater Education

To obtain your card, 1) Take an approved boater education course on-line or in the classroom 2) Get an application and 3) apply for your card.

Boaters 50 and younger must now carry a boater education card when operating powerboats (including personal watercraft or any motorized watercraft) greater than 10 hp. Law enforcement officers are issuing citations for non-compliance with the Mandatory Education Law. The citation fines are $94.

Youth 12-15 also need a boater education card when operating boats 0-10 hp alone. When operating over 10 hp, a card-holding adult (16 or older, 18 for personal watercraft) must be on-board to supervise.

There are many different options available to help you meet the requirements of this law.

Courses Available Statewide

Classroom courses are fun and interactive. First, all students learn boating safety skills, equipment requirements, pertinent laws/regulations, and become familiar with regulatory markers and navigation rules of the road. Additionally, students learn how to avoid and prepare for boating emergencies. Those who successfully complete an approved course are issued a certificate of completion which is the first step in obtaining your boater education card.

All U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Red Cross, County Marine Patrol Offices, private for-profit and Internet courses listed on this website, satisfy the requirements of Oregon’s Mandatory Education law.

The cost of classroom courses ranges from FREE to $40, depending on the course provider offering the class. Oregon State Marine Board Volunteer Instructors charge $15 or less for a classroom course, which includes all educational materials.

Boating Safety classes range from 8 hours to 28, depending on which class you select. Some classes are done in one day, and others are split up into several days/weeks.

Internet courses are available from approved private providers. Be sure to read the full description of the course before taking your exam. Some Internet course providers charge a fee for taking the exam, and offer the boater the option of also purchasing their boater education card online (additional $10.50 fee that includes processing costs).

Proctored equivalency exams are FREE. Equivalency exams are geared toward the experienced boater who takes a test instead of going through a complete course. Equivalency exams are offered through your local County Sheriff’s Office.

For people who want to take the test at home, the Internet (electronic) is your only option. Proctored equivalency exams and classroom courses are expanding statewide. Click HERE for full details and a Q&A sheet.

Insurance Savings

By taking a boating safety course, you help ensure our waterways are the safest they can be. Not to mention, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance 10 - 15%! Be sure to ask your insurance agent.

Please call the listed contact or check the links for registration information and possible last-minute changes.

Note to Boaters

If you have applied for, and not received your boater education card within 60 days, contact Julio Garcia at 503-378-5163.