Classes Available for Boater Safety Training
An estimated 7,000 people across Oregon will need to get their Boater Education Card before operating their powerboat in 2003. But before they can qualify for their card, they need to complete an approved boater education course.
"As the deadline approaches, we want to remind people to take a course and apply for their card so they're ready to boat this spring," said Kendra Callahan, Mandatory Boater Education Program Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. "Classes are limited in some areas so boaters will want to reserve their space early."
The Mandatory Boater Education Program was passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature with the goal of reducing accidents, injuries and property damage on Oregon's
waterways. According to Callahan, educated boaters are five times less likely to be involved in boating accidents than non-educated boaters. 2003 is the first year of the phase-in. More than 47,000 boater education cards have been issued to date.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Code 4, Red Cross, marine patrol officers and others all offer approved courses. "We keep a full, up-to-date listing on our www.boatoregon.com website or you can call us and we'll connect you to a local opportunity."
Courses are offered in many configurations. The basic boating safety courses will meet the needs of the small boat operators who fish, hunt or waterski. More advanced courses are offered for people who will be navigating in the ocean or on larger, more difficult waters. The basic courses are 6-8 hours and may be offered in one-day, two-day or multi-day formats. Red Cross and Code 4 offer an accelerated course that includes homestudy and four hours of classroom study. Costs range from free to $30 or more. The web site lists additional details on the requirement as well as available classes, equivalency exams, locations and times in your local area.
"We've tried to offer as many options as possible," said Callahan. "If you can't find a local course, you can also take an on-line course. If you're an experienced boater, you can challenge the test. Call us or check our web site for details."
The requirement to carry a boater education card is being phased-in based on age beginning with 30 and younger in 2003, 40 and younger in 2004, 45 and younger in 2005, 50 and younger in 2006, 60 and younger in 2007, 70 and younger in 2008 and all boaters in 2009. It's a once-in-a-lifetime requirement and applies only to people operating powerboats greater than 10 hp, and youths operating any size powerboat. Youth under 12 may not operate a motorboat in Oregon beginning in 2003. Once a person has received a diploma, he or she may apply for the card, which costs $10. Internet courses and equivalency exams range in price from free to $15.
For more information on options, check the Marine Board web site at www.boatoregon.com, or call (503) 373-1405 x273.
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