For Immediate Release

Date: Monday, Nov. 10, 2003

Classes Available for Boater Safety Training

Boaters 40 and Younger Need Education Card in 2004

Year two of Mandatory Boater Education is nearly here. Beginning in 2004, powerboat operators 40 and younger will be required to carry a boater education card when operating boats greater than 10 hp.

“We have a big challenge ahead of us in 2004,” says Ashley Massey, Mandatory Education Coordinator for the Oregon State Marine Board. “2003 was the first year of the program, and it affected only those boaters 30 and younger. This year it goes to age 40 and younger – that’s a much bigger group than last year.”

Boaters have several options to qualify for their card. “We encourage boaters to consider taking a classroom course,” says Massey. “It offers the best learning environment and is a lot of fun. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Code 4, Red Cross, marine patrol officers and others all offer approved courses. There is an up-to-date listing on our www.boatoregon.com website or you can call us and we'll connect you to a local opportunity.

Other options include the challenge the exam for experienced boaters, available at your local Marine Patrol office, or one of the approved Internet courses. Prices for all options range from free to $40 or more. If you find no local options, call the Marine Board.

So far the Marine Board has issued more than 65,000 cards. Compliance the first year exceeded 90 percent with 18,000 cards issued to boaters under 30. So far, 10,000 cards have been issued to boaters age 31-40. The fine for not carrying a card, along with other law enforcement violation fines, was increased by the 2003 State Legislature from $75 to $94.

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