Boat Education Exam Available at Boat Show
The Oregon State Marine Board, the Portland Marine Dealers Association and Portland area marine officers are teaming up to offer boater education equivalency exams during the Portland Family Boat Show March 14-16 at the Portland Expo Center.
"The equivalency exam is a good opportunity for an experienced boater to qualify for his or her boater education card," said Marty Law, education program manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. "And this is one chance to get it out of the way while enjoying a day at the boat show. It generally takes 30 to 45 minute to complete."
This is the first year of the phase-in for Oregon's new Mandatory Boater Education requirement. People 30 and younger operating powerboats greater than 10 hp, and youths 12-15 operating any size powerboat, must now carry the Marine Board's Boater Education Card when operating the boat. Marine patrol officers are issuing $75 citations to boaters who fail to comply. Next year the law will apply to boaters 40 and younger, and will increase each year until 2009 when all powerboat operators are included.
"We're working hard to offer convenient opportunities to comply with the new requirement," said Law. "People who need more information can check our website or call the Marine Board. Or, better yet, stop in and see us at the boat show." The Marine Board's website is www.boatoregon.com, or they can be reached by phone at (503) 378-8587.
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