For Immediate Release

Date: May 16, 2003

Memorial Day Kicks Off Boating Season

While one segment of Oregon's recreational boating fleet has already hit the water this year - generally in search of fish - the next segment is looking ahead at Memorial Day Weekend as their first chance for a weekend on the water.

"Around here, we refer to this as the official start of boating season because our phones start ringing off the hook about two weeks before Memorial Day weekend," said Randy Henry, information representative for the Marine Board. "This is when we get swamped with questions about registration, regulations and rumors." He broke the most common questions down as follows:

- "How long until I get my registration stickers?" - People who renewed through a registration agent (boat, sporting goods store, etc), can expect a four- to five-week wait for their decals. However, the temporary permit from the agent is good for 60 days. People who mailed their payment with the registration renewal reminder card will have their decals in one to two weeks. "If you're doing this last minute and you have the renewal reminder postcard, try our website at www.boatoregon.com," said Henry. "You can order your decals and print your temporary permit immediately. If you don't have the postcard, go to a registration agent so you can get a temporary permit from them. Otherwise you won't have decals or a temporary permit in time for the weekend."

- "Where can I renew my registration?" - The Marine Board has nearly 130 registration agents statewide. You can check the Marine Board's website, www.boatoregon.com, for the nearest agent, or call the Marine Board at (503) 378-8587.

- "What does it cost to register my boat?" - A motorboat 12 feet or under is $15. Personal watercraft are $25. A motorboat or sailboat 12 feet to less-than 16 feet is $21. Motor or sailboats 16 to less-than 20 feet are $25. Larger than that is $30, plus $2 per foot over 20 feet.

- "We're getting questions on the new Mandatory Boater Education requirements, too," said Henry. "The main thing is that if you are 30 or younger you need a card. Or, if you're supervising a youth 12-15, you both need a card. We've been seeing good compliance. Officers tell us boaters understand the requirement and are complying. If you haven't, you can visit our website for classes, online courses and tests or local equivalency exams."

- On the rumor side, "No, we aren't closing waters to two-stroke outboards," said Henry. "We encourage people to upgrade to the low-pollution, new-technology engines that are being sold now, but there are no restrictions on existing carbureted two-strokes." More information is available at the Marine Board's website on two-stroke marine engines.

- Henry said they're also watching accident reports as the boating season kicks in. "We've had four fatalities so far. Of the two inland accidents, neither victim had a life jacket on and both probably would have survived if they had. We've had some very close calls where people were lucky to have survived without them. The water is still cold and the weather is unpredictable. Even good swimmers need to wear their life jackets."

- Henry's final reminder? "As always, we encourage people to leave the alcohol at home. Officers will be looking for intoxicated boat operators. We just want people to wear their jackets, enjoy the water and boat safe, boat sober."