OSMB News

For Immediate Release

Date: May 25, 2004

Memorial Day Boating Requires Preparation

Memorial Day weekend will likely be the busiest boating weekend of the year so far, according to the Oregon State Marine Board. "But if you're 40 or younger and don't yet have your boater education card," says Randy Henry, information representative for the Marine Board, "then you better think twice. Officers will be citing people who don't have them."

Memorial Day weekend is the first trip out of storage for many boats in Oregon. "We've been very busy registering boats," said Henry. "We've also been busy issuing boater education cards, but we estimate another 17,000 boaters in this age group have yet to get their card. That's a lot of boaters who may be risking a $94 ticket."

Henry urged boaters to check several things before heading out for the weekend.

· Boater Education Card: If you are 40 or younger, you need the card to operate a boat greater than 10 hp. If you don't have it, call the Marine Board or check their web site at www.boatoregon.com for a classroom or online course. Upon completing a course, you will have a temporary permit that is legal until your card arrives. The Marine Board's phone number is (503) 378-8587.

· Safety: Look over your boat and make sure all the safety equipment is present and in good condition. "Your children have probably grown since your last outing and might need a new life jacket," said Henry. Also, check your fire extinguisher. Make sure you've got a whistle on board or that your horn works. Plug in your navigation light and confirm it functions. Check your anchor and rope, flares, communications equipment and other safety items.

· Registration: For boaters who haven't registered their boat yet, there is still time. Visit a registration agent for a temporary permit good until your decals arrive in the mail, which takes about 3-4 weeks. If you send your registration renewal directly to the Marine Board, you will get your decals in just two weeks, but you won't have the temporary operators permit. If you still have your renewal reminder postcard, you can log onto the Marine Board's website, renew your registration and print out a temporary permit at the same time.

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