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| For Immediate Release |
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A boater with her education card
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Tuesday, December 11, 2008
Boaters 70 and Younger Need to Get Their Boater Education Card
Beginning January 1, 2008, boaters who are 70 years old and younger will need to take a boating safety course and carry their boater education card if operating a powerboat over 10 horse power. The cost of the boater education card is a one-time $10 fee, which goes toward the card itself and toward funding the mandatory education program.
“We estimate over 30,000 registered boater owners in this age group need to get their boater education card,” says MariAnn Koloszar, Education Coordinator for the Marine Board. “So far almost 200,000 boaters have their education card.”
Boaters have several options to meet the mandatory education requirement. Classroom courses are highly encouraged. “People seem to learn more in the classroom courses because of the interaction with the instructor and other students. It’s also a great place to learn about local boating opportunities and hot-spots. When we talk to boaters, many tell us they thought they knew all there was to know about boating safety. After taking a classroom course, they realize there’s a lot more to it,” Koloszar says.
Classroom courses are organized to make learning easy, fun and interactive. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, Oregon State Marine Board Volunteer Instructors and other private providers offer classroom courses throughout the state.
Another option is taking an equivalency exam from your local Sheriff’s office. Equivalency exams are designed for the experienced boater who wants to challenge taking a boating safety course. Approved Internet courses are also available.
Prices for classroom and Internet courses vary from free to $45. The fine for not carrying a boater education card is $97.
The Mandatory Education Law was passed in 1999, with the goal of reducing boating accidents, property damage and fatalities on Oregon’s waterways. Statistics show that educated boaters are less likely to undergo reckless behavior that can lead to accidents or fatalities. Since the law was passed, there’s been a reduction in boating accidents, and motorboat fatalities are trending downward.
For information about classroom courses in your area, taking an equivalency exam or for an approved Internet course, visit the Marine Board’s website at www.boatoregon.com.
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