2008 Mandatory Boater Education Classes Continue Through The Summer

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Oregon State Marine Board, has established the dates below in 2008 to assist boaters in obtaining their Mandatory Boater Education card. Those seeking their card need attend only one three-hour session, not all of them.

The Mandatory Boater Education law, passed by the 1999 Oregon Legislature, will eventually require operators of powerboats greater than 10 horsepower (including personal watercraft) and youths 12-15 operating ANY size powerboat, to take a course on basic boating skills and/or pass a test to demonstrate basic boating knowledge. Upon passing a written test, the boater will apply for a boater education card which he/she must carry when boating. In 2008, those 70 and under must obtain their card; in 2009, ALL boaters must have this card when boating on Oregon waters.

Those taking the test should have some previous boating experience, and should study the “Boat Oregon” study guide. Those guides are available free at the main Sheriff’s Office in Bend, any of the Sheriff’s Office substations in Terrebonne, Sisters or La Pine, and at All Seasons RV & Marine and Central Lake Marine in Bend.

There is no charge for this three-hour class; students watch a video, have a short Q & A session and then take a multiple choice test. Those who receive a 70% or better score pass the test and will be given the necessary paperwork to get their card, which costs $10 from the Marine Board. This is a one-time fee…the card is not a license and is good for life. Many insurance companies offer a slight discount in boat insurance rates

All classes are at the main Sheriff’s Office in Bend (on Highway 20 as you drive out towards Sisters) and class times will be from 6pm to 9pm for each session. Students should plan on arriving at approximately 5:45pm:

• Friday, June 20^th
• Tuesday, July 22^nd
• Friday, August 22^nd
• Wednesday, September 24^th
• Monday, October 20^th