The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board, has established 2008 training dates 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 youth12to 15 years-old 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 they must carry when boating. In 2008, those 70 years-old and under must obtain their card. In 2009, ALL boaters must have this card when boating on Oregon waters.

People taking the test should have some previous boating experience, and should study the “Boat Oregon” study guide. The guides are free and available at the Sheriff’s Office in Bend (63333 Highway 20 West), 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 the three-hour class; students watch a video, have a short question and answer session and then take a multiple choice test. Those who receive a 70 percent or better score, pass the test and will be given the necessary paperwork to get their card, which costs $10 from the Marine Board. The $10 charge 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 Sheriff’s Office in Bend and class times will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for each session. Students should plan on arriving at approximately 5:45 p.m.:

• Tuesday, March 18^th
• Thursday, April 17^th
• Monday, May 19^th
• Friday, June 20^th
• Tuesday, July 22^nd
• Friday, August 22^nd
• Wednesday, September 24^th
• Monday, October 20^th