Patrolling
Oregon’s Waters
Safety Checklist
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A Boating Violation
Oregon’s Marine Law Enforcement Program
Safety on the water is a high priority for boaters and
for the Marine Board, Oregon’s recreational boating agency. One way to
promote safety is by enforcing boating regulations. Under the Marine Board’s
direction, state and county agencies work together to create a safe, enjoyable
environment for all boaters.
Marine Safety and Law Enforcement Program (MSLE)
The Marine Board contracts with county sheriffs and the
Oregon State Police to provide marine services. Marine personnel patrol
Oregon’s waterways and enforce boating laws. In addition, county marine
programs improve boating by educating youth in public schools and providing
other boating-related services.
Officer Training
Marine officers require special skills and knowledge. In
addition to police training, marine officers undergo training in the Marine
Board’s MSLE Academy. There, officers learn skills such as boat handling and
water rescue. Prior to receiving marine certification, they must demonstrate
extensive knowledge of boating safety issues, laws and regulations.
On the Water
Enforcement of Laws and Rules
Boating regulations are designed to protect boaters and
others sharing the water. Enforcement of all the laws is necessary to make
them effective.
Marine officers have the authority to stop and board
boats operating on state waters. Boaters committing such violations as
excessive speed and wake, boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII)
and unsafe/reckless operation will draw the attention of law enforcement and
are likely to receive citations. Some situations may require arrest and police
custody.
To report unlawful operation, call the local sheriff’s
marine patrol. Be sure to provide the boat number and a description of the
boat, operator and passengers.
Boater
Assistance
An important role the marine patrol plays is to help
boaters in distress. Marine officers aid boaters who have been involved in an
accident, run aground or have mechanical problems. (Commercial assistance may
be contacted for non emergencies) They also help settle conflicts on the water
or at the dock.
Marine officers are trained to respond to emergencies.
They perform water rescues and give first aid until paramedics arrive. If you
witness an emergency, call 9-1-1, and the operator will contact the county
sheriff’s office. If you don’t have access to a phone, try contacting law
enforcement on marine radio (VHF) channel 16 or CB channel 9. Indicate that
the emergency is water-related, and be prepared to give your location and
details of the situation.
Boat
Examinations
Marine patrols conduct boat examinations to make sure
boaters have on board the proper equipment to operate safely and legally.
Officers check for such items as a valid Certificate of Number, sound
signaling devices and wearable life jackets for each person on board. Proper
numbering and documentation protects you from theft and helps marine officers
do their job effectively. Having the right equipment on board could save your
life in an emergency.
Decals are given to operators whose boats pass the exam.
This lets other marine patrols know that the vessel was checked and was in
compliance at the time of the check.
A boat exam is also a good opportunity for you to ask
officers questions or to receive printed safety literature. If you know the
legal requirements and have a properly equipped boat, a boat examination is a
simple and helpful process.
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Safety Checklist
Boat examinations improve boating safety. Be
safe and avoid citations by carrying the required equipment on board
at all times. For a complete list of requirements for your vessel
type and length, check the Oregon Boater’s Handbook. Items marine
officers check for during an exam may include:
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Motorized Boats and Sailboats 12 ft.
and Over (in addition to above)
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Public Education
Oregon Boating and Water Safety School Program
County marine officers are working to make sure
Oregon’s youth are safe in and around the water. Each year, officers
throughout the state give presentations to more than 60,000 students in
schools using curriculum, videos and other teaching materials provided by the
Marine Board.
Instruction begins at an early age and is reinforced as
children grow older to ensure that what they learn stays with them for life.
Officers teach basic boating and water safety principles such as the
importance of wearing a life jacket and always swimming with a friend.
Children are provided with the information they need to make smart choices on
the water.
Public
Appearances
Marine patrols regularly attend county fairs, marine
trade shows and community safety events to raise awareness about local boating
safety efforts. These events give you a chance to meet officers from your
area, ask them questions and pick up boating resource materials.
Contact your county sheriff’s office if you would like
a marine officer to attend a local event or give a presentation.
Waterway Markers
Buoys and signs on Oregon’s waterways alert boaters to
safety hazards, local regulations and boating-related information. Marine
officers in each county are responsible for the placement of local waterway
markers. If a marker is damaged or missing, or you have other information that
would be of benefit to boater safety, contact the local marine patrol.
Take a Course
You can learn about boating safety and Oregon boating
regulations by taking a course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power
Squadron. Check our class
listings for additional information, and check the Mandatory
Boater Education Program page for details on this new law.
Phone Numbers
