Marine Patrol
2024 Mandatory Boater Education Exams and Pre-Season Boat Inspection Opportunity
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is pleased to announce the return of our free mandatory Boater Education card proctored examination, as well as a pre-season opportunity to have your motorized boat inspected. Oregon law requires Oregon residents 16 years of age and older who operate powered boats of more than 10 hp, to obtain their Mandatory Boater Education card. Failure to have a card under the above conditions might result in a $142 fine. This card is not a license to operate a boat, as there is no such requirement in Oregon. Once a boater receives their card, it never has to be renewed. There is a one-time $20 cost to receive your card and duplicate cards are available for $16.
Boat operators can also access the testing material and take the test on-line through the Oregon State Marine Board website, but there is generally a fee associated with the test and receiving a certificate. Exam participants will be shown an informational video prior to the proctored examination and will have an opportunity to ask questions. Additional exam preparation material can be found on the Oregon State Marine Board web site under “Study Guide”. A 75 question multiple choice test will be given; a minimum score of 70% is needed to pass. The tests are graded upon completion; necessary paperwork and information on how to receive their card from the Oregon State Marine Board will be given.
There are numerous lakes and rivers within Deschutes County. Each year, from mid-April through October, thousands of motorized and non-motorized boaters recreate on these waters. Activities include fishing, camping, water skiing, waterfowl hunting, sailing, swimming and wake boarding.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol unit responds to and deals with law enforcement issues such as Boating under the Influence (BUI), speeding complaints, careless operation and water-related accidents. The unit conducts monthly Mandatory Boater Education classes, assisting the public in obtaining their mandatory Boater Education card. They also conduct public education classes in boating and water safety in area schools.
Because most of the high lakes are frozen over or snowbound during the winter, our marine program is classified as a “seasonal”. Eight seasonal marine deputies, all of whom are retired law enforcement professionals, and four marine volunteers work from April through October providing a wide variety of services. They work closely with the Search and Rescue unit on drownings and other water-related accidents. They also conduct safety examinations on boats, ensuring that boaters and recreators are carrying the necessary equipment for their particular craft.
Support is provided through an annual contract with the Oregon State Marine Board. Among other things, the contract supplies funding for personnel, and the patrol boats that are used in the local program.
Boat Inspections
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will also be providing an opportunity for boaters to have their boats inspected at three different locations in Deschutes County. DCSO Marine Deputies and Volunteers will be present to conduct the inspections.
Date: April 13th, 2024 | 0900-1400
Location:
- Big Country RV in Redmond
- Main Sheriff’s Office parking lot in Bend
- Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office substation in La Pine.
Call 541-388-6501 to make an appointment with our Marine Program Coordinator. You can bring your boat to us or we’ll try and schedule an appointment at your residence, if possible.. ..
Resources
Mandatory Boater Education Class
Boater Education Courses
Class Location:
Main Sheriff's Office, 63333 W. Highway 20, Bend, OR, 97703
May 11th, June 8th, July 13th, August 24th from 0900-1200
For More Information, please call Deschutes County Sheriff's Office at (541) 388-6501 or review the information on the Upcoming Classes page. Additional information can be found at Oregon State Marine Board or www.boatoregon.com.
