Marine Patrol
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.
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 wakeboarding.
Seasonal Marine Deputies patrol the lakes and rivers of Deschutes County in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board, ensuring boaters operate safely and legally. A Marine Deputy may contact you and conduct a safety inspection of your boat to ensure you have the required equipment for your particular type of craft.
When not patrolling, these deputies respond to calls for service, including disputes, boat accidents, drownings, and public assists. They also conduct public education classes in boating and water safety in area schools. Support is provided through an annual contract with the Oregon State Marine Board. The contract supplies funding for personnel and patrol boats 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: TBD
Location:
- Main Office Parking Lot, 63333 W Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703
- La Pine County Services Center, 51340 Hwy 97, La Pine, OR 97739
- Big Country RV Service Center, 2872 SW 17th St, Redmond, OR 97756
Call (54) 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.
Mandatory Boater Education Class
Class Location:
Main Sheriff’s Office, 63333 W. Highway 20, Bend, OR, 97703
For More Information:
Call Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 388-6501