Press release from: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office conducts boat-safety inspections, gives free Boater Education Card exams this Saturday


QUICK FACTS:

On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office will conduct boat-safety inspections -- and give free equivalency exams for the Boater Education Card.

Date: Saturday, January 26, 2008
Time: 7 a.m. to 12 noon
Location: Clackamette Park (1955 SE Clackamette Dr., Oregon City OR 97045) [map]

FULL DETAILS:

OREGON CITY -- On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office will conduct boat-safety inspections -- and give free equivalency exams for the Boater Education Card.

Boaters are encouraged to bring their boat to the overflow parking lot at Clackamette Park in Oregon City (1955 SE Clackamette Drive) from 7 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday. The Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol will be inspecting boats there for proper safety equipment -- and Marine deputies will issue inspection stickers to boats that have all the required safety equipment and documentation.

The Marine Patrol will also offer a free equivalency exam for the Boater Education Card at the same location.
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ABOUT THE BOATER EDUCATION CARD AND JAN. 26 EXAM

As of Jan. 1, 2008, all boaters age 70 or younger need to carry a Boater Education Card when operating a powerboat if it's greater than 10 hp. Youth ages 12-15 also need a Boater Education Card when operating boats 0-10 hp alone.

Saturday's equivalency test will be a written exam covering rules and regulations for operating a boat on Oregon waterways. Equivalency exams are geared toward the experienced boater who can take a test instead of going through a complete boater's-safety course.

A certificate of completion will be awarded to those who pass the test. This certificate can then be sent to the Oregon State Marine Board, along with an application for a Boater Education Card and a one-time $10 fee. A lifetime Boater Education Card will then be sent to the applicant. Applications will be available at the time of the test.

For online information on the Boater Education Card, click here.


ABOUT THE BOAT SAFETY EXAMINATIONS

Avoid citations by carrying the required safety equipment on your boat at all times. For a complete list of requirements for your vessel type and length, check the Oregon Boater's Handbook. The 2007 Oregon Boater's Handbook can be found online here:

2007 Oregon Boater's Handbook  (PDF, 3.1MB)

Items that marine officers check for during an exam may include:

ALL BOATS

• Wearable personal flotation devices* (life jackets) to fit each person on board
• Sound signaling device (ex. whistle, air horn or bell)
• Navigation lights (for night operation)
• Throwable Type IV flotation device* (for motorized boats 16ft or over)

*All flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved

Motorized Boats and Sailboats 12 ft. and over (in addition to above)

• Proper number display
• Current validation decal
• Certificate of Number
• Boater Education Card (10hp or higher)

Motorized Boats (in addition to above)

• Fire extinguishers (marine-grade)
• Flame arrestor
• Ventilation
• Muffling system

For more information contact:
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol
Phone: 503-655-8650

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