Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Oregon enforces boating laws to protect the public, reduce collisions and injuries, and preserve its waterways for recreation and commerce. With heavy recreational use on the Willamette, Columbia, coastal bays, and mountain lakes, clear standards help ensure safe and responsible operation.
By following Oregon’s rules, boaters contribute to safer waterways, reduce environmental impacts, and maintain the state’s strong boating culture for future generations.
Oregon law sets age and education requirements for operating motorized boats and personal watercraft. Children under 12 cannot operate motorboats. Operators 12–15 may operate certain motorboats with additional restrictions.
To legally operate a motorboat in Oregon:
Under 12 — May not operate any motorboat
Ages 12–15 — May operate motorboats ≤10 hp without education, and >10 hp only with a Boater Education Card
Ages 16+ — May operate any motorboat with a Boater Education Card (unless exempt)
Personal watercraft (PWC) require the same age and education rules as motorboats.
Most motorized vessel operators must hold a valid Oregon Boater Education Card. Operators are required to complete an approved boater education course if they operate:
Any motorboat with more than 10 horsepower
Any personal watercraft (PWC) such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners
Additional rules:
The Boater Education Card is valid for life and does not require renewal
Operators must carry the card while operating a vessel
Rental boat operators may operate without a card but must complete a temporary safety checklist
The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) manages registration and titling for most watercraft used on public waters.
Key points:
Most motorboats and sailboats 12 feet or longer must be titled and registered
Registration is typically valid for two calendar years
Human-powered craft may require an AIS permit depending on length and usage
Oregon requires boats to carry specific safety equipment based on vessel type and size. Typical requirements include:
U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets
Fire extinguishers (on certain vessels)
Visual distress signals (coastal waters)
Sound devices
Navigation lights after sunset or during restricted visibility
Personal watercraft must also carry additional safety equipment and follow speed and distance rules.
Oregon boating laws establish operational standards that cover:
Speed and wake restrictions
Navigation and right-of-way rules
Collision-avoidance and lookout requirements
Minimum distances when passing swimmers, docks, or other vessels (varies by waterbody)
Operators must always travel at a safe and reasonable speed for conditions and avoid negligent or reckless operation.
PWCs are classified as motorboats and must comply with Oregon safety and education rules. Additional PWC regulations include:
Engine cutoff lanyard use (if equipped)
Restrictions on wake jumping and unsafe maneuvers
Distance rules when operating near boats, swimmers, and structures
Age and Boater Education Card requirements noted above
Oregon law emphasizes environmental stewardship on state waters. Operators must comply with:
Fuel and oil spill prevention rules
Sewage and waste discharge prohibitions
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permit requirements for certain vessels
Clean-drain-dry practices at ramps and marinas
Law enforcement agencies across the state enforce Oregon boating laws, including:
Oregon State Marine Board
Oregon State Police
County sheriff marine patrol units
Violations can lead to citations, fines, suspension of boating privileges, and possible criminal penalties for reckless or impaired operation.
