Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick Answer
Oregon eliminated the 60-day visitor exemption in 2020. All motorboat operators need a NASBLA-approved boater education card from their home state or an Oregon card. Out-of-state motorboats need a $30 AIS Prevention Permit and must stop at inspection stations. Registration may be required for primary Oregon use.
For more information about Oregon boating regulations, visit our Oregon boating guide.
Oregon eliminated the 60-day exemption for out-of-state motorboat operators in 2020. This means that visiting boaters can no longer operate motorboats for 60 days without an education card.
All motorboat operators in Oregon waters must carry valid boater education certification, regardless of residency status. This change reflects Oregon’s commitment to water safety for all operators. Before planning a boating trip to Oregon, out-of-state visitors must understand that they cannot rely on the previous exemption rule.
Out-of-state visitors must carry a boater education card from their home state demonstrating completion of required boating safety education. If the visitor’s home state has no education requirement, they must obtain an Oregon boater education card before operating a motorboat in Oregon.
Oregon recognizes NASBLA-approved cards from other states, making it easy for most visitors to comply. The education card must be valid and carried at all times while operating a motorboat. Out-of-state boaters should bring their education card documentation to Oregon to prove compliance.
Out-of-state motorboats operating in Oregon waters must obtain an AIS Prevention Permit, which costs $30. AIS stands for Aquatic Invasive Species, and this permit helps fund prevention and monitoring efforts. The permit is required to bring an out-of-state vessel into Oregon waters.
You must stop at designated inspection stations upon entering Oregon to obtain this permit. Many inspection stations are located at major entry points into Oregon from neighboring states. The permit is non-negotiable and failure to obtain one can result in penalties.
All out-of-state boats entering Oregon must stop at designated AIS inspection stations. Officers at these stations will inspect your vessel for aquatic invasive species and issue your AIS Prevention Permit. These inspections are quick but mandatory.
Stations are strategically located at major routes into Oregon. Boaters should plan their trips to include a stop at an inspection station. Bypass these stations or fail to stop can result in citations and fines. Cooperating with inspection officers ensures smooth entry into Oregon waters.
If you plan to use your out-of-state boat primarily in Oregon waters, you may need to register it with Oregon rather than relying on your home state registration. The key determination is whether the boat is primarily used in Oregon waters. Extended stays or frequent visits may trigger the requirement to register in Oregon.
Consult with the Oregon State Marine Board about your specific situation if you anticipate multiple trips or lengthy stays. Proper registration is important for legal compliance and ensuring your boat meets Oregon standards.
Oregon recognizes NASBLA-approved boater education cards from all other states. NASBLA is the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and it ensures mutual recognition of boating safety education across state lines.
Most states belong to NASBLA, making it easy for out-of-state boaters to visit Oregon. However, you should verify that your home state’s card is NASBLA-approved. Even with an approved card, you still must follow Oregon-specific boating laws and regulations.
For more information about Oregon boating requirements for out-of-state visitors, visit our Oregon boating license page.
Recademics is a nationally recognized provider of outdoor recreation safety education, offering online certification courses for boating, hunter education, bowhunter education, off-highway vehicles (OHV/off-road), snowmobiles, and personal watercraft (PWC). Our courses are built around nationally established standards and regulatory frameworks, with alignment to NASBLA (boater education) and IHEA-USA (hunter and bowhunter education).
We currently have more than 26 state-approved courses issued directly by state agencies across the United States, including approvals in Texas, New York, Florida, California, Georgia, Alabama plus many more & with additional states pending. Every course is developed and maintained by subject-matter specialists, instructional designers, and state-reviewing authorities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and a high-quality learning experience.
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