Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Overview
Oregon law requires specific safety equipment to be carried on board when operating a vessel on public waters. These requirements are designed to ensure boat operators can respond to emergencies, protect passengers, and remain visible to other vessels. This guide explains the equipment you must have on board in Oregon, who the rules apply to, and the legal standards for each item.
Oregon adopts the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) federal safety equipment carriage requirements for recreational vessels. This means that, in most cases, the minimum equipment you must carry on an Oregon boat mirrors federal standards established by the USCG.
Under this framework, operators are responsible for ensuring that all required safety equipment is:
On board before departure
In good and serviceable condition
Appropriate for the size, type, and propulsion of the vessel
USCG equipment standards cover core safety items such as personal flotation devices (life jackets), fire extinguishers, navigation lights, sound-producing devices, ventilation systems, and backfire flame arrestors (where applicable). Oregon enforces these requirements on state waters and may take enforcement action if required equipment is missing, damaged, or improperly stowed.
Because Oregon incorporates federal rules by reference, failing to meet USCG equipment standards can result in violations under both federal and state law.
In addition to federal carriage requirements, Oregon enforces rules related to the use of certain safety equipment.
When operating a motorboat at planing speed, Oregon requires operators to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS), sometimes called a kill switch, if the vessel is equipped with one. The purpose of this requirement is to reduce the risk of runaway boats in the event the operator is ejected or loses control.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. The engine cut-off switch is not required to be used if:
The vessel is not equipped with an engine cut-off switch, or
The vessel’s helm is located within an enclosed cabin
For boats equipped with ECOS technology, operators are expected to attach and properly use the switch whenever the boat is on plane. Failure to do so may result in a citation, even if no incident occurs.
Visual distress signal requirements in Oregon depend on where the boat is operating.
Boats operating in ocean or coastal waters west of the line of demarcation are required to carry U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals (VDS). These devices are intended to allow boaters to signal for help during emergencies, especially in offshore or reduced-visibility conditions.
Approved visual distress signals may include:
Pyrotechnic flares
Non-pyrotechnic devices such as electric distress lights or signal flags
The specific type and number of visual distress signals required can vary based on vessel size and operating area. Boats that operate only on inland waters may not be subject to the same VDS requirements as those operating on coastal or ocean waters.
Operators should ensure that all required distress signals are:
USCG-approved
Within their service life (not expired)
Readily accessible in an emergency
Not all boats are subject to the same equipment requirements. In Oregon, required safety equipment can vary based on:
Length of the vessel
Whether the boat is motorized or non-motorized
Type of propulsion (engine, sail, paddle)
Operating environment (inland waters vs. coastal or ocean waters)
For example, larger motorboats may be required to carry fire extinguishers and additional signaling devices, while smaller paddlecraft may have different minimum requirements focused on life jackets and sound-producing devices.
Because these rules can change based on vessel characteristics, boat operators are strongly encouraged to review the Oregon State Marine Board’s official equipment requirement charts. These charts break down required equipment by boat type and size and provide the most up-to-date guidance for staying compliant on Oregon waters.
Carrying the proper safety equipment is not optional in Oregon. Law enforcement officers may stop vessels for safety inspections, and missing or non-compliant equipment can result in warnings, citations, or removal from the water.
Before heading out, operators should verify that:
All required equipment is on board
Equipment meets USCG approval standards
Items are accessible and functional
Any Oregon-specific use requirements (such as ECOS use) are being followed
Understanding and complying with Oregon’s safety equipment rules helps protect passengers, reduces emergency response times, and ensures you can legally operate your vessel throughout the state.
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