Oregon Boater Safety Course

Oregon State Marine Board–Approved Online Certification

Before operating a boat on Oregon waterways, many boaters are required to complete an Oregon Boater Safety Course. This course teaches the rules of the water, Oregon boating laws, and essential safety practices—and upon completion, you’ll earn your Oregon Boater Education Card.

Oregon’s boater safety program is overseen by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and is required by law for certain operators based on age and vessel type.

Is the Recademics Boating Course Approved in Oregon?

Yes. Recademics is an Oregon State Marine Board–approved boater safety course provider. Completing the Recademics Oregon Boater Safety Course satisfies Oregon’s mandatory boater education requirement for operators who are required by law to complete boating safety education.

The course is NASBLA-compliant and reviewed to ensure it meets Oregon’s boating laws, safety standards, and educational requirements.

Built in Collaboration With Oregon Boating Authorities

Recademics works to ensure its Oregon course content aligns with requirements established by the Oregon State Marine Board, including current state boating laws and nationally recognized safety standards.

This alignment helps ensure that:

• Oregon-specific boating laws and operating rules are accurately presented

• Required safety topics meet Oregon State Marine Board and NASBLA standards

• Course content reflects updates to Oregon boating regulations

When you take the Oregon Boater Safety Course through Recademics, you’re completing a program designed to meet the same standards enforced by Oregon’s boating authorities—so you can boat legally and confidently on Oregon waters.

More Oregon Boating Safety Resources

• Oregon Boating License | Guide to Getting Certified

What Is the Oregon Boater Safety Course?

The Oregon Boater Safety Course is a state-approved education program designed to ensure boat operators understand:

• Oregon boating laws and regulations

• Navigation rules and right-of-way

• Required safety equipment

• Emergency procedures and accident prevention

Completing the course earns you an Oregon Boater Education Card, which serves as legal proof that you’ve met the state’s boating education requirement.

Who Is Required to Take the Oregon Boater Safety Course?

Oregon law requires completion of a boater safety course if:

• You are operating a motorboat with 10 horsepower or more, and

• You have not previously obtained an Oregon Boater Education Card

There is no age exemption—all operators of qualifying motorboats must carry their Boater Education Card while operating on Oregon waters.

Why Take an Oregon Boater Safety Course?

Required for Legal Operation

For operators subject to Oregon’s education law, completing a boater safety course is mandatory. The course ensures boaters understand navigation rules, speed limits, required equipment, and emergency responsibilities.

Improves Safety on the Water

Many boating incidents are caused by inexperience or a lack of education. A boater safety course reduces risk by teaching situational awareness, collision avoidance, and responsible operation.

Accepted Beyond Oregon

Oregon’s boater education card is NASBLA-compliant and recognized by most other states that require boating education—making it useful when traveling or renting boats elsewhere.

What to Expect From the Oregon Boater Safety Course

The Oregon Boater Safety Course is designed to be straightforward, self-paced, and practical. You’ll work through short lessons that focus on real-world boating situations, Oregon-specific rules, and on-the-water decision-making.

The course is completed entirely online and includes:

• Clear explanations of Oregon boating laws and navigation rules

• Interactive lessons that reinforce key safety concepts

• Knowledge checks to help you retain important information

• A final exam to confirm your understanding before certification

How Long Does the Oregon Boater Safety Course Take?

Most Oregon-approved courses meet the minimum time requirement of three hours, as set by NASBLA and the Oregon State Marine Board. Some boaters finish in a single session, while others complete the course over multiple days. Proof of completion is available immediately after passing.

Benefits of Taking an Oregon Boater Safety Course

• Operate legally on Oregon waterways, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters

• Gain confidence and knowledge before getting on the water

• Reduce the risk of accidents, fines, and enforcement issues

• Use your certificate in most states that recognize NASBLA-approved education