| Course Options & Descriptions |
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| Classroom Options |
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Boat Oregon Class (BOC) -Oregon State Marine Board & Partners
1. Classroom courses vary in length and cost, depending on the course provider. Marine Board Volunteer Instructors teach Boat Oregon - A Course on Responsible Boating, throughout the state, for a nominal fee.
Classes offer students the chance to interact with an experienced boater and learn in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It's also a great way to learn specific local information and network with other boaters.
Upon successfully passing (70% or better), boaters are issued a certificate of completion and a Boater Education Card application. The student is responsible for mailing in their application materials to the Marine Board. Click here to see the current classes being offered.
Boat Oregon Class (BOC) -Private Course Provider
1. One-day "Hands On" Boaters Safety School. Combines safety education with boat handling skills. Your Boat is your classroom. Contact Bob Kelso at 503-887-0899 or www.startboatingbest.com.
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| U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGA) |
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1. The Boating Safely Course (BSC) is an 8-12 hour course offered either on one full day, two half days, or one night a week for 4-7 weeks.
2. Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S) is a more thorough 13 week course exceeding minimum state requirements. It covers boat handling, legal requirements, rules of the road, navigation, safety, boat terminology, weather and marine radio use. Some are offered two-nights per week and run 6-7 weeks. The cost for these courses is for classroom materials, which may vary between $25-$30.
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| U.S. Power Squadron (USPS) |
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USPS = United States Power Squadrons. Two courses are offered to all boaters. Information covered includes nautical rules, regulations, and courtesies on the water. The cost for these courses is for classroom materials, which varys between $25-$35.
- The Safe Boating Course is an all-inclusive 7 week course which encompasses boat handling, elementary seamanship, equipment, marlinspike, weather, charts, aids to navigation, basic navigation, engine troubleshooting, navigation rules, marine radio operation and calling procedures, trailer boating, and state and local boating regulations.
- The BoatSmart© Course is a shorter and less inclusive course. It is considered a basic boating course that also includes state and local boating regulations. It is offered as a full, one-day session, may be split over two days or may be offered one evening a week for three to four weeks.
Consider continuing education with the U.S. Power Squadrons. By becoming a member, you can learn about marine electronics, celestial navigation, or many other advanced courses. Members can also take an active role in community education and Vessel Safety Inspections.
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| Marine Patrol, County Sheriffs Office (MP) |
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Officers or their designated volunteers use the Marine Board's Boat Oregon student manual to instruct the course. The course covers a variety of boating knowledge, including boat operation, maintenance, safety, state and federal laws and regulations and more. Book includes a study guide. A minimal fee ($5-$10) may be charged to cover room expenses.
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| On-Line (Internet) Courses |
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The Internet courses are approved by and meet the mandatory education requirements for the Oregon State Marine Board.
- Each course differs in cost;
- There may be a waiting period to re-take the test if you fail;
- No limit of how many times you can take the test to pass, and;
- Each test has 75 questions and the student must pass with an 80% or better.
- The Marine Board has approved the following courses and does not manage or own these sites.
The Boater Education Card is a one-time $10 fee. The cost of courses varies from FREE to $24.95 in addition to the cost of the card.
Internet Test Note
* Note: The Marine Board does not manage or own the above web sites. For technical problems, contact the course provider directly by calling the above listed customer service number. If they do not respond within two business days, contact OSMB at Marine.Board@state.or.us. Be sure to print out a completed certificate at the conclusion of your Internet course. You will need to send a copy with your application (application form) and fee.
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| Equivalency Exam |
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The equivalency exam is a 75-question, multiple-choice exam designed for experienced boaters. The exam is administered by a proctor at a pre-scheduled location. The test covers all aspects of boating safety in Oregon. Most questions test the boater's knowledge of power boating, as well as questions on personal watercraft and sailboating. The equivalency exam is NOT for everyone. Even experienced boaters are encouraged to study for the exam. BoatOregon - A Course On Responsible Boating, is available from the Marine Board or your local marine patrol office.(equivalency listing).
Boat Oregon - A Course on Responsible Boating: This study guide includes chapter review exercises to help you prepare for the equivalency exam.
These study guides are available for FREE from the Oregon State Marine Board office in Salem or your local Sheriff's Office.
To order a copy, send a $4 check or money order (shipping and handling) to the Marine Board, P.O. Box 14760, Salem, OR 97309-5065. Add $1 for each additional copy included in an order. (One book = $4, two = $5, three = $6, etc.)
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| Other Course Options |
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Only the above approved Internet courses meet Oregon's mandatory education requirement.
Any classroom course that is approved by National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) will meet Oregon's minimum standards. Private classes may be offered locally and at various fees. Once you complete courses, keep your original certificate of completion.
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