Do you need a Licence to drive a boat in Oregon
John Thompson
Updated on April 18, 2026
Oregon law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators who are at least 16 years old and will be operating a boat over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
How old do you have to be to get a boating license in Oregon?
Youth must be 12 or older to get a boater education card. Youth ages 11 and under cannot operate a motorboat. Youth 12-15 can operate a boat of 10 hp or less without an adult.
How long does it take to get a boaters license in Oregon?
You should receive your boater’s education card within 2-3 weeks from the date you passed and paid for the course and card. Or, you can print out your certificate of completion and mail it with a completed application plus $20 to the Marine Board.
How do you get your boating license in Oregon?
- Get your Oregon Boating Card in. 3 Easy Steps. Get your Oregon Boating Card in. 3 Easy Steps. …
- Study the Course. Watch, listen and learn. Pass the Exam. Retries are always free. …
- $29.95 + $20 card fee.
What is required to be installed on a recreational use boat in Oregon?
The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) requires at least one throwable U.S. Coast Guard approved Type IV device (ring buoy OR cushion) on a boat 16 feet or more in length, in ADDITION to a properly fitting, wearable US Coast Guard approved life jacket required for each person onboard all boats.
Do you need a license to drive a boat in Washington state?
If you are boating in Washington, you must have a Washington State Boater Education Card with you when operating a boat 15 horsepower or greater. If you were born before January 1, 1955, you are exempt.
How much is a boat license in Oregon?
2. The Oregon State Marine Board requires that you purchase a safe boating card for $20.00. The card can be purchased two ways, through the Oregon State Marine Board website or through your account on the BoatUS Foundation e-learning site for $21.00.
Do you need a permit to kayak in Oregon?
Oregon Kayak Laws Summary Vessels over 10 feet must have a waterway access permit. Motorized Kayak Registration – Both motorized and non-motorized paddlecraft over 10 feet must carry a valid Waterway Access Permit when using public waterways. … Non-motorized paddlecraft are exempt from this requirement.Can you drink on a boat in Oregon?
Under Oregon boating laws, boaters are allowed to drink alcohol if they otherwise are legal to drink, and they may also have open containers of alcohol on board. However, they are not allowed to be intoxicated while operating a boat — and that includes being one of several paddlers on a raft, according to the law.
What is the maximum speed for a no wake speed in Oregon?Under current regulations, boaters can travel past moorages at 20-25 m.p.h. outside the 200-foot no-wake zone. Under the proposed regulations, boaters would have to slow to 4-6 m.p.h. anytime they pass a moorage. “Even the smallest area becomes at least 1,000 feet long,” Kish observed. “That’s nearly a quarter mile.”
Article first time published onHow long is an Oregon boaters license good for?
The Oregon Boat Ed Course is valid for only 90 days from the time of registration and payment. If you are not able to complete this course within 90 days, the course will be automatically renewed for another 30 days.
What is required to operate a boat in Florida?
Do I need a license? In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.
Does a 14 foot boat need a fire extinguisher?
Depending on the size of your boat you may need more than one. Boats less than 26′ have to have at least one B-1 fire extinguisher on board. Boats 26′-40′ need to have at least two B-1 fire extinguishers on board.
What is required on a boat in NY?
Every vessel including canoes, kayaks and row boats operated in NYS must have on board one USCG approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard. In addition, vessels 16 feet and greater in length except canoes and kayaks are required to have a USCG approved type IV throwable flotation aid.
Does a boat trailer need a license plate in Oregon?
Firstly, all trailers with a combined weight (boat+trailer) of 1800lbs or above are mandatory to have a license plate. They are required, under any circumstances, to register with the DMV.
What do you need to drive a boat in Washington state?
Many recreational boaters in Washington are required to complete an approved boating safety education course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. All boaters are responsible for knowing the laws and keeping themselves and others safe.
What size boat motor can you drive without a Licence WA?
A. All operators born on or after January 1, 1955, must have the Washington Boater Education Card to operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 or more horsepower. Anyone under the age of 12 years may not legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 or more horsepower.
What do I need to operate a boat in Washington state?
Many recreational boaters in Washington are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. Whether you cruise, sail, kayak, fish, or do yoga on a stand up paddleboard, you are responsible to know the laws and basics of boating safety.
Can you boat at night in Oregon?
In Oregon, federally controlled waters include the mouth of the Columbia River and all coastal waters. All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Can a passenger Drink on a boat?
Passengers on a boat can drink alcohol (not the operator), and it is allowed in most states. … However, excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous since drunk passengers who are chaotic can distract the boat driver, causing any problems (accidents).
Can you drink while floating the river in Oregon?
Yes, you can drink on any river in Oregon, but as to whether you should … well, as in many things, moderation is key. Legally, first you must mind the composition of your “tube.” Any multi-chambered craft — as in it has a bottom, or is two or more tubes tied together — is subject to boating regulations.
Do I need a license to paddleboard?
Yes, the use of a paddleboard, or any other portable, unpowered craft on the majority of inland waterways, requires a license obtainable from the relevant authority.
Do you have to register a drift boat in Oregon?
All drift boats with auxiliary motors are required to be titled and registered. Motorized boats such as these are not required to purchase a Waterway Access Permit because their 2-year registration already makes them compliant with state law.
Do I need a permit to paddleboard in Oregon?
Anyone using a non-motorized boat 10 feet or longer will need to purchase an access permit. That applies to most kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, as well canoes, fishing boats and small sailboats. Permits can be purchased online from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Oregon State Marine Board.
What is required to operate a boat in Oregon?
Do you need a Boating Education Card in Oregon? Oregon law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators who are at least 16 years old and will be operating a boat over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
When operating a boat in Oregon How much do you control your boats wake?
Any time you are within 100 feet of anchored vessels or non-motorized craft, you must slow to slow-no-wake. Except for safe take-offs and landings, you must also operate at slow-no-wake when within 200 feet of a lake, bay or reservoir shoreline.
What should you do if a fire breaks out in the front of your boat?
- Stop the boat if you are underway. …
- Position the boat so that the fire is downwind. …
- If the fire is in an engine space, shut off the fuel supply.
- Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames, and sweep back and forth.
- Never use water on a gasoline, oil, grease, or electrical fire.
How many questions are on the Oregon boaters license test?
Test your boating knowledge with this 10 question boating safety practice test. You need to answer 8 out of 10 questions correctly to pass!
Do you have to have boaters insurance in Oregon?
The state does not require boat insurance; however, it is highly recommended because boat collisions, engine problems, or other situations can arise. Some insurance companies give up to a 15% discount to a boater who has a Boater Education Card. Boats can be covered by some homeowner insurance policies.
What size boat do you need to not wear a life jacket?
Lifejackets must be worn on all vessels under 12 metres.
What boat has right of way?
The vessel that has the opposing boat coming up on its starboard side is called the give-way vessel. The boat coming in from the starboard side is called the stand-on vessel. The stand-on vessel has the right of way, and it is up to the give-way vessel to maneuver in a way that will avoid a collision.