Oregon Boating Regulations: How to Get a Boating License

If you live in Oregon or travel there and want to spend time boating, it's vital to understand Oregon boating regulations. From having enough properly fitted life jackets to being adequately licensed, there are many aspects to being properly prepared. 

Heading out for a day on the water without knowing how to boat safely and comply with local laws can lead to dangerous (or illegal) situations.

Here is what you need to know about the state's boating regulations to have a great time with your boat while protecting yourself and others.

Who Needs a Boating License in Oregon?

The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) requires a boating safety education card, often called a boating license, for anyone operating a motorized boat over 10 horsepower. 

There are also age restrictions. Operators must be at least 16 to operate motorized watercraft in Oregon without supervision. Youth 12 to 15 years of age can operate a motorized watercraft with a boater education card as long as they are supervised by someone 16 or older who also holds a valid card. 

Boaters wanting to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) must be 16 or older and have a boating safety education card. If they're 12 to 15, they need a valid card and must be accompanied by a person 18 or older with a valid card. 

Anyone under 12 cannot legally operate a motorized vessel, including a PWC, on Oregon's waterways and is not eligible for a boater education card. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines and other penalties.

3 Steps to Getting a Boating License in Oregon

If you're nervous about getting licensed, you should know that getting a boating license in Oregon is easy if you follow the proper steps. Here's how to do it.

Step 1: Take a Boater Education Course

First, you'll need to complete a boater education course. You can choose from online courses or classroom settings as long as the course is approved through OSMB.

The boating course will discuss navigation rules, water safety, and boating laws specific to Oregon. You can generally complete an online course in under three hours, but you can also pause it and return later if you need to.

Step 2: Pass the Exam

Once you complete the course, you'll need to pass an exam! This will ensure that you understand what you learned in the course and know how to apply that knowledge to boating scenarios.

Step 3: Apply for a Boater Education Card

Applying for your boater education card comes next, and you'll need to submit an application and pay a fee. There are two ways to apply: online or by printing and mailing an application. Either way, there's a $20 fee to apply.

You'll need to provide proof of course completion with your application. Fortunately, many boater education courses allow you to print a temporary card immediately so you can start boating.

Once you receive your permanent boating safety education card, it's good for life.

How to License a Boat in Oregon

Along with getting your boating license, you must also make sure your vessel is registered correctly. Understanding Oregon boating rules can keep you from facing fines and other legal consequences, so you must follow the proper procedures.

Boat Registration Requirements

All motorized boats need to be registered, as do sailboats over 12 feet long. Exceptions to the registration requirements include sailboats under 12 feet and non-motorized boats like rowboats and canoes.

What's the Process for Registering a Boat?

Before applying to register your boat, make sure you have all the necessary documents. These include proof of ownership, a bill of sale, or a manufacturer's certificate of origin. Then, you can submit an application to the OSMB online or in person. 

There are fees to register your boat, and they're based on the boat's length and type. However, unlike your boater education card, your boat's registration isn't good for life. You'll need to renew it every two years, which you can do in person or online.

Kayak Licensing in Oregon

While there's no official kayak license, Oregon requires non-motorized boats like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards 10 feet or longer to have an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Permit. You can get this permit from a licensed vendor, online, through the OSMB, or through the ODFW Electronic Licensing System. 

An annual permit costs $19, while a two-year permit costs $32. An out-of-state motorboat AIS permit costs $22 and is valid for a calendar year. 

The AIS permit requirement does not apply to youth under 13 or boats owned by out-of-state visitors who are just traveling through with a boat and not using Oregon waterways.

Learn More about Oregon Boating Rules with a Boater Education Course

We've covered a lot of information about boating legally in Oregon, but there's much more to learn to stay safe on the state's waterways!

A boater education course is the best way to learn about safety on the water. Not only do you need it to meet Oregon boating regulations, but it's also vital to help you understand your boat and navigate it properly. If you're new to boating or it's been a long time since you've been on the water, an online boater education course like we offer here at ilearntoboat can increase your knowledge and peace of mind.

It's easy to get started, plus we make it fun and fast to learn everything you know about boating in Oregon!

Check out our online course before it's time to launch your boat this season.