Safety Handbook Page 2 | Oregon State Specific Laws

Oregon State Specific Regulations

Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Owners/operators of personal watercraft must:

All persons (operator and passengers) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, inherently buoyant Type I, II or III personal floatation device (PFD) when underway;

Have a lanyard-type cut-off switch attached to their person, clothing or PFD;

Effectively muffle craft;

Not operate PWC at any time between sunset and sunrise unless equipped with the required lights;

Operate craft in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers that endanger life, limb or property include weaving through congested vessel traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel too close or when visibility around another vessel is obstructed, swerving at the last possible moment to avoid a collision is also considered unsafe and reckless operation.

Travel at slow-no wake (maximum 5 mph) speed limits:

Within 200 feet of a swimmer, surfer, dive flag, bank or wading angler, dock, swim float, moorage and boat ramp, pier, marina, floating home, or boathouse;

Within 100 feet of any anchored or non-motorized vessel;

Within 200 feet of the shoreline on all lakes, reservoirs, and bays.

Not operate in excess of 10 MPH when approaching within 100 feet of another motorized or sail vessel underway.

Chasing, harassing, molesting or disturbing wildlife with PWC is strictly prohibited.

No person can operate a PWC within 200 feet directly behind a water skier being towed.

No person can tow a water skier or any floating device with a PWC unless:

Another person on the PWC is continuously observing the person being towed; and

The PWC is large enough to carry the operator, an observer and the person being towed; and,

The PWC is equipped with a "skier-down" flag held up by the observer, when the skier is down in the water; and,

The PWC is being operated between sunrise and sunset.

No person under the age of 16 can operate a PWC unless accompanied on board by an adult, age 18 or older, holding an Oregon Boater Education Card. Once a person has acquired this card it never has to be renewed.

No person who owns a PWC or who has charge or control of a PWC can authorize or permit the PWC to be operated by a person under 16 years of age, unless accompanied by a person 18 or over.

All children 12 and younger must wear a USCG approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when in a boat that is underway.

Mandatory Boater Education Law

All operators age 16 or older of a boat greater than 10 hp must carry a boater education card.

Youth must be 12 or older to obtain a boater education card. Youth 11 or younger may no longer operate a powerboat.

A person age 12-15 who possesses a boater education card may operate a boat of 10 hp or less alone.

A person age 12-15 who possesses a boater education card may operate a boat of 10 hp or greater, if accompanied by an adult 16 or older who possesses a boater education card.

A person age 16 or older will need a boater education card to operate.

When will I need a card?

The phase-in is age based as listed below. Once you get your card, it is good for life and never needs renewal.

Oregon Boater Education Card Phase-In Schedule

Personal Watercraft Livery Operations

No person shall rent a PWC to a person under the age of 18.

Renters must provide an inherently buoyant Coast Guard-approved Type I or III personal floatation device that will ride on the PWC. Fully inflatable PFD's are not acceptable for PWC rentals.

Provide safe operation information, giving each renter a written copy of the state PWC rules and placing a safe operation decal on each craft.

Each renter will sign a copy of the PWC rules. The renter's copy of this form (PWC-01) must be carried on board when operating the PWC.

Equipment Requirements

Sailboats and Manually Propelled Boats

The following equipment is required:

Boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes, rafts and kayaks, shall carry one Type I, II or III wearable PFD of suitable size for each person on board.

Boats 16 feet and over, except canoes and kayaks, must have one Type I, II or III PFD of suitable size for each person as well as one Type IV throwable device.

The Type I, II and III PFD's shall be readily accessible to all persons on board. The Type IV device shall be immediately available for use.

Navigation lights (required only when underway or at anchor between sunset and sunrise, and during periods of restricted visibility).

For manually propelled boats, an electric torch or a lantern showing a white light, to be temporarily exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision

For sailboats, an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light, to be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

Sound devices: A boat of less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters) must carry a sound signaling device such as a whistle or compressed air horn.

Motorboats Less than 16 Feet in Length

The following equipment is required:

Boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes, rafts and kayaks, shall carry one Type I, II or III wearable PFD of suitable size for each person on board. A throwable device Type IV will not meet the carriage requirements for these boats.

Sound devices: A boat less than 39.4 inches (12 meters) must carry a sound signaling device such as a whistle or compressed air horn.

One B-I type approved fire extinguisher when no fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces(s). (Fire extinguishers are not required on outboard type motorboats less than 26 feet in length and of open construction.) No B-I type extinguisher is required if an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery space(s).

An approved carburetor backfire flame arrestor for inboard motors not exposed to the atmosphere above the gunwale.

An effective muffling system for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine.

A ventilation system, the particular type, is dependent on when the boat was built.

Lights (required only when underway or at anchor between sunset and sunrise, and during periods of restricted visibility).

Motorboats 16 feet to less than 26 feet

The following equipment is required:

Boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes, rafts and kayaks, shall carry one Type I, II or III wearable PFD of suitable size for each person on board. A throwable device Type IV will not meet the carriage requirements for these boats.

Sound devices: A boat less than 39.4 inches (12 meters) must carry a sound signaling device such as a whistle or compressed air horn.

One B-I type approved fire extinguisher when no fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces(s). (Fire extinguishers are not required on outboard type motorboats less than 26 feet in length and of open construction.) No B-I type extinguisher is required if an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery space(s).

An approved carburetor backfire flame arrestor for inboard motors not exposed to the atmosphere above the gunwale.

An effective muffling system for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine.

A ventilation system, the particular type, is dependent on when the boat was built.

Lights (required only when underway or at anchor between sunset and sunrise, and during periods of restricted visibility).

Motorboats 26 feet to less than 40 feet

The following equipment is required:

One Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device of an appropriate size readily accessible for the intended wearer - Type I, II or III wearable for each person on board and one Type IV.

Sound devices: A boat less than 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters) must carry a sound signaling device such as a whistle or compressed air horn.

Two B-I type approved portable extinguishers or one B-II type approved portable fire extinguisher. When an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed, one less B-I type extinguisher is required.

An approved carburetor backfire flame arrestor for inboard motors not exposed to the atmosphere above the gunwale.

An effective muffling system for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine.

A ventilation system: the particular type dependent upon when the boat was built.

Lights (required only when underway or at anchor between sunset and sunrise, and during periods of restricted visibility.

Motorboats 40 feet to less than 65 feet

The following equipment is required:

One Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device of an appropriate size readily accessible for the intended wearer - Type I, II or III wearable for each person on board and one Type IV.

Sound devices: A boat more than 39.4 inches (12 meters) but less than 65 feet 6 inches (20 meters) must carry on board a whistle and a bell. The whistle and bell must comply with the existing Federal specifications.

Three B-I type approved portable fire extinguishers or one B-I type plus one B-II type approved portable fire extinguisher. When an approved fixed fire extinguisher system is installed, one less B-I type extinguisher is required.

An approved carburetor backfire flame arrestor for inboard motors not exposed to the atmosphere above the gunwale.

An effective muffling system for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine.

A ventilation system, the particular type dependent upon when the boat was built.

Lights (required only when underway or at anchor between sunset and sunrise, and during periods of restricted visibility.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's)

All boats must carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD for every person aboard. PFD's must be in serviceable condition, without rips, tears or broken straps. All PFDs must be kept readily accessible for use in an emergency situation. PFDs in a plastic bag or in a storage compartment are not considered readily available.

Children age 12 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times while on an open deck or cockpit of vessels that are underway. Non-swimmers should always wear PFDs. All PFDs must be of suitable size to fit each passenger. Adult devices do not satisfy the legal requirements for children, just as children's devices do not meet floatation requirements for adults.

Persons being towed are considered on board the towing boat and the boat must have an approved Type I, II or III PFD aboard for each person.

Each person on board a PWC must wear a Type I, II or III PFD.

Inflatable PFDs (Type V) are not approved for high impact sports such as water skiing or riding personal watercraft. Boaters considering the purchase of inflatable PFDs should ensure the device has a Coast Guard approval number on the label and that instructions are complied with. Boaters relying on inflatable PFDs that are not approved, or, that are not being utilized in accordance with the label, will be considered in non-compliance by law enforcement officers.

Certificates of Boat Title (Numbering)

PWCs require a certificate of number and valid registration.

The Oregon State Marine Board requires proof of ownership, which may include a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, a Homemade Boat Builder Certificate, a Certificate of Boat Title issued by another state or an original certificate of number for boats previously registered in another state, which does not issue a Certificate of Title for the Boat.

When applying for an initial Oregon title, the following boats must be inspected (hull identification number, etc) by the Oregon State Police, an Oregon county sheriff's representative or Marine Board staff:

Homemade boats; and

Boats not titled and/or registered in Oregon or another state with the exception of new boats where a manufacturer's statement of origin is submitted.

The Board at its discretion may inspect any boat prior to issuing an Oregon title.

Identifying numbers shall be placed on each side of the forward half of the boat in such a position as to provide clear legibility for identification. The numbers shall read from left to right, block lettering not less than 3" in height. Numbers shall be of a color which contrasts with the color of the background.

example of proper boat number placement in Oregon

The validation decals must be placed on each side of the boat, 3" aft (towards the back) and in line with the registration numbers. Only current decals shall be displayed.

example of boat validation decal in Oregon

A boat trailer license may be acquired from the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles.

Accidents

Responsibilities of a boat operator at an accident scene:

Anyone involved in a boat accident must give their name, address, identifying number of their boat as well as the name and address of any occupants to the other boat's operator, and/or occupants. The boat operator must render aid if needed. The boat operator must also give assistance to any injured person(s).

Failure to fulfill the duties of operator/witnesses is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $6,250 and/or a penalty of jail time up to one year. In accidents causing injury or death, failure is a Class C felony punishable by five years in jail and/or a $100,000 fine.

Boat operators involved in an accident resulting in death, injury requiring medical treatment or property damage exceeding $2,000 must report the accident to the Oregon State Marine Board on a Marine Board accident form:

within 48 hours of an accident resulting in death or injury;

within 10 days of an accident causing property/equipment damage only.

Failure to complete an accident report could result in a fine up to $273.

Marine Patrols

A boat approaching or being approached by a law enforcement vessel with a flashing blue light or siren must immediately slow and alter its course so as to not interfere with the operation of the law enforcement vessel. A boater may resume speed when out of the vicinity or at the direction of the officer.

A peace officer may stop any boat and direct it to a suitable pier or anchorage for boarding. No person shall knowingly flee or attempt to elude any law enforcement officer after having received a signal from a law enforcement officer to bring the boat to a stop.

Applicability Of Terms

County Sheriffs, Oregon State Police, and local state and federal agencies are exempt from operational restrictions when conducting official business.

Federal Requirements

All vessels operating on coastal waters must carry USCG approved visual distress signals.

Operations:

Operators must know the following rules governing boat operation:

Unsafe operation

Operations that endanger or would likely endanger a person or their property. (Example of violation: A boat wake causes a canoe to nearly capsize).

Reckless operation

It is a crime to operate a boat carelessly in a willful disregard of the rights, safety or property of others. (Example of violation: Pulling a skier through an area where swimmers are present in spite of the regulatory buoy markers.)

Failure to regulate speed

A violation occurs if, due to a boat's speed, it cannot be stopped by reasonable means in the distance ahead. It is illegal to exceed any posted speed limitations.(Example of violation: A boat runs into an object because the speed is too fast to stop in time to avoid a collision.)

Improper distance

Not maintaining a proper distance between your vessel and any other vessel, PWC or fixed object while operating your vessel or PWC, or while towing a person on water skis or any similar device. Specifically, it is illegal to operate a vessel at greater than idle speed or slow - no wake speed within 200 feet of:

A boat launch ramp or ramp dock

A marina or breakwater

A designated boat moorage area

Basic Rule For Slow - No Wake

Operators of boats must observe slow-no wake, maximum 5 mph speed limit within 200 feet of a boat ramp, marina or moorage with a capacity for six or more boats; a floating home moorage with six or more structures; or people working at water level.

Operator may be liable for damage caused by wake. This rule does not apply to commercial vessels or river navigation when more speed is needed to ensure safe passage.

Riding on Bows, Decks, Gunwales or Transoms of a Boat

No person may sit on gunwales or the transom of a motorboat at a speed exceeding 5 MPH unless boat has adequate guards or railing.

Sitting on the bow deck while underway without adequate railings is prohibited.

Riding on bow, transom or gunwale railings while underway is prohibited.

Standing on decking over bow is allowed for mooring or casting off.

Prohibited actions when water skiing or using other towed devices:

Reckless, negligent riding of towed devices endangering persons or property.

Water skiing or towing devices from sunset to sunrise.

Operation of towing boat or other devices that may lead to potential collision of water skier with a person or object.

Water skiing while under the influence of intoxicants.

Towing skier without continuous observation of skier by an observer.

Operating without a "skier down" flag.

It is illegal for a boat operator to tow any persons that are holding onto, or riding on, any portion of the boat aft of the stern or transom (including a swim step, ladder, platform or deck) while the vessel is underway regardless of speed.

Boating Under The Influence Of Intoxicants

Boaters should be aware that:

No owner or person in charge of a vessel shall operate or be in physical control of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.

It is also unlawful for the owner or person in charge of a vessel to allow anyone else to operate the vessel while he or she is under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.

By operating a boat, operators have consented to submitting to field sobriety tests;

A blood alcohol level of .08% or more is the statutory limit for being under the influence of alcohol.

Bail schedule for an alleged offense ranges from $3,500 to $6,000;

Operating under the influence is a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, a boater faces a maximum penalty of $6,250 and/or 1 year in jail;

Upon conviction, offending operators will have all boat registrations in their name suspended for up to 3 years, are not allowed to operate a boat for 1 year, and are required to complete a boating safety course;

A person who knowingly operates a boat in violation of a court order for conviction commits a Class A misdemeanor.

A conviction for Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants is equivalent and counts toward any of the first three arrests for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.

Especially Hazardous Conditions

Peace officers observing a boat being operated on Oregon waters in an especially hazardous condition may order the operator to move to the nearest safe moorage and remain there until the condition is remedied. An especially hazardous condition is:

Improper or insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire arresting devices on carburetors, or navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and times of reduced visibility.

Overloading. Don't overload your vessel. Balance the load of all passengers and gear.

Overpowering. Do no use an engine that is too powerful for the boat. Also, turn your vessel at controlled speeds

Leakage of fuel from the boat engine, fuel system or fuel in the bilge.

Don't boat in rough water or bad weather.

Noise Muffling

Motorboats are required to have a mechanical means of reducing (muffling) the engine exhaust sound level.

No motorboat exhaust sound can exceed 90 dBA if the boat was manufactured before Jan. 1, 1993: 88 dBA if boat was manufactured after Jan 1, 1993.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Access

Lakes and reservoir impoundments on Oregon rivers are open to PWC subject to local operating rules. The following table lists which rivers and reservoirs are open to personal watercraft use. All other rivers not listed are closed to PWC.

RIVER	SECTION OF RIVER OPEN -- Subject to Local Operating Rules
Alsea	Downstream from Hatchery Creek (approx. RM 12).
Chetco	Below the head of tide.
Clackamas	From the river mouth to Clackamette Lake (RM 0.7).
Columbia	Entire river.
Coos	Below its confluence with the Millicoma River.
Coquille	Downstream from the Hwy 42 S bridge at the City of Coquille.
Deschutes	Between Heritage Landing boat ramp (RM 0.5) and the Columbia River.
John Day	(Sherman/Gilliam County) below Tumwater Falls (RM 10).
Kilchis	Downstream from the Parks boat ramp at Hwy 101 bridge. Speed Limit.
Miami	Downstream from the Hwy 101 bridge. Speed Limit.
Millicoma	Below Allegany.
Necanicum	Entire river, subject to Slow-no wake max. 5 mph speed limit.
N Fork Nehalem	Below Aldervale.
Rogue	Between Gold Rey Dam and the Applegate River; below the mouth of Snout Creek (near Agness).
S Fork Nehalem	From the mouth of Peterson Creek (RM 10.3) to Nehalem River Falls (RM 15.7), open from Sept. 1 through March 30.
Siletz	Downstream from the Morgan's Park boat ramp.
Siuslaw	Downstream from the Hwy 126 bridge at Mapleton.
Snake	Above Hells Canyon Dam.
Trask	Downstream from the Hwy 101 bridge. Speed Limit.
Umpqua	Downstream from Scottsburg Park.
Wilson	Downstream from Sollie Smith boat ramp. Speed Limit.
Willamette	Downstream from the Beltline Road overpass at RM 178 in Eugene.
Note: The McKenzie, Molalla, Santiam, Tualatin, Yamhill and all other Willamette tributaries are closed to PWC.)
Yaquina	Downstream from the Toledo Airport boat ramp (RM 9).

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