What do I need to drive a boat in Oregon
Sarah Martinez
Published Apr 23, 2026
ALL powerboat operators are required to take an approved boating safety course and carry their boater education card when operating a powerboat greater than 10 hp. You must be at least 12 years old to operate a powerboat in Oregon. Youth 12-15 need a boater education card to operate powerboats 1-10hp alone.
Do you need a license to operate a boat in Oregon?
ALL powerboat operators are required to take an approved boating safety course and carry their boater education card when operating a powerboat greater than 10 hp. You must be at least 12 years old to operate a powerboat in Oregon. Youth 12-15 need a boater education card to operate powerboats 1-10hp alone.
Which document must you carry onboard to operate a boat legally in Oregon?
According to Oregon’s boat registratio requiremetns, in order to legally operate a boat in the state of Oregon you must obtain a Certificate of Title, a Certificate of Number and validation decals.
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.
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.
When can you drive a boat 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.
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.
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.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.
Do I need a fire extinguisher in my boat in Oregon?Every motorboat, except outboard motorboats less than 26 feet in length of open construction, shall carry on board, fully charged and in serviceable condition the following hand portable marine approved fire extinguishers. … ALL extinguishers should be serviced at least every two years.
Article first time published onWhat 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.
Does an Oregon boaters license expire?
The boating education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT an Oregon Boating License!
How long does a Oregon boating license last?
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.
How long is Oregon boat registration good for?
Registration is required every two years and allows the agency to send along pertinent boating safety and equipment information that can be passed along to customers.
How much does it cost to license a boat trailer in Oregon?
TitleFeeHeavy Motor Vehicle Trip Permit – 10 Days$43Heavy Trailer Trip Permit – 10 Days$10Recreational Vehicle Trip Permit – 1 to 10 Days$33Registered Vehicle Trip Permit – 10 Days$7.50
Does Oregon require trailers to be registered?
DMV Title and Registration Requirements: Trailers operated on Oregon’s public roads must be titled and registered with DMV. Fees are based on the loaded weight of the trailer. Light trailers are trailers with a loaded weight of 8,000 pounds or less, heavy trailers are trailers with a loaded weight over 8,000 pounds.
Does Oregon require a trailer title?
You do not have to title or register trailers with a loaded weight of 1,800 pounds or less. Heavy trailers have a loaded weight over 8,000 pounds. Travel trailers, fixed loads and special use trailers cannot be heavy trailers. You must pull a heavy trailer with a vehicle registered by weight.
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).
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.”
What size boat do you need to not wear a life jacket?
Lifejackets must be worn on all vessels under 12 metres.
What object is required on a 15 foot boat?
There must be one Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, etc., PLUS one Type IV throwable device. Throwable, Type IV PFDs may no longer be substituted for wearable types on boats less than 16 feet. State laws on mandatory PFD wear may vary.
What boats require a lifting harness?
A built-in transom ladder, swim platform, and lifting harness are examples of reboarding devices. A reboarding device is required under the Small Vessel Regulations only if the freeboard distance on your pleasure craft is over 0.5 metres (1 foot 8 inches).
Do you have to have flares on a boat?
Boaters must have current dated US Coast Guard-approved day and night signals for all boats operating on coastal and open bodies of water. … If operating at night, one electric distress light or three combination day/night red flares are required.
What safety devices are required on a boat?
- Life jackets and wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs) An accessible, wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) is a life jacket that must be available for each person on board. …
- Throwable flotation devices. …
- Fire extinguishers. …
- Visual signaling devices. …
- Sound signaling devices.
What is required to be installed on a recreational use motor boat?
Recreational boats must carry Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices, in good and serviceable condition, and of the appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible, not stowed in bags, locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them.
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 need insurance for a boat 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.
When operating a boat in Oregon How must you control your boat's 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.