OR Boating Guide

All motorized vessels and sailboats operated on Oregon waters must complete an Oregon boat registration. You must obtain a Certificate of Title, a Certificate of Number (which includes boat registration numbers), and validation decals to legally operate. The boat rego number must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel on both sides in bold block letters at least 3 inches high. Boaters can also perform a boat hin lookup to verify their vessel's identification. An Oregon boaters license is required separately for operating a motor over 10 HP. Registration must be renewed annually. Out-of-state boats may operate in Oregon for up to 60 consecutive days with valid home state registration.

All operators of a boat with a motor greater than 10 HP must have an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card, often referred to as an Oregon boaters license, state of Oregon boat license, boating license Oregon, or Oregon boat permit. This Oregon boating license is obtained by completing a NASBLA-approved boating safety course and passing the exam. Operators must carry the safety education card along with photo identification while operating. The Oregon State Marine Board requires that inflatable life jackets are not authorized for use by children under 16 years old.

All vessels must carry a US Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted life jacket for each person on board. Inflatable life jackets are not authorized for children under 16. All persons operating a boat and all passengers must wear an approved life jacket on all Class III rapids and higher. Boats 16 feet or longer must carry at least one USCG-approved throwable Type IV flotation device in addition to wearable life jackets. Fire extinguishers are required on most motorized vessels. All vessels must carry a sound-producing device, such as a boat horn. Boat lighting, including boat navigation lights, must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during restricted visibility. Visual distress signals are required on coastal waters and the Columbia River. Additionally, carrying a boat anchor and boat anchor winch is recommended for safe anchoring.

Boating Under the Influence is illegal in Oregon with a BAC limit of 0.08 percent. Penalties for BUI are severe: if found guilty, the operator must complete a safe boating class, is not allowed to operate a boat for 1 year, and all boat registrations in their name are suspended for 3 years. All vessels must obey posted speed limits and observe no wake zones near shore, docks, swimming areas, and in designated areas. Water skiing and tubing require an observer and are allowed only during daylight hours. Accident reporting is required for incidents involving death, disappearance, injury, or property damage. All operators must carry their Boating Safety Education Card (also known as an Oregon boaters license, state of Oregon boat license, Oregon boating license, boating license Oregon, or Oregon boat permit) and vessel registration while operating.

Oregon has over 1,000 lakes and reservoirs plus the Pacific coastline, Columbia River, Willamette River, Rogue River, Snake River, Deschutes River, and Umpqua River. Popular boating destinations include the Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, Klamath Lake, Odell Lake, Waldo Lake, Detroit Lake, Timothy Lake, the Willamette River, and the Oregon Coast including Tillamook Bay and Coos Bay, all with accessible boat launches and boat ramps.

Oregon has strict aquatic invasive species prevention programs. To prevent quagga mussels found in boat, boaters must Clean, Drain, and Dry their vessels before launching in different waterways. Proper boat drain plug installation ensures complete drainage. For lighter boats such as a jon boat, a jon boat drain plug is particularly important. Boaters can also install a boat ais system to help monitor and prevent the spread of AIS for boats. The Oregon State Marine Board works with other agencies to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and other invasive species. Vessels entering Oregon from out of state may be subject to inspection at border inspection stations. Drain all water from bilges, livewells, and engine cooling systems before leaving any water body. Remove all plants, mud, and debris from vessels and trailers.