Oregon State Boating Safety Course
The BoatUS Foundation’s Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB). Upon completion of the course, you will have the option to purchase a card issued by the Oregon State Marine Board.
State Approved
About the Course
What is the course about and why do I need it?
This free online course teaches you everything you need to operate a boat safely and legally in Oregon including navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies, and protecting the environment.
3-5
Hours to Complete
5
Lessons
75
Final Exam Questions
35
Approved States
learn online at your own pace
What is the format of the course?
You’ll learn through interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes, then pass a final exam to earn your state-approved boating safety certificate.
Complete the course at your own pace and gain the skills and confidence to get out on the water.
State Education Requirements
How do I get a Oregon boating safety education certificate?
Enroll yourself in a Boating Safety Course from the Course Catalog.
Study and pass the Boating Safety Course.
Print out your certificate of completion.
1
Enroll
2
Take Course
3
Pass Exam
4
Print Certificate
Age Requirements:
All boaters are required to complete a boating safety education course who operate a motorboat with a motor over 10 horsepower (hp) and youths:
A person 16 or older are required to get a boating safety education card to operate a motorboat (including a PWC) greater than 10 hp.
Age Restrictions:
Youths 12-15 years old operating a motorboat of any size:
Definition: “Direct Supervision” occurs when a person carries a Boating Safety Education Card issued to that person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately take control of the boat from the operator.
Can operate a motorboat greater than 10 hp if accompanied and in direct supervision by a person 16 or older (18 or older for a personal watercraft (PWC)) with a boating safety education card.
How do I get a Oregon boating safety education certificate?
The Oregon State Marine Board requires that you purchase a Boating Safety Education Card. The card can be purchased in two ways:
1. To purchase your Boating Safety Education Card ($20) through the OSMB, please go to https://apps3.oregon.gov and under the ‘Log In’ button, clink on the ‘Register’ link and register with OSMB. After you register with OSMB, under ‘More Online Options’ click on the link for the Boating Education Card Application and then follow the directions.
2. By selecting Get Boating Card from us for $21. You do not need to apply or pay separately through the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) after completing the course. By completing this course, your information will automatically be sent to OSMB, and your permanent Boating Safety Education Card will be issued by OSMB –no further action or payment is required. If you submit another payment to OSMB, this can result in duplicate charges and unnecessary delays.
Lost Boating Safety Education Card:
If you have lost your permanent Boating Safety Education Card from OSMB, please go to https://apps3.oregon.gov and ‘log in’. Under ‘More Online Options’ click on the link for the Replacement Boating Education Card Application and then follow the directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
For all questions about your state’s Free Boating Safety Course, visit our Support Center.