SALEM, Ore. October 6, 2010 - The state of Oregon requires boaters operating a motorized watercraft having greater than 10 horsepower to carry a Boater Safety Card issued by the Oregon State Marine Board. The catch is, to get the card a boater must complete an approved boating safety course but those courses aren't always available in every town and can be expensive.
However, the new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by the Oregon State Marine Board, which allows the state's boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home.
The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.
"We've loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating," said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. "It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out," he added.
"The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it's designed so that you can stop and then continue on at any time. I will guarantee you that everyone will learn something new," said Edmonston.
Upon finishing the course, boaters can print their own Certificate of Completion, which they must then submit to the Marine Board (and also pay the state a $10 application fee) in order to be issued a Boater Safety Card.
To take the course, go to www.BoatUS.org. For more information on Oregon boater education, go tohttp://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/BoatEd/education.shtml.
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About the BoatUS Foundation:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.
