Oregon Safe Boating Course
Chapter 5: Safe Boat Operation
5.1 Operator Responsibilities
Ultimately, the boat operator is responsible for the safety and activity of all
passengers. Additionally, the boat operator must respect other boaters and property.
Before casting off the operator should:
- Complete a Pre-departure checklist to avoid emergencies later
- Ensure the vessel is cared for, is in good working order, and is seaworthy
- Ensure all passengers are comfortable with the safety equipment and procedures in
case of emergency
- File a float plan for lengthy or unfamiliar trips
- Check local hazards
- Check local weather forecast and conditions
5.1.1 Age Restrictions
Boaters in Oregon are required to successfully complete a Boating Safety Exam approved by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) in order to obtain the 'Oregon Boater Education Card'. The Card must be kept onboard the vessel while operating.
In Oregon, no one may operate a motor powered if they are under the age of 12.
Persons age 12 - 15 must possess a boater education card to operate any motorized vessel. If the motorboat is greater than 10 hp, they must be supervised by a card carrying adult age 16 or older. If they are operating a PWC, the supervisor must be at least 18 years old.
Anyone over the age of 16 requires a boater education card to operate a vessel grater than 10 horsepower.
5.1.2 Courtesy
Other boaters and property owners wish to enjoy the water as well. As a courtesy
to other boaters, swimmers and property owners, be sure to monitor your wake, noise
level and boat speed around other boats and shoreline properties. You are responsible
for any damage caused by your wake. Be sure to take the time to review proper safety
and operation procedures if you let someone else operate your boat. Be particularly
mindful of your boat noise in the early morning and late evening. Leave the water
as you found it: clean up any waste you encounter and be sure to collect any of
your own waste in a garbage bag and dispose properly once you get to shore.
5.1.3 Law Enforcement in Oregon
If an operator is approaching or being approached by a law enforcement vessel flashing a blue light or a siren, the operator must slow down and alter their course immediately. Law enforcement authorities may stop any boat and direct it to a suitable pier or location for boarding.
5.1.4 Slow-no Wake Speed
Operators in Oregon must reduce speed to a maximum of 5mph, "Slow-no-wake" speed when the vessel is within 200 feet of the following:
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a boat ramp, marina or moorage with a capacity for six or more vessels
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a floating home moorage with six or more structures
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people working at water level
Operators may be liable for damage caused by wake.
An example of violating this law [Reckless operation-speed ORS 830.315(2)]
would be the following:
- If your boat runs into an object because you were traveling too fast and were unable
to stop in time.
Certain bodies of water in Oregon may have local restrictions as to type and size
of vessel or motor horsepower, restricted use areas, boat speed, and times for use.
Check with the local authorities for these additional restrictions.
5.1.5 Mufflers and Noise Levels
In Oregon, vessels are required to have a mechanical means of reducing (muffling)
the engine exhaust sound level. (ORS 830.260, OAR 250-10-121)
No motorboat exhaust sound can exceed 90 dBA if boat was manufactured before Jan.
1, 1993 or 88 dBA if boat was manufactured after Jan 1, 1993.
5.1.6 Negligence
Any type of boating vessel demands an operator's respect and attention. Careless
or reckless behavior aboard any vessel can result in dangerous consequences. A boat
is not a toy. Enjoy your boating experience, but be mindful of the power of many
vessels and the inherent dangers that water presents.
5.1.7 Unsafe Practices
The following acts and maneuvers are considered dangerous & illegal while boating
in Oregon:
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Unsafe & Reckless Operation. It is illegal to operate a boat
in a manner
that endangers or would likely endanger a person or property and in
willful disregard of others.
The following are a few examples:
- Endangering others or their property, by allowing the wake of your vessel
to potentially harm another or their property.
- Jumping a vessel's wake unnecessarily close to another vessel.
- Failing to conform to boating signage such as posted speeds, indicated restricted
entry zones, diver or skier down flags, etc.
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Operating at an unsafe speed.
Boaters must always operate their vessel at a safe speed as discussed
earlier in this chapter as well as adhering to any indicated speed limitations.
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Failing to maintain adequate
distance. Boaters must maintain the designated 'no wake' speed in the
circumstances discussed above as well as keeping their distance from water skiers
or vessels towing someone on another device.
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Exceeding
maximum capacity. The recommended capacity indicated on the boats'
capacity plate should not be exceeded.
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Not maintaining a proper lookout.
All operators are required to keep a proper lookout for other vessels
and/or people in the water.
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Especially Hazardous Condition. Boaters must make sure that the vessel is being operated
in such a manner that it's occupants or others sharing the water are not in any
danger. If an officer observes that someone's safety may be endangered, the operator
may be forced to head to the closest moorage. Examples of such operation could
be: operating without all the required equipment, operating the vessel with more
power than recommended, or operating the vessel with a fuel leak.
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Not maintaining proper seating
regulation aboard your vessel. In Oregon, it is unlawful to allow any person
to ride or sit on the bow, gunwales, transom, or on the decking over the bow of
the vessel while underway unless such a vessel is provided with adequate guards
or railing to prevent passengers from falling overboard. Passengers or other persons
aboard a vessel may occupy these areas of the vessel to moor or anchor the vessel,
to cast off.
5.1.8 Homeland Security Measures
Federal, state and local governments have enacted specific measures since the events
of September 11, 2001 to help deter unlawful or dangerous operations on our nation's
waterways. Homeland Security Measures violations can result in severe consequences.
Please be aware of the following Homeland Security Measures and act accordingly
to keep our waterways safe and secure:
- Do not approach closer than 100 yards from all military, cruise-line, or commercial
shipping vessels.
- Slow to 'no wake' speed within 500 yards of any large U.S. Naval vessel.
- Observe and avoid all security zones.
- Avoid areas with military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities. For information
in port areas, call 1-800-682-1796 or got to
www.uscg.mil/safeports/, or check with
local authorities.
- Observe other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc.
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Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in the channel. - Report suspicious activities.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to local authorities, the U.S. Coast
Guard, or marine security personnel.
- Or call the National Response Center's Terrorist Hotline at 1-800-424-8802. Do not
approach or challenge those acting in a suspicious manner.
- Never confront the suspicious party.
- Ensure your boat is always locked and secured when unattended and always take the boat
keys with you.
5.2 Influence of Drugs and Alcohol on Boat Operation
5.2.1 Drive Sober
Because of the fatiguing effects of the sun, wind, and the motion of the boat, one
drink on board is like three on shore! It means: if you are drinking at all, then
you should not be behind the wheel!
Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of the passengers in your care and other
boaters. Your balance, vision, coordination and judgment are all affected adversely
with the consumption of even one alcoholic drink. Coupled with environmental elements
(sun, glare, wind, motion) - alcohol can have very serious consequences on the water.
Please, be responsible when operating your boat. If you are operating a vessel -
you
should avoid alcohol consumption.
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Myths
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Reality
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"A few beers won't hurt"
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Even in small amounts, alcohol affects coordination and judgment. A bottle of beer,
a glass of wine, or a drink of liquor - all produce the same effect.
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"Most drowning accidents result from swimming"
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More than 60% of drowning accidents occur after the victim accidentally falls off
a dock, shoreline or vessel into the water. Autopsies show that more than one-third (33%)
of the victims of such falls (mostly men) were impaired by alcohol at the time of
the accident.
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"Drinking alcohol while operating a boat is not a serious offence"
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Operating a boat while intoxicated is just as dangerous as operating a car. The
marine police are equipped with breathalyzers. If the results are positive, the
police may lay charges.
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"There's no harm in drinking alcohol on the beach before swimming"
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Alcohol affects judgment. The person drinking can easily overestimate their abilities
or misjudge a risk they would not take under normal circumstances. Furthermore,
it is illegal to drink in some public places, such as a beach or a dock.
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"People who stand up in a boat rarely fall"
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More than one-half of boating accidents occur when occupants are standing. Given
that alcohol affects balance, anyone who stands up in a boat after drinking alcohol
is more likely to fall overboard. Drinking alcohol also increases urination.
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"Water and Alcohol - Myths and Realities" - Red Cross Society
5.2.2 Serious Penalties
A boater with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more shall be presumed to be under
the influence of alcohol. BUII is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year
in prison and a maximum fine of $6,250. If the boater is found guilty of BUII,
they will be required to complete a safe boating class, are not allowed to operate
a boat for 1 year, and will have all boat registrations in their name suspended
for 3 years.
"Zero Tolerance" prohibits persons younger than 21 years of age from consuming
alcohol and operating a vessel with any measurable alcohol level.
5.3 Carbon Monoxide: Protect yourself from this silent killer
Carbon monoxide can collect within, along side or behind a boat in minutes and in
a variety of ways.
5.3.1 Avoid these Death Zones!
Swimming near or under the back deck or swim platform. Carbon monoxide
from exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard engines and generators build up
inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents. STAY AWAY
from these exhaust vent areas and DO NOT swim in these areas when
the motor or generator is operating. On calm days, wait at least 15 minutes after
the motor or generator has been shut off before entering these areas. NEVER
enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented, not even for
a second. It only takes one or two breaths of the air in this "death chamber" for
it to be fatal.
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Blockage of exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate
in the cabin and cockpit area -even when hatches, windows, portholes, and doors
are closed. |
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Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored
alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the cabin and cockpit
of your boat. Even with properly vented exhaust, your boat should be a minimum of
20 feet from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine. |
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Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide gas
to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in an open area.
A tailwind (force of wind entering from aft section of the motorboat) can also increase
accumulation. |
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The "station wagon effect," or backdrafting can cause carbon monoxide
to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge when operating the boat at a
high bow angle, with improper or heavy loading or if there is an opening which draws
in exhaust.
This effect can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit,
aft deck, and bridge when protective coverings are used and the boat is underway.
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Teak surfing, dragging and water skiing within 20 feet of a moving
watercraft can be fatal. |
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Sitting on the rear swim step while the engine is running, should not be permitted.
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5.3.2 What to do
- The best precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning is to keep air flowing
through the vessel
- Educate family and friends about carbon monoxide so they are aware of what the early
poisoning signs are
- If your boat has rear-vented generator exhaust, check with the boat manufacturer
for possible recall or reroute the exhaust to a safe area.
- Assign an adult to watch when anyone is swimming or playing in the water.
- Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced
and trained technicians.
- Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air
circulation in living spaces. When possible, run the boat so that prevailing winds
will help dissipate the exhaust.
- Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication or heat
stress. If someone on board complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness
or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and
take corrective action. Seek medical attention, if necessary.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Check
detectors before each trip to be sure they are functioning properly. If the detector
goes off, believe it!
5.3.3 Facts
Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced any time a carbon-based fuel,
such as gasoline, propane, charcoal or oil, burns. Sources on your boat include
gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters. Cold
or poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines.
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and mixes evenly with the air.
It enters your bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body
needs. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - irritated eyes, headache, nausea,
weakness, and dizziness - are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged
exposure to low concentrations or very short exposure to high concentrations can
lead to death.
Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Most incidents occur
on older boats and within the cabin or other enclosed areas. Exhaust leaks, the
leading cause of death by carbon monoxide, can allow carbon monoxide to migrate
throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. New areas of concern are the rear deck
near the swim platform with the generator or engines running and teak surfing or
dragging behind a slow moving boat. Regular maintenance and proper
boat operation can reduce the risk of injury from carbon monoxide.
5.3.4 Oregon Carbon Monoxide Regulations
Teak surfing (a.k.a. platform dragging) is illegal
in Oregon. Teak surfing is when a passenger hangs onto the rear of the boat to be
pulled through the water until the boat's wake builds enough to allow body surfing.
People who operate a motorboat with someone holding onto or occupying the portion
of boat aft the transom could receive a maximum fine of $360.
5.3.5 Prevention Checklist
All carbon monoxide poisonings are preventable!
| Checklist - Each Trip |
- Educate all passengers about carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Make sure all exhaust clamps are in place and secure.
- Look for exhaust leaking from exhaust system components, indicated by rust and/or
black streaking, water leaks, or corroded or cracked fittings.
- Inspect rubber exhaust hoses for burned or cracked sections. All rubber hoses should
be pliable and free of kinks.
- Confirm that water flows from the exhaust outlet when the engines and generator
are started.
- Listen for any change in exhaust sound that could indicate an exhaust component
failure.
- Test the operation of each carbon monoxide detector by pressing the test button.
Make sure the battery is installed properly and is in good condition. Never remove
the battery unless replacing it with a new battery
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| Checklist - At Least Annually |
- Replace exhaust hoses if any evidence of cracking, charring or deterioration is
found.
- Inspect each water pump impeller and the water pump housing, and replace if worn.
Make sure cooling systems are in proper working condition to prevent overheating
and burn through the exhaust system. (Refer to the engine and generator manuals
for further information.)
- Inspect each of the metallic exhaust components for cracking, rusting, leaking or
loosening. Pay particular attention to the cylinder head, exhaust manifold, water
injection elbow, and the threaded adapter nipple between the manifold and the
elbow.
- Clean, inspect, and confirm proper operation of the generator cooling water anti-siphon
valve (if equipped).
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Annual Checklist must be performed by a qualified marine technician.
Chapter Summary
Upon completion of reading Chapter 5, you should have knowledge of:
- Operator responsibilities, safe and unsafe practices on the water
- The influences of drugs/alcohol on boat operation
- The enforcement of the federal and state laws
Chapter Quiz
- True/False: The boat operator is not responsible for the safety and activity
of all his/her passengers and they do not necessarily need to respect other boaters
and property.
- Which of the following should a boat operator do before casting off?
- Check local weather forecasts and conditions.
- Have a few alcoholic drinks on the shore.
- Ensure that everyone aboard has a towel.
- Empty the Marine Sanitation Device on the shore.
- In Oregon, if a minor (a person between the ages of 12-15) is operating a vessel,
a card-holding adult must be:
- Present on board the vessel.
- Standing on the dock before the minor casts off.
- Be reachable via cellular phone or by radio.
- An adult does not need to be present.
- The “slowest possible speed required to maintain steerage and headway” is called
___________.
- In Oregon, it is illegal to operate any motorboat or personal watercraft at a
greater speed than 5 MPH (wake speed) when within 200 feet or less of some of the
following except:
- docks
- marinas
- people in the water
- sea weed
- In Oregon, no motorboat exhaust sound can exceed level of sound if the boat was
manufactured before January 1, 1993?
- 0 dBA
- 25 dBA
- 90 dBA
- 100 dBA
- What would be considered an unsafe boating practice?
- Maintaining a lookout.
- Staying an adequate distance from other boats and of people in or being towed
on the water.
- Exceeding the maximum capacity of people allowed onboard a vessel.
- Operating at the recommended/safe speed.
- A person is presumed under the influence of alcohol is their blood level is at
_____ % or more.
- True/False: If a boater is found guilty of being under the influence, they will
be required to complete a safe boating class, they may lose their privileges to
operate a watercraft and they may also have their boat registration suspended for
up to three years.
- True/False: All peace officers have the authority to stop and board boats operating on Oregon waters.
Quiz Answers
- False
- A
- A
- No wake
- D
- C
- C
- 0.08
- True
- True
Oregon Safe Boating Course