Q. What is the "Oregon Boater Education Card"?
A. The Boater Education Card is proof of competency
and gives authorization to operate a powerboat greater than 10hp in Oregon.
The Boater Education Card is a lifetime card (no renewal necessary) and you only
pay a one-time $10 application fee. The Boater Education Card must be carried
with you whenever you are operating a powered watercraft greater than 10hp to avoid
high fines.
Q. Isn't the term "Oregon Boater Education Card" just another word for "Oregon Boating
License"?
A. No. Sometimes the Oregon Boater Education Card is
incorrectly referred to as an "Oregon boating
license" or license to operate a vessel. The two are not the same. In most
instances what people are actually referring to is the Oregon Boater Education Card.
Unlike a driver's license, the Boater Education Card cannot be revoked and is good
for life.
The term "Oregon boat license" is also sometimes mistakenly used to refer to a boat's
registration numbers and/or certificate of title.
Q. Do I have to get the Oregon Boater Education Card?
A. Yes. The 1999 Oregon Legislature passed a Mandatory
Boater Education law that requires all boaters to be educated before operating a
powered watercraft over 10 hp. These safe boating regulations will be gradually
phased in through the year 2009. (Please see the chart to the right to see when
you need the card.)
Q. What is the minimum age to obtain the Oregon Boater Education Card?
A. Children must be at least 12 years of age in order
to take the Oregon exam and receive their Oregon Boater Education Card.
Q. What is the minimum age to operate a powered vessel in Oregon?
A.Children must be at least 12 years of age and have
successfully completed a boating safety course, approved by the Oregon State Marine
Board, in order to operate a powered vessel on Oregon waters.
Click here for more information.
Q. What is the minimum age to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Oregon?
A. PWC operators in Oregon must be at least 16 years
old. PWC operators must carry proof of successful completion of an Oregon State
Marine Board approved boating safety course on-board while operating.
Click here for more information.
Q. How do I get my Oregon Boater Education Card?
A. The steps required to get your Oregon Boater Education
Card are as follows:
- Study the Oregon boating safety course manual
- Take the Oregon online boating exam
- Pay for your exam
- Print off your Certificate of Completion
- Order or apply for your Boater Education Card
- Wait for your Boater Education Card to arrive in the mail 2-3 weeks later
There is also a one-time state fee of $10.00 to get your Boater Education Card which
we will process for you. Alternatively, you can send a copy of your Certificate
of Completion to The Oregon State Marine Board with $10.00 and
the application form after you pass your exam.
For a complete overview of the Oregon online boating exam process, please visit
our Oregon Online Boater Exam Process overview page.
Q. What if I don't pass the Oregon Boating Test?
A. No problem. At BoaterExam.com™, we have a Pay
only when you Pass policy. There is no cost to retry the exam if you do not pass.
You will receive your score and be allowed to review any of your wrong answers.
You can then review the course material and take the exam again at no cost to you.
Q. How much does the exam cost?
A. The cost of the exam is $29.95. There is also a one-time
state fee of $10.00 to get your Boater Education Card which we will process for
you. Alternatively, you can send a copy of your Certificate of Completion to The
Oregon State Marine Board with $10.00 and
the application form after you pass your exam.
Q. Where do I get the application form to send to the state?
A. You can download
the application form here.
Q. What payment methods are accepted?
A. We accept payments by VISA, Mastercard, and PayPal.
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that you are protected from over 99.9% of hacker crime. BoaterExam.com™ uses
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in accordance with payment card industry best practices.
Q. What is the "Certificate of Completion"?
A. The Certificate of Completion is a temporary proof
of competency and proves that you took a boater education course and passed. This
certificate is valid for 60 days from the date you take your exam and should be
carried with you when you boat until your permanent Boater Education Card arrives
in the mail.
Q. When will I receive my Boater Education Card in the mail?
A. Once you have ordered or applied for your Boater Education Card. Your card will arrive in 2-3 weeks from the date
you take your exam.
Q. Do I have a time limit for the exam?
A. No. The exam is not timed but inactive exams will
be erased after 6 hours.
Q. Can I take the exam at any time? Day or Night?
A. Yes. The exam is available to you at any time of
the day, every day of the week.
Q. How many questions are on the exam?
A. The exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions.
Q. What is the passing grade?
A. The passing grade is 80%, or 60 correct answers out
of 75 questions.
Q. Is anyone exempt from getting the Boater Education Card?
A. Yes. The list of exemptions is as follows:
- Out-of-state and foreign visitors
If they will be boating in Oregon for less than 60 consecutive
days or hold a boater education card from another state.
- Boaters with a current Coast Guard Boat Operator License:
Boaters who hold a current Coast Guard Boat Operator
License are exempt from the requirement.
- Non-certified, supervised adults:
The law allows a non-certified adult to operate a power
boat greater than 10hp IF under direct supervision of an adult 16 or older who is
carrying a boater education card.
- New Boat Buyers:
Buyers have a temporary exemption, valid for up to 60
days from date of purchase.
- Boat Renters:
Renters will be exempt, but must complete a dockside
safety checklist.
Q. What are the technical requirements for the online boating test?
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Minimum |
Recommended |
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Browser |
Internet Explorer 5.5+ or
Mozilla Firefox 1.0+ |
Internet Explorer 7 or
Mozilla Firefox 2.0 |
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Operating System |
Windows 98 or
Mac OS 9 |
Windows XP or
Mac OS X |
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Screen Resolution |
800x600 |
1024x768 |
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Internet Connection |
dial-up |
high-speed |