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Boating requirements · Oregon
Boating license requirements in Oregon
Oregon requires a Boater Education Card to operate a powerboat over 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft. Operators 16 and older need the card,…
Last verified: June 11, 2026Source: Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB)
Oregon requires a Boater Education Card to operate a powerboat over 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft. Operators 16 and older need the card, youths 12 to 15 face additional restrictions, and no one under 12 may operate a motorboat. The card is administered by the Oregon State Marine Board.
Oregon boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | Any person 16+ must hold a Boating Safety Education Card to operate a powerboat (including PWC) over 10 HP. Youth 12–15 need a card to operate a motorboat of any size, and may operate a >10 HP boat only if accompanied by a card-holder 16+ (18+ for PWC). Under 12 may not operate any motorboat. Effectively universal for >10 HP operation. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | Under 12 may not operate any motorboat. PWC operators must be 16+ (12–15 only under direct supervision). |
| Typical course cost | $20 OSMB card fee + course tuition (varies; free/low-cost options exist) |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) |
| Card validity | Lifetime — permanent card. |
Do you need a boating license in Oregon?
Oregon requires a Boater Education Card to operate a powerboat over 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft. Operators 16 and older need the card, youths 12 to 15 face additional restrictions, and no one under 12 may operate a motorboat. The card is administered by the Oregon State Marine Board.
Not birth-year based — universal for >10 HP operators; youth age/supervision tiers apply.
What boating courses are accepted in Oregon?
Oregon accepts approved boating safety courses, including approved internet courses, to meet its mandatory education requirement. Boaters who hold a current U.S. Coast Guard operator license or a commercial fishing license have related exemptions.
What are the penalties for boating without a card in Oregon?
Penalties for operating without a required boater education certificate in Oregon are set by state statute and enforced by Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB). For current fine amounts, check the official agency page.
Who regulates boating in Oregon?
Recreational boating in Oregon is overseen by Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), the authoritative source for current requirements. BoatingClasses.com is an independent directory — not a government or certifying body. Boating laws change, so always confirm current requirements with the official agency before operating a vessel.
Where can Oregon boaters take a course?
Providers serving Oregon — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Oregon before you enroll.
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BoatUS Foundation
FeaturedA free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
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The state-contracted online boater safety course (by Kalkomey) that earns the official boater education card in nearly every state.
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Online USCG captain's license courses (OUPV through Master/Mate 200 Ton) with self-paced study and a proctored online exam.
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A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
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A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
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The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
In-person
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Next steps for Oregon boaters
Oregon boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Oregon?
- Oregon does not issue a boating license, but operators 16 and older need an Oregon Boater Education Card to operate a powerboat (including a PWC) greater than 10 horsepower.
- Who needs an Oregon Boater Education Card?
- Anyone 16 or older operating a powerboat over 10 horsepower needs the card. Youths 12 to 15 may operate larger boats only with a qualifying card-holding adult aboard.
- What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Oregon?
- No one 11 years old or younger may operate a motorboat in Oregon. Youths 12 to 15 may operate a boat of 10 horsepower or less without an adult.
- Are there exemptions to Oregon’s card requirement?
- Yes. Boaters holding a current U.S. Coast Guard operator license are exempt, and those with a current commercial fishing license carry that documentation instead when operating recreationally.
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