Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division,
Lake Patrol Section
Message to Oklahoma Boaters

The Lake Patrol Section (Troop W) of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division serves as the boating safety education, enforcement, and marine investigation arm of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

Everything you need to know about boating in Oklahoma is just a click away at the Oklahoma Boating Education website.

Responsibilities

• Enforcing all state and federal laws, special rules, and regulations pertaining to boating safety
• Teaching boating safety education programs to schools, civic clubs, and other interested agencies and persons
• Performing emergency search, rescue, and recovery missions statewide in all man-made or natural disaster situations
• Providing training opportunities for other marine law enforcement agencies
• Conducting courtesy inspections of all vessels for proper equipment, registration, and overall safety
• Investigating and submitting reports on all boating accidents and drownings
• Presenting boating safety programs and exhibits at fairs, boat shows, and other public events
• Investigating marine theft and fraud within the territorial boundaries of Oklahoma

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop W

Headquarters

Headquarters
District 1 Office
Rt. 1 Box 721
Barnsdall, OK 74002-9739
1-877-253-2820

District 2 Office
HC 68 Box 30A
Kingston, OK 73439
580-564-4140

District 3 Office
P. O. Box 11415
Oklahoma City, OK 73136
405-425-2285

District 4 Office
651 N. 43rd St. East
Muskogee, OK 74403
918-683-3256

District 5 Office
Rt. 8 Box 140
McAlester, OK 74501
918-423-3636

Courtesy Boat Inspection by Lake Patrol Section

Troop W troopers offer boat inspections free of charge! Don’t miss the opportunity to have your boat examined for:

• Required safety equipment
• Current registration and proper display of numbers and decals

Having an inspection before you launch your boat will help ensure your family’s safety and reduce the likelihood of a costly fine for equipment violations. Passing an inspection means that you will be issued a safety inspection sticker to display proudly on your boat.

Other Important Information

• Boating Safety Education: 405-341-5067
• Marine Theft and Identification: 405-341-8640
• Boating Safety Education/Marine Theft mailing address: 7000 E. 2nd Street, Edmond, OK 73034
• For emergencies, contact the local Highway Patrol Headquarters, County Sheriff's Office, or Municipal Police Department.
• Cellular phone users can report emergencies to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol by dialing *55.

History

The Oklahoma Lake Patrol Division was activated officially by the Oklahoma Legislature on July 1, 1971. The Lake Patrol then served as a separate division within the Department of Public Safety until July 1, 1998, when by legislative mandate, the Lake Patrol Division was merged into the Highway Patrol Division. The Lake Patrol Section continues to serve as the boating safety education, enforcement, and marine investigation arm of the Department of Public Safety on all state waters. The primary responsibility of the Lake Patrol is to reduce boating accidents and related injuries or fatalities by means of a positive Boating Safety Public Awareness program. In addition to enforcing state and federal boating laws, rules, and regulations, troopers provide boating safety education courses to public schools and civic groups and vigorously investigate marine theft and fraud within the state.

Operationally, the Lake Patrol Section Headquarters is located at Birch Lake near Barnsdall and maintains two field offices, one in Oklahoma City and one near Lake Texoma. The Section is comprised of five districts statewide with communications provided by the local Highway Patrol Headquarters. In addition to law enforcement duties, troopers provide emergency search, rescue, and recovery missions statewide in all man-made or natural disaster situations. Troopers are on call 24 hours a day to respond to any civil disorder or other threatening conditions that may endanger life or property within the territorial boundaries of the state.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Division, Lake Patrol Section is recognized as a worldwide leader in marine law enforcement training and boating safety education, enforcement, and investigation and continues to strive to make Oklahoma’s waterways safe and enjoyable for everyone.