What Is the Minimum Age to Get an Oregon Boating License?
The minimum age to meet Oregon boat license requirements (also called an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card) is 12 to take the required boating safety course and operate a motorboat.
Oregon requires all operators of motorized vessels with a motor of more than 10 horsepower to carry a valid Boating Safety Education Card, and there is no birth-year exemption. The requirement applies regardless of when you were born.
Children under 12 may not operate any motorboat under any circumstances. The minimum age to independently operate a PWC is 16. Keep reading to learn the minimum age requirements, who needs a card, and how to get an Oregon boating license.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Oregon?
Oregon law sets 12 as the minimum age to operate any motorboat. No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel under any circumstances.
Operators ages 12 to 15 who hold a valid Boating Safety Education Card may operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or less without adult supervision. To operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 10 horsepower, operators ages 12 to 15 must hold a card and be accompanied onboard by a person who is at least 16 (or at least 18 for PWCs) who also holds a valid card.
For personal watercraft, the minimum age to operate independently is 16, and operators must hold a valid Boating Safety Education Card. No one under 16 may operate a PWC unless accompanied onboard by a person who is at least 18 and holds a valid card.
Who Needs an Oregon Boating License?
Do you need a boating license in Oregon?
Anyone operating a motorized vessel with a motor of more than 10 horsepower on Oregon's waterways must carry a valid Oregon Boating Safety Education Card. Unlike most states, Oregon has no birth-year exemption. The requirement applies to all operators regardless of age or when they were born.
The card must be carried onboard and available for inspection by law enforcement at all times while operating. Visit the OSMB boater education cards page for the full list of approved course options and application instructions.
For a full overview of our Oregon boating laws and regulations resource, visit the Boat-Ed Oregon boating law page.
Oregon Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
Oregon's Oregon PWC rules and motorboat regulations set detailed age-based requirements. The table below breaks down who can operate what and under what conditions.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (Oregon Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Under 12 | Any motorboat | No | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| 12–15 | Motorboat (10 HP or less) | Yes | Must hold a valid Oregon Boating Safety Education Card |
| 12–15 | Motorboat (over 10 HP) | Yes | Must hold a card and be accompanied by a person 16+ who also holds a card |
| 12–15 | PWC | Yes | Must hold a card and be accompanied onboard by a person 18+ who holds a card |
| Under 16 | PWC (unsupervised) | No | Not permitted without qualifying adult onboard |
| 16+ | Motorboat (over 10 HP) or PWC | Yes | Must carry a valid Oregon Boating Safety Education Card |
| Any age (non-certified) | Any motorboat | Supervised only | May operate if under direct supervision of a card-holding adult 16+ (18+ for PWCs) |
| Any age | Non-motorized vessel | Yes | No card required; Waterway Access Permit required for boats 10 ft or longer |
Exemptions from the Oregon Boating Education Requirement
Certain operators are exempt from the Oregon Boating Safety Education Card requirement. The table below summarizes the most common exemptions.
Oregon Boating Certificate Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| Direct supervision | A non-certified adult may operate a motorboat under direct supervision of a card-holding adult 16 or older (18 or older for PWCs) |
| Rental operators | Operators renting a vessel are exempt if they complete and carry the Watercraft Rental Safety Checklist provided by the rental business |
| Out-of-state visitors | Non-residents who hold a valid NASBLA-approved boating education card from their home state. Note: Washington State operators exempt from Washington's education law must obtain either a Washington or an Oregon card |
| USCG license holders | Commercial guides and barge operators who hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Boat Operator License |
| Commercial fishermen | Operators who hold a current commercial fishing license (must carry that license while boating recreationally) |
How to Get Your Oregon Boating Safety Education Card
Follow these steps to get your boating license in Oregon.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 12 years old to take the Oregon boating safety course and operate a motorboat. The minimum age to independently operate a PWC is 16.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in an Oregon State Marine Board–approved course, such as the Boat-Ed Oregon course. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace on any device. In-person classroom courses and virtual classroom sessions are also available through the OSMB.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam with a score of at least 80% to earn your Oregon Boating Safety Education Card.
- Apply for your card and pay the fee. After passing, apply online through the OSMB's Boat Oregon Store and pay the $20 OSMB card fee. You can print a temporary certificate valid for 30 days to use on the water right away while your permanent card is mailed to you.
- Carry your card on the water. Oregon law requires you to have your Boating Safety Education Card onboard and available for inspection by law enforcement anytime you operate a qualifying vessel.
Does Oregon Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes, with one important condition.
Oregon accepts valid NASBLA-approved boating education cards from other states. However, Oregon no longer offers a 60-day exemption for out-of-state visitors or new boat purchases. All operators of motorboats over 10 horsepower must carry their qualifying card at all times.
One state-specific note: Washington State operators who are exempt from Washington's mandatory education law (born before January 1, 1955) must either complete a Washington boating safety course and carry a Washington State card, or complete an Oregon-approved course and carry an Oregon card. A Washington exemption alone is not sufficient to boat in Oregon.
Start Your Oregon Boater Safety Course Today
Getting your Oregon Boating Safety Education Card is straightforward. The Boat-Ed Oregon course is approved by the Oregon State Marine Board and is available entirely online on any device at your own pace.
After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary certificate and get on the water right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum age to get a boating license in Oregon?
A: The minimum age to take the Oregon boating safety course and operate a motorboat is 12. The minimum age to independently operate a PWC is 16. Unlike many states, Oregon has no birth-year exemption. All operators of motorboats over 10 horsepower must carry a valid Boating Safety Education Card regardless of age.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Oregon?
A: The minimum age to operate any motorboat in Oregon is 12. No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel under any circumstances. Operators ages 12 to 15 must hold a Boating Safety Education Card, and may only operate a motorboat over 10 HP if accompanied by a card-holding adult who is at least 16.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in Oregon?
A: The minimum age to independently operate a personal watercraft (PWC), including Jet Skis and WaveRunners, in Oregon is 16. Operators ages 12 to 15 may operate a PWC only if they hold a valid card and are accompanied onboard by a person who is at least 18 and also holds a valid card. No one under 12 may operate a PWC under any circumstances.
Q: Does Oregon have a birth-year exemption?
A: No. Oregon has no birth-year exemption. All operators of motorboats over 10 horsepower must carry a valid Oregon Boating Safety Education Card regardless of when they were born. This sets Oregon apart from most other states in this series.
Q: Can a non-certified adult operate a boat in Oregon?
A: Yes, under one condition. A non-certified adult may operate a motorboat if under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 16 years old and carries a valid Oregon Boating Safety Education Card. For PWC operation, the supervising cardholder must be at least 18.
Q: Do I need an Oregon card if I already have one from another state?
A: Oregon accepts valid NASBLA-approved boating education cards from other states. However, Washington State operators who are exempt from Washington's mandatory education law must obtain either a Washington or Oregon card. A Washington exemption alone is not sufficient to legally operate on Oregon waters.
Q: How much does the Oregon boating safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed Oregon course fee is $54.95, plus a $20 OSMB card fee, for a total of $74.95. Course fees across approved providers generally range from $30 to $80.
Q: Does the Oregon Boating Safety Education Card expire?
A: No. The Oregon Boating Safety Education Card is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
Q: Is the Oregon Boating Safety Education Card the same as a boating license?
A: Oregon does not issue a traditional boating license. The Boating Safety Education Card serves the same purpose. It is proof that you have completed an approved boating safety course and are authorized to operate qualifying vessels on Oregon's public waterways.
