| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| Oregon Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
In Oregon, boating safety education is required for operators of motorized boats to legally operate on Oregon waters. Oregon does not issue a traditional "boating license", but it does require boaters to carry proof of education in the form of an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card.
Oregon boating safety education requirements are administered by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB).
Oregon law requires boating safety education for operators of motorized boats, including:
Operators who are required to have proof of boating education must be able to provide it when requested by law enforcement.
You can earn an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card by completing an approved boating safety education course. Oregon provides more than one way to become certified, allowing boaters to choose what works best for their schedule.
Approved formats include:
Oregon allows boaters to complete an approved online boating safety education course. After successfully completing the course and passing the test, students receive a certificate of completion as proof they have met Oregon's requirement and instructions to apply for an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card.
Oregon also offers classroom boating safety education through approved organizations. These courses cover safe operation, navigation rules, and Oregon boating laws. After successful completion, students receive a certificate of completion as proof they have met Oregon's requirements.
Oregon Boating Safety Education Cards are issued by the Oregon State Marine Board and are valid for life.
Oregon boating education and operator requirements apply to operation on Oregon waters. When boating outside Oregon, operators should always review the laws of the destination state, since boating education requirements and minimum operator ages may vary by location.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your Oregon boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive an OSMB-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boating Safety Education Card.
Oregon State Marine Board
435 Commercial St NE #400, Salem, OR 97301
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a boating license.
Oregon does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but it does require boaters to
carry proof of education in the form of an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card.
We provide online boating safety education and the Boating Education Certificate of
Completion. You can get the Boating Education Certificate of Completion by taking this
boat safety course at boat-ed.com.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
GET CERTIFIED
You can take a NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace Oregon's boating safety education requirement when operating motorized boats.
Relaxing on the water is easy when you’re protected with a leader in boat insurance. Progressive has the coverages you need to explore carefree and full of adventure! Discover how we can protect your boat today with coverage we offer to the 1 million+ watercraft we already insure.
Get a Quote
Oregon offers some of the most diverse boating in the Pacific Northwest, with a mix of coastal waters, major rivers, high-elevation lakes, and remote mountain reservoirs. Summer conditions are often sunnier and warmer than areas farther north, making Oregon a popular destination for both freshwater and coastal boating.
What makes boating in Oregon especially unique is the variety of environments. You can cruise large rivers, explore deep mountain lakes formed by volcanic activity, or experience dramatic canyon waterways, all within one state. Many of Oregon's top boating destinations are in more remote settings, offering scenic, less crowded water experiences.
Columbia River
A major river that forms much of the border between Oregon and Washington, offering opportunities for cruising,
sailing, fishing, paddling, and commercial traffic navigation.
Boaters should be aware of strong winds, changing currents, and lock systems near dams.
Crater Lake
A world-famous lake formed in a volcanic caldera, known for its deep,
clear blue water and surrounding mountain scenery.
No private motorized or non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake. There are boat tours providing a unique
high-elevation boating experience.
Snake River/Hells Canyon
Home to one of the deepest river canyons in North America, this stretch offers jet boating, fishing,
and guided tours through dramatic canyon terrain.
Water conditions can be challenging and are best navigated with local knowledge or experienced operators.
Diamond Lake
A popular fishing and recreation lake near Crater Lake, offering multiple boat launches, campgrounds, and resorts.
Boaters enjoy fishing, tubing, swimming, and other water sports throughout the year.
Crescent Lake
Located near central Oregon mountain communities, Crescent Lake is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, small craft boating, and fishing.
With nearby campgrounds and resorts, it's a favorite for quieter, scenic lake outings.
