Boater Information

The Crook County Marine Patrol works closely with the Oregon State Marine Board to provide citizens with up-to-date boating information. Through various Marine Board publications, classroom instruction, and online services, the residents of Oregon have numersous ways to obtaining the required documents to legally operate their boat in Oregon.

Boat Registration Procedure
Boater Education Card
Special Rules for Ochoco & Prineville Reservoirs
Special Rules for Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation
Other Important Laws

Oregon Boat Registration Procedure (Oregon State Marine Board):

In Oregon, every self propelled boat, which includes rafts, float tubes, kayaks, or canoes iwth any kind of motor, must be registered with the Oregon State Marine Board and display an assiged OR number, current validation stickers, and hull identification number. The OR number, HIN, and current validation stickers must be affixed to the boat before it is placed in the water. The current Certificate of Number (registration) must be carried on board.

Before the Marine Board will register your boat in Oregon, a few steps must be followed:

If the boat has not previously been registered in Oregon, the local Sheriff's Marine Patrol will need to conduct a HIN or Hull Identification Number inspection. NOTE: The HIN will normally be located on the outside of the transom, or the starboard side, above the water line. It should be a 12-digit number indicating the manufacturer's code, serial number, and year of manufacture.
If no HIN is present, they will fill out a HIN inspection form and indicate there is no hull number on the boat. This form or a copy must be sent to the Marine Board along with a boat registration form and fee. The Marine Board will assign a HIN and OR number to the boat and proceed with the registration process. They will send the owner the Certificate of Number (registration) with the assigned HIN and OR number, and current validation stickers, and title.
If the HIN is present and a check reveals the boat is not stolen, the deputy will so indicate on the HIN inspection form. Again, the form or a copy must be sent to the Marine Board along with your boat registration form and the appropriate registration fee. The owner will receive their Certificate of Number (registration), title, and the current validation stickers in the mail. The assigned OR number will be on the Certificate of Number and title.
It is the boat owner's responsibility to purchase the appropriate letters and numbers and affix them, the validation stickers, and the HIN to the boat in the prescribed manner.
If the boat has been previously registered in Oregon and the Marine Board can locate the HIN, they will normally proceed with re-registering the boat when the fee is paid by the owner. The owner will receive a current Certificate of Number (registration) and validation stickers in the mail.

The fee for registering your boat in Oregon is $3 per linear foot as measured down the centerline of the boat; registering your boat in Oregon can be done in various ways, including online, by mail, or through a local retail vendor.

A person 12 to 15 years of age with a Boater Education Card in possession may operate a motorboat with an engine rated over 10hp if accompanied and under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or responsible person 16 years of age or older who possesses a Boater Education Card.

Oregon Boater Education Card (Oregon State Marine Board):

As of 2009, anyone operating a motorboat on the waters of this state, with an engine rated over 10hp, must possess a boater education card.
A person 12 to 15 years of age who possesses a Boater Education Card may operate a motorboat with an engine of 10hp or less.
No person under 12 years of age shall operate a motorboat on the waters of this state.
A person may operate a motorboat with an engine greater than 10hp if the person is at least 16 years of age and possess a Boater Education Card.
Those exempt from obtaining a Boater Education Card are found in the Boater's Handbook online.

To learn more about obtaining a Boater Identifcation Card, go to Oregon State Marine Board.

Special Rules for Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation:

No person under 16 years of age shall operate a PWC unless accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age. Both persons shall have in their possession a Boater Education Card unless they are exempted by law.
Every person on board a PWC shall wear a Coast Guard approved, inherently buoyant, type I, II, or III PFD.
It is unlawful to provide a PWC to an unqualified operator (no Boater Education Card, underage).
Every PWC on the water shall have on board a sound-producing device, approved and serviceable fire extinguisher, and Certificate of Number (registration) for the boat, or a copy of the dockside safety check if the PWC is rented.
Only PWC's approved for a minimum of 3 persons shall tow a skier. There must be a skier-observer on board, facing rearward, and in possession of an approved skier down flag while a skier is being towed.

For additional rules governing PWC operation refer, go to Oregon State Marine Board.

Special Rules for Prineville & Ochoco Reservoirs:

No person shall operate a motorboat in excess of 5mph within 200 ft of a shoreline, swim area, or launching ramp.

Other Important Laws You Should Know:

Oregon's "Blue Light Law" states that any vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being overtaken by a moving law enforcement vessel operating with a siren or illuminated flashing blue light, or any vessel approaching a stationary law enforcement vessel displaying an illuminated blue light shall: Immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steering only, shall alter it's course, within it's ability, so as not to interfere with the operation of the law enforcement vessel, and shall remain at a reduced speed until beyond the area of operation of law enforcement vessel.

It is critically important for all boat operators to be aware of the Blue Light Law and immediately slow when approaching a law enforcement boat on a stop. On a stop, excessive waves can cause the two boats to crash together potentially damaging one or both of the boats and injuring persons on board. The Crook County Marine Deputies have little tolerance when waked by a boat while on a stop, or by boats failing to yield the right-of-way when they are responding to emergencies. Please respect the deputies and slow down when approaching their boats wehn they are on a stop or responding to an emergency.

Skiing After Hours and Lights: It is unlawful to have a skier or any person being towed by a boat in the water after sunset. In addition, any boat on the water after sunset must display the appropriate lights. A motorboat must display red and green navigation lights on the port and starboard sides respectively, and a white all-around light. Boats not under power must have a flashlight or lantern which can be displayed if a boat approaches. There are special rules for sailboats. See the Boat Oregon guide at the Oregon State Marine Board.

Fishing or swimming from Docks and Floating Restrooms: It is a violation to fish or swim from any dock or floating restroom at Prineville Reservoir or Ochoco Lake. That includes tying up to the dock or restroom and fishing from a boat.

Cutting Vegetation at Prineville Reservoir: It is a violation to cut or remove any vegetation at Prineville Reservoir. That includes removing dead limbs or logs. It is best to bring firewood with you if you plan to have a campfire. Firewood may be purchased from camp hosts or at the Prineville Reservoir Resort Store.