‘Operation Ship Shape’ returns: Sheriff’s offices, OSP looking for expired motorboat registrations, required equipment

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon State Marine Board, in partnership with 31 county sheriff’s offices and the Oregon State Police, will be looking for expired boat registrations and required equipment compliance on state waterways as part of a second round of “Operation Ship Shape.” 

“The agency leverages technology to improve boating safety as we can see boater compliance geospatially in real-time where our marine law enforcement partners are patrolling,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “This data helps the agency work with our law enforcement partners for enhanced patrols in locations where there’s low compliance. Make sure you’ve renewed your registration and put the decals on your boat correctly, or you could face a $265 citation.” 

Any boat powered by a motor – electric, gas, diesel, and all sailboats 12 feet and longer must be currently registered when on the water, even when docked or moored. This includes any kayaks and drift boats with an electric motor. Paulsen added, “Each current boat registration brings in additional funding beyond the registration dollars which go back to boaters in the form of services such as life jacket loaner stations or boat ramp access improvements.” 

Paddlers with boats 10 feet and longer must carry a Waterway Access Permit. Three permit options are available: One week for $5, one calendar year for $17, and two calendar years for $30. Permit revenue goes into a dedicated fund for grants to eligible applicants to develop or improve nonmotorized access and on-water education programs specific to paddlers’ needs. 

Marine officers will also be looking for the required safety equipment. “Life jackets are the most important safety equipment boaters must carry, and there must be enough on board that properly fit every passenger,” Paulsen adds. “Looking at the boating fatalities so far this year, almost all the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Even though life jackets are required to be worn for kids 12 and younger, if everyone wore one, we’d see significantly fewer recreational boating deaths.” In 2023, 11 out of 13 victims were not wearing a life jacket. 

Boaters can renew their registration or purchase Waterway Access Permits through the agency’s Boat Oregon Store for the fastest service. After completing their online transaction, boaters with motorized boats can print off a temporary permit. Waterway Access Permits can be printed directly after purchase. Multiple purchases can be made under one online transaction. The agency’s online store has a $1.50 portal provider fee. If you need assistance online, please contact the Marine Board at marine.board@boat.oregon.gov or call 503-378-8587. There's also an online help page acclimating new users to the store. 

For any titling and registration questions, visit Boat.Oregon.gov and click on the Title & Registration tab at the top of the page.