JeffCo SO offers boat inspections, safety classes

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is preparing for a busy boating season and wants you to be ready for summer time fun. By taking time in the spring to ready yourself and your boat, you’ll help alleviate some common problems.

For example, all persons residing in Oregon must now possess a Boaters Education Card to legally operate a motor boat with an engine of 10 HP or more. The Sheriff’s Office is providing an additional option to those who do not want to take the test on the internet with a Proctored classroom course.

The proctored class is taught by deputy sheriffs and takes about 2 hours to complete. The class includes a study session and concludes with a test. Those who pass are provided a certificate of completion which they can send to the Oregon State Marine Board who will issue the Boaters Education cards. There are two upcoming classes held in May:

Madras May 1st 6P – 8P at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Crooked River Ranch May 18th 10A – 12P at the CRR Fire Department

Besides making sure you’re legal to operate a boat, the Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure your boat has all the required equipment you need to play it safe on the water. Deputy Sheriff’s will be inspecting boats and issuing 2013 safety decals to all those who pass inspection on Saturday April 20, 2013 from 10A – 4P:

Madras Bi-Mart parking lot on the North side
Crooked River Ranch CRR Fire Department West side

Should you have any questions, please contact Captain Marc Heckathorn at 541-475-6520.