State seeks input on new rules for guides, outfitters

The Oregon State Marine Board is accepting public comment starting Tuesday on proposed rule changes to require drug and health screenings and a knowledge test for outfitters, guides and charter boat operators, as well as safety-gear requirements for hunting and mountaineering guides.

The agency is proposing rules to implement HB 2039, which passed the Oregon Legislature in 2013. The bill established a requirement that the agency adopt new rules by 2018 that require operators of motorized boats who carry “passenger for hire” to submit to heath and drug screening and pass a knowledge test.

Boating guides who already hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard license are exempt from this requirement.

The proposed rules also bring equipment requirements into compliance with existing U.S. Coast Guard uninspected passenger vessel regulations and charter boats. Similar rules are proposed for motorized and non-motorized passenger vessels and charter boats on sole state waters.

Minimum safety equipment requirements are also proposed for hunting or mountaineering guides, including emergency communication devices, first aid equipment and maps.

Additionally, current state rules define all vessels carrying seven or more passengers for hire as a charter boat. The proposed change will redefine charter boats as a motorboat carrying seven or more passengers for hire. The proposal removes larger, non-motorized rafts from the definition and places them under the “uninspected vessel” category and equipment requirements.

Furthermore, rules also propose mandatory incident reporting within 48 hours of incidents involving injuries, property damage or response from emergency services.

Two public meetings are scheduled: August 15, at 7 pm at the Marine Board office, located at 435 Commercial Street NE., in Salem, and; August 16, at 7 pm at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office SAR Station 7, 620 Antelope Rd., in White City. Oral testimony will be accepted during the public meetings.

Written comments will also be accepted until August 31, 2017 by 5 pm and can be submitted via email to osmb.rulemaking@oregon.gov or by U.S. mail to: June LeTarte, Administrative Rules Coordinator, 435 Commercial Street NE, Suite 400, P.O. Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309-5056. Comments via telephone will not be accepted.

To view the public notice, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.