Marine Board Meeting April 24 In Salem
-04/15/25
The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its quarterly board meeting on April 24 beginning at 8:30 am at the agency’s office, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, in Salem.
Several items will be presented as informational only. The agency received a petition on the Siletz River, which will be the only item for discussion and a board vote.
The agenda items are:
- Director’s Agency Report
- ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Update on Abandoned Derelict Vessels
- Lake Oswego Update
- Mini Jet Boats Overview
- Siletz River Petition (Action: Option to open rulemaking)
Public comments for this meeting will be accepted in writing or by attending the public comment portion at the beginning of the hybrid meeting. To provide oral testimony, register with Jennifer Cooper no later than 5 pm on April 21, 2025. Written public comments will also be accepted by the end of the day on April 21, 2025. Register to speak or send written comments to jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St NE Ste 400 Salem, OR 97301.
To view the agenda and board materials and for a link to the meeting live stream, visit the agency’s Public Meetings page. Meetings are conducted using Microsoft Teams and viewing may require the installation of a free Teams app for mobile devices.
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Boaters - Area Waterways Don’t Know Its Spring, Caution Advised (Photo)
-03/24/25
If you plan on heading to local waterways this spring break, be prepared for lots of floating debris, very swift currents due to high water, and very cold water temperatures. The Marine Board urges boaters to select a waterway that matches their skill levels, so they don’t wind up getting in over their heads.
“Inexperience and not being prepared for the conditions are factors leading to accidents. Planning ahead, boating with others, always keeping a sharp lookout, and wearing a properly fitted life jacket for your boating activity are key,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. “The Marine Board has a lot of planning resources on our website to help boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience on all of Oregon’s waterways,” adds Paulsen.
The Oregon State Marine Board advises boaters to plan ahead and check out the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map. The map displays public boat ramps and local rules for boat operations. Also, check the weather forecast, water levels, and tides. See if there are any reported obstructions, and have the right gear for your boating activity. Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat.
The Marine Board would like to remind boaters:
- All children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket when underway on all boats (motorized and nonmotorized). All boaters in Class III whitewater rivers are required to wear a life jacket.
- Be courteous to other boaters and share the waterway. Stage your gear in the parking lot or staging area regardless of your boat type. This makes launching faster and everyone around you happier. This makes launching faster and everyone around you happier.
- In Oregon, all boaters must take a boating safety course and carry a boating safety education card when operating a powerboat greater than 10 horsepower. Paddlers of non-motorized boats 10’ and longer are required to purchase a waterway access permit. The Marine Board also offers a free, online Paddling Course in both English and Spanish for boaters new to the activity.
For more information about safe boating in Oregon, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.
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