The Oregon State Marine Board held its annual post-season marine law enforcement conference on December 7, 2024, in Bend and recognized marine law enforcement and agency partnerships from around the state in specific program areas for outstanding achievement.
Deputy Greiner demonstrated outstanding performance in all areas of the marine program and met all of their action plan goals. These goals included community engagement, increased education, on-water enforcement time, and use of new technology tools for timesaving measures. “Deputy Greiner made very positive impacts in the Tillamook County boating community,” said Eddie Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator. “Tillamook County faces the biggest influx of boaters at any given time and despite increasing challenges in boating safety, Deputy Greiner and the marine program continue to respond swiftly, safely and effectively.”
Deputy Eric Churchill from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office garnered the prestigious Instructor of the Year award. Deputy Churchill is an asset and is very committed to the education training program. “He consistently goes above and beyond to engage students and peers, making a tremendous impact on their learning through varying training methods that are thorough, professional, and exciting,” Persichetti adds.
Oregon State Police Trooper Travis Ring was recognized as the Trooper of the Year. Trooper Ring maintained outstanding performance and service to eastern Oregon boaters for boating safety through enforcement, education, outreach, innovation, partnership, Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicant (BUII) enforcement, accident investigation, community service, and heroic action. Persichetti said, “When the call is made, Trooper Ring steps forward without fail. He has embraced new technology in the field and continues to remain dedicated to boating and public safety.”
Deputy Brian Csergei from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received the prestigious Marine Deputy of the Year award. Deputy Csergei provided outstanding service to Washington County boaters in boating safety as well as enforcement, education, outreach, innovation, partnership, Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicant (BUII) enforcement, accident investigation, community service, and heroic action. “Deputy Csergei continues to push the bar for excellence. He has created a positive lasting impact in his community, on and off the water. His public interactions are always professional, and he strives to work together with neighboring agencies to ensure boating safety continues to move forward in an innovative and effective manner.” Persichetti said, “We’re honored to hand this award to Deputy Csergei.”
Sergeant Shawn Richards from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was honored with a Service Recognition Award. Persichetti gave heartfelt statements about a cornerstone individual with the Marine Board’s law enforcement training program. “For the past 26 years, Sgt. Richards has dedicated his career to public safety, and he has decided to retire in 2025. Starting his career at the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office in 1998 and achieving the rank of corporal, he moved to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in 2012. In his career, he has managed a multitude of field service contracts, including the federal Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service in addition to the Marine Board. He is an active member of the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) and paved the way for the Search and Rescue Advisory Committee to ensure operations move in an effective and efficient direction on the federal level.” Persichetti continued, “Shawn, from the wilderness to the water, you’ve committed your career to ensuring the public remains safe. Your legacy with the Marine Board’s marine training program will ensure continued success. You are a role model and leader to many. We wish you all the best with your future retirement, and just know you always have a place in the training program.”
In a new award category for 2024, Partner of the Year, Persichetti announced Scott Carlson, from the Lake Oswego Fire Department. “For the past six years, we have worked to build strong relationships in the training program with other organizations not under contract with the agency.” Persichetti continued, “What we’ve found is this approach improves efficiency for first responders on the water, helps build upon regional training consortiums across the state, brings updated training standards and new ideas to the marine training program, but most importantly, creates an amazing sense of community and partnership, on and off the training environment.” Persichetti then announced Carlson and said, “Scott, we’re honored to present this award to you and Lake Oswego Fire. The collaboration with you has led to a partnership that is invaluable. Your experience on the water is hard to beat. Your authentic, genuine personality and your passion are inspirational.”
The recognition ceremony concluded with three Service Excellence Awards. These awards were presented to individuals who continue to exceed all expectations and made lasting positive impacts in their communities, within the agency, training program and have gone above and beyond in all facets of marine patrol. Each one of the following recipients went above and beyond to make a difference in their communities:
Service Excellence Award
Deputy Dan Graybill – Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Graybill continues to orchestrate one of the most successful annual special emphasis patrols in the state, leaving a lasting positive impact on boaters. He assists special emphasis patrols in other counties and is a dedicated instructor in all Marine Board training events. Deputy Graybill goes above and beyond to make things happen seamlessly between his agency, outside his agency, and with the boating public.
Service Excellence Award
Deputy Jason Denton—Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Denton was recognized for his commitment to the training program. He has amazing drift and jet boat skills and can safely and efficiently operate in any conditions. He continues to provide insight and ideas that have paved the way for world-class marine training in the State of Oregon and remains dedicated to the safety of the boating public.
Service Excellence Award
Deputy Dion Blake – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Blake has improved boat registration compliance from 10 percent to 90 percent since 2019 and helped facilitate the removal of nearly a dozen abandoned derelict boats with the help of the Port of Newport.
Visit the Marine Board’s website and learn more about its unique training program and contract partnerships to improve boating safety and education with marine law enforcement.
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When you hear people talking about a boat, what may come to mind is a yacht, powerboat, or sailboat gliding through a waterway. But did you also know that a kayak, canoe, raft, drift boat, hydrofoil, and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and any combination thereof are also defined as boats?
Purchasing paddlecraft has never been as affordable and easy as they are today. Not only are they a great way to connect with the outdoors, stay fit, and lift the mood, but these types of boats also allow for various activities to try (Stand Up Paddle Yoga, anyone?). If you take the plunge and purchase a boat (including Stand Up Paddleboards) for a friend or loved one, remember there’s more to boating than just the boat.
Boats come in all shapes and sizes and have associated required equipment for your safety out on the water. Paddlers need to have on board a properly fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a whistle, but it’s more practical to just wear them. If paddling at night or during periods of reduced visibility, paddlers must also display a white light source, like a flashlight. The other requirement that applies to craft 10’ or longer, is a Waterway Access Permit. Also, paddlers need to present their permits (print or digital) if stopped by marine law enforcement.
So, what does it cost for the additional required equipment? That depends. A comfortable, inherently buoyant vest-style life jacket can range from $20-$100. Inflatable belt pack life jackets range from $70-$170. A whistle costs a few dollars. The light source also varies depending on the model and brand. Waterway Access Permit options cost $5 for a 7-day permit, $17 for an annual permit, and $30 for a 2-year permit.
Then there’s the gear needed for the activity! Kayak and SUP fishing are booming, as are kayak sailing and wing foiling. Just remember, you’re a boater first. But take the time to plan ahead, learn the skills you’ll need for the type of waterway where you plan to boat, and always communicate or write down a float plan with family and loved ones. Education, planning, and preparation go a long way to you having a fun and enjoyable experience.
The Marine Board also offers FREE online paddling courses (including Spanish) to help newcomers learn the basic skills and techniques to stay safe. Want to learn how to get started? Visit Boat.Oregon.gov and let your water recreation adventures begin!
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The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a public hearing on December 4, in Medford, on proposed rules for boat operations on the Upper Rogue River (Fishers Ferry to Lost Creek Dam) in Jackson County. The hearing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Rogue Community College Medford Campus, 114 S Bartlett St, Room HEC 129 A/B.
Written comments will also be accepted until December 20, by 12:55 pm. Comments can be submitted by email to osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Testimony will only be accepted by telephone on the day of the rule hearing.
Agency staff will compile all comments for the board to review before their next quarterly meeting on January 23, 2025. At that meeting, the board may make a motion to adopt, amend, or take other action on the proposed rulemaking.
To view the public hearing notice and proposed rule language, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.
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