The Crook County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol in conjunction with the Oregon State Marine Board has scheduled a Mandatory Boater Education Class and Exam on Saturday, March 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  It will be held at the Crook County Fire and Rescue building rear entrance located at 500 NW Belknap Street in Prineville, Oregon.

Marine Deputies will instruct boaters to obtain a Boater Education Card and at the end of the class a final exam will be given; Boaters who pass the exam qualify for their “Boater Education Card.” Currently as of 2008 all adults 70 and younger operating powerboats more than 10 hp, and youth age 12-15 operating any size powerboat, will be required by law to carry the Boaters Ed card.  In 2008 all persons age 70 and younger must have a Boater’s Education Card while operating a powerboat as specified above.

The exam is recommended for any boater who might be operating a motorboat on Oregon waterways, and wants a better understanding of boating safety.  The exam is 75 multiple-choice questions.  Students must receive a score of 70 percent or more to pass.  Upon successful completion of the test, each student will receive a diploma and an application for the Boater Education Card.

Interested persons can pre-register for the class to ensure that space is available.  Contact the Crook County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol at 541-447-6398 for more information.  There is no cost for the class, which is open to the public.  A study guide for the class, Boat Oregon can be obtained at the Sheriff’s Office.