Boating Course & Fees in Oregon

Oregon requires certain boaters to complete an approved boater safety education course and obtain an Oregon Boater Education Card. The course is mandatory for operators born on or after January 1, 1988, and for those operating personal watercraft of any age. The Oregon State Marine Board administers the program and issues the Boater Education Card upon successful course completion. The card itself carries a one-time issuance fee, with replacement cards available at a different rate.

Course providers set their own fees, so pricing varies by vendor. Prospective students should verify current course costs directly with their chosen provider or through the official Oregon State Marine Board website. Some national organizations, including certain boating safety foundations, offer free or low-cost courses in Oregon and other states. The education card fee and any replacement costs should also be confirmed on the state agency's official page to ensure current pricing.

Course costs vs. card fees

Two different prices are at play: the boater-safety course (often free or low-cost, set by the approved vendor) and any state card or processing fee. Several states offer a free NASBLA-approved course — for example through the BoatUS Foundation — so the card can cost little beyond a small state fee. Vendor prices change, so confirm the current course list and fees on the official state agency page.

Step-by-step: how to get licensed → · Do you need a licence? →

Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.