The board was established in 1959 by the Legislature in response to the federal Boating Safety Act of 1958. The agency’s mission is to serve Oregon’s recreational boating public through education, enforcement, access and environmental stewardship for a safe and enjoyable experience. The agency is governed by a volunteer, five-member board, who serve at the pleasure of the governor.

The board adopts boating regulations to promote safety, reduce conflict, preserve traditional boat uses and protect the environment. The agency has 40 staff and four primary program areas: Boating Safety, Policy and Environmental, Registration and Boating Facilities.

The agency is responsible for titling and registering motorboats, registering guides/outfitters and licensing charter boats. The agency contracts with county sheriff’s offices and the Oregon State Police to enforce boating laws on state waters. It also provides grants and engineering services to governments to develop and maintain boat ramps, parking, restrooms and temporary moorage facilities.

 

The agency encourages safe and sustainable boating through its Boating Safety Education, Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention, Clean Marina and Clean Boater programs. Additionally, the agency collaborates on statewide issues with boaters who serve on Boat Oregon Advisory Teams. The teams meet regularly to evaluate boating issues and discuss ways the agency can improve its operations to better serve Oregon’s recreational boaters.