Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 250 - OREGON STATE MARINE BOARD
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 250 is the comprehensive set of regulations governing boating and related activities in the state of Oregon, managed by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB). The OSMB's mission is to promote the safe, responsible, and enjoyable use of Oregon's waterways.
Key Responsibilities and Areas Covered by OAR Chapter 250:
Chapter 250 is divided into numerous divisions, each addressing specific aspects of boating and waterway management. Here's a breakdown of the key areas:
Statewide Boating Rules (Division 10): This is a very significant division, covering fundamental rules applicable across Oregon waterways. It includes:
Definitions: Clarifying terms used throughout the rules (e.g., "slow-no wake," "float tube," "non-motorized boat").
Boat Numbering and Titling: Procedures for registering and titling boats in Oregon.
Safety Equipment: Requirements for personal flotation devices (life jackets), fire extinguishers, sound-signaling appliances, and other safety gear.
Operation Rules: General rules of the road, speed limits (like "slow-no wake" zones), and regulations regarding mufflers, carburetors, and ventilation.
Accident Reporting: Procedures for investigating and reporting boating accidents.
Waterway Marking System: Standards for the placement and characteristics of buoys and other waterway markers.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention: Rules related to permits and inspections to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Marine Sanitation Devices: Regulations concerning the proper disposal of waste from vessels.
Floating Homes/Boathouse Registration: Rules for the registration and titling of floating homes and boathouses.
Livery Registration: Requirements for businesses that rent out boats.
Steering and Sailing Rules (Division 11): These rules align with international conventions for preventing collisions at sea, adapted for Oregon's inland and coastal waters. They cover:
Conduct of vessels in various visibility conditions.
Rules for vessels in sight of one another (e.g., crossing, overtaking, head-on situations).
Rules for vessels in restricted visibility.
Requirements for lights and shapes on different types of vessels.
Sound and light signals.
Marine Facility Program Rules (Division 14): This division outlines rules for the development, maintenance, and funding of public boating facilities, including grants and programs related to vessel waste collection. It also includes rules for flotation encapsulation to prevent environmental contamination from docks and other floating structures.
Boating Safety Education (Division 18): Procedures for implementing the mandatory boating safety education program in Oregon, including requirements for boater education cards.
Local and Special Rules (Division 20): This division contains specific rules that apply to particular waterways or areas within Oregon, recognizing that different bodies of water may have unique characteristics or usage patterns that require tailored regulations (e.g., speed limits on specific lakes or rivers).
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Rules (Division 21): Specific regulations for the operation of personal watercraft, including age restrictions, proximity to other vessels or shorelines, and required safety equipment.
Scenic Waterways (Division 30): Rules for boating activities within designated scenic waterways, often emphasizing slower speeds and minimizing impact.
Overall Policy of the Oregon State Marine Board (as stated in OAR 250-001-0050 - Policy):
The OSMB's policy is to:
Promote the multiple use and enjoyment of Oregon's waters for various boating activities.
Uphold the public's right to navigate and use the waters for boating, to the extent practicable.
Regulate boating in specific locations when necessary for public safety, property protection, water quality, fish and wildlife resources, or to reduce congestion and conflict.
Seek to resolve problems through education, information, signage, voluntary restrictions, or increased law enforcement before enacting new regulations.
Base regulatory authority on sufficient information, public testimony, or evidence demonstrating a need for rules.
Seek concurrence and recommendations from affected local jurisdictions before adopting regulations for local waterways.
In summary, OAR Chapter 250 provides the regulatory framework that ensures safe, responsible, and enjoyable boating for all users on Oregon's diverse waterways.
RELATED Blog
0 comments