Page 23 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook
P. 23
In small boats, the weight of a person suspended from the Riding on Open Decks
side can be enough to tip the boat and cause it to take on or Gunwales
water. The best procedure for getting back into a small
boat is over the stern or bow, depending upon the boat’s The following rules apply to riding on the bow, gunwale,
construction. Common sense dictates that the propeller or transom of a motorboat:
must be stopped when pulling a victim in over the stern. 1. It is illegal to ride on the starboard or port side gunwales,
7. Make the victim as warm and dry as possible. A person or on the transom of a motorboat moving at a speed in
who was in the water for over 15 minutes is probably excess of 5 mph unless the boat has adequate guards or
suffering from some degree of hypothermia. Do not give railing.
the victim alcohol or anything hot to drink. Wrap them in 2. While underway, it is illegal to ride on the deck of the bow
a blanket and seek medical help at once. unless the motorboat has adequate guards or railing.
3. It is illegal to ride or sit on the bow, gunwale, or transom
Wearing a life jacket is the most important behavior a railing while the motorboat is underway.
boater can incorporate, because falling overboard is never
expected. Life jackets, when worn, will save your life.
Courtesy Riding on the transom of a boat that’s underway is dangerous–for falling 39
The best way to avoid additional waterway regulations overboard and possible CO poisoning and is illegal.
where you boat is to eliminate conflicts by using common
courtesy. The following courtesy code is recommended for Reckless Boat Operation
all boaters. Remember: Did you know that dropping water skiers off too close
1. When launching and loading boats, avoid blocking to swimmers or rocking another boat with your boat’s
wake can be considered either reckless or unsafe boat
ramps and docks when others are waiting to use the operation?
facility.
2. Watch your wake, particularly when operating near A person commits the crime of reckless operation of
docks, floating homes, moorages and ramps. Boaters are a boat, if operating carelessly and heedlessly in willful
responsible for the damage they cause by their wake. or wanton disregard of the rights, safety or property of
3. Be alert for swimmers, downed water skiers and wake others (ORS. 830.315).
boarders, scuba diver“Diver Down”flags, slow-moving
boats and boats at anchor. Included in state law is a similar but lesser violation
4. When launching or mooring a boat on private property, called“unsafe operation.” Unsafe operation is when
ask the owner’s permission first. a person operates a boat in a manner that endangers,
5. Avoid operating continuously near residential areas or would be likely to endanger, another or another’s
if your boat creates considerable noise (e.g. personal property.
watercraft).
6. Avoid spraying people with jet or waterski wake. Other provisions in law require the operator to
7. Give fishermen a wide berth. They have fishing lines out. “maintain a proper lookout;”to be able to stop within
8. Stay clear of commercial traffic, especially large barges the assured clear distance ahead; to obey all speed
that have a narrow channel to operate within. limitations.
9. Be considerate of paddlers, bank anglers and other
waterway users. Violation of any of these laws yields heavy fines and
Bottom line; treat other waterway users as you would possible jail time. A boat operator is responsible for the
prefer them to treat you. safety of everyone on board. Knowing how to operate
your boat properly will provide you and your passengers
Littering with many hours of pleasure and enjoyment on Oregon’s
It is unlawful to litter in beautiful waterways.
state waters.
Alcohol, Drugs and Boating
Litter can come in many Drinking alcohol or consuming
forms, including polystyrene intoxicating substances and
(Styrofoam), plastic bags, operating a boat is no different than
bait packages, and more. operating a car. Any amount of
Monofilament line can alcohol or intoxicating substance will
kill birds, fish and marine affect a person’s judgment, motor
mammals. Properly dispose skills, vision, and ability to operate
of your litter onshore. The penalty for littering from a boat any type of machinery.
includes a fine and suspension of the boater’s Certificate
of Number (registration). If you’re interested in helping
keep Oregon’s waters clean contact SOLV’s Adopt-A-River
program at 1-800-333-7658.
