RBS Ready: Washington & Oregon Boaters Handboks

Shipmates, 

As we execute the Recreational Boating Safety mission there are a few key pieces of material we use. Understanding of these materials, what they contain, where they come from, and how they are used in different circumstances helps each of us be prepared to promote boating safety effectively -- to be RBS Ready.

In the first post in this series we looked at the Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats, in this post we will look at the closely related boaters handbooks for Oregon and Washington. There is significant overlap between these three resources and you should choose the one most relevant to your location to be your primary Requirements resource. In any case we strongly recommend you have at least reference copies of all three to answer the full range of questions from Oregon and Washington boaters.

Adventures in Boating Washington: Handbook

This 7" X 4" inch, 98 page book contains sections on boating safety and boating law in Washington.

Oregon Boater's Handbook

This 8 1/2" X 11", 52 page book contains sections on safety and boating law in Oregon. The center section contains the boating regulations specific to particular Oregon waters. 

Guidance

Members new to the RBS mission: Choose the Washington or Oregon Handbook based on where you are likely to be pursing the RBS mission most often. Review the relevant handbook for the state specific requirements not contained in the Federal Requirements.

Plan to have multiple copies available whenever conducting RBS activities. Put a copy into the hands of boaters whenever possible - you never know when they will pick it up.

Vessel Examiners: Many examiners leave a copy with every boat on which they conduct an exam. At many launch ramps we inspect both Oregon and Washington recreational boats so it is worth having copies of both handbooks.

Public Education: Much of the material in the handbooks is contained in both the ABS and BS&S books - the exception is the specific state requirements. Every student should receive the relevant handbook.

Program Visitors: The relevant handbook should be stocked at all program partners. These publications are one of our highest demand items.

Public Affairs: The relevant handbook should be available at all PA events to hand out and to use to answer boater questions. At least a few copies of the other State handbook should also be on hand.

Operations: The Federal Requirements should be the primary item carried for RBS but these handbooks are also worth carrying if space permits.

Availability

The publication is ordered via your Flotilla Materials Officer (FSO-MA) from the Oregon State Marine Board for the Oregon handbook and from Washington State Parks for the Washington handbook.