The Oregon State Marine Board will conduct its week-long law enforcement jet boat course on the Rogue River during the week of July 24 – July 27. This intensive course focuses on boat operation, marine law, swift water rescue, and boat trailering. The training focuses on honing boat operating skills. “This is critical training for law enforcement and this is the best place to do it,” says Dale Flowers, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board. “We’ve selected this week to hopefully minimize disruption to recreational boaters, but we still request the public’s patience. The students will need room to work because they will be very focused on reading the river, avoiding other boaters, and navigating whitewater, wind and chop.” Students who attend the Marine Board’s Whitewater Jet Boat Training bring a range of skills from the novice operator to advanced operator. “One of the goals of the training is to pair up an experienced marine deputy with a new jet boat operator. It’s a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity for everyone who participates, and the only course in the nation with this level of attention,” Flowers adds. Signs will be posted at local access sites about the training operations and notices have also been sent to all the registered fishing guides in the area. In addition to boat handling exercises in whitewater conditions, marine deputies will also learn how to dis-assemble service and reassemble jet pumps, learn anchoring and chocking techniques, and how to navigate all stages of whitewater rapids. “Fast action and skill are required by marine officers, and this kind of training can mean the difference between a saved life or not,” Flowers says. The Marine Board contracts with 32 Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon State Police for marine law enforcement services, including search and rescue operations, and boating safety education. Contracts with the County Sheriff’s Offices are paid for through motorboat registrations and titling fees. For more information about the Marine Board and law enforcement services, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/AboutUs.aspx.
