The Oregon State Marine Board will conduct its week-long law enforcement jet boat course on the Rogue River between Gold Beach and Foster Bar during the week of July 15th – July 19th.  This intensive course focuses on jet boat operation, boat trailering, close-quarters maneuvering, advanced white water navigation, and mechanics. The training focuses on honing boat operating skills.  “This is unique and advanced training for law marine law enforcement.  There’s nothing like it in the country, and we’re excited to be returning to Gold Beach,” says Ed Persichetti, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board.  “We try to select a week in early July to hopefully minimize disruption to recreational boaters, but we still request the public’s patience.  The students will need room to operate because they will be very focused on safely launching their boats, reading the river, avoiding other boaters, and navigating complex whitewater.”  Students who attend the Marine Board’s Whitewater Jet Boat Training bring a range of skills from the novice, to advanced operator. “Instructors are constantly striving to provide good training opportunities so students can improve their boat handling skills,” says Persichetti.  “We also train students to constantly be aware of their surroundings.”  One of the goals of jet boat school is to use the combined experience of skilled instructors matched with students to ensure improvement is being applied.  “Incorporating expertise with students new to jet boating is why our Law Enforcement training is such a rewarding experience for everyone,” Persichetti added.  “Everyone is learning together to make our waterways safer.” Signs will be posted at local access sites about the training operations.  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,” Persichetti 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.

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