The Oregon State Marine Board's “Boat Oregon” Classroom Course Manual is now translated into four more languages. This effort aims to broaden participation in basic lifesaving boating education. The manual is now available in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese, in addition to English. “Oregon’s population continues to grow, and this increase is reflected on our waterways,” says MariAnn McKenzie, Boating Safety Education Coordinator for the Marine Board. “More people are participating in paddling and fishing using small to mid-size outboard motors and many may not speak English. We aim to make learning boating safety easier by removing language barriers, allowing more individuals to enjoy time on the water with fewer incidents.” Digital copies of the manual, including the English version, are available for download. Print copies will be available at boat shows and events attended by agency staff or marine law enforcement partners during the boating season. The Boat Oregon Classroom Course Manual is used by Marine Board instructors and boating safety partners who offer approved boating safety education courses. These courses help boaters meet the mandatory boating safety education requirement. Since 1999, all motorboat operators with more than 10 horsepower must complete a boating safety education course and apply for their Boating Safety Education Card. The card must be carried by the boat operator when the motorboat is in use. Additional rules may apply depending on the type of watercraft and age. Learn more about the boating safety education program, requirements, and links to the course manuals.