Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Courtesy Boat Inspections

On-Water Courtesy Boat Inspection Boat inspections can be requested by calling your local county Sheriff's Office marine patrol (contact numbers below) and are scheduled throughout the summer boating season. After passing an examination, the owner will be issued a Marine Board inspection decal. 

You can also request a vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and U.S. Power Squadrons/America's Boating Club. Scheduled inspections are often offered at launch ramps, marinas, and boat clubs, or appointments can be made for a vessel examiner to come to your boat. This is a free, no-penalty inspection to make sure all your gear complies with state and federal regulations. Go to cgaux.org/vsc to learn more. The program is sponsored by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.

Similar to marine patrol inspections, after successful completion of the exam, which typically takes less than 30 minutes, the boat owner is awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary / U.S. Power Squadrons decal that informs law enforcement and safety agencies that your boat was in full compliance with all federal and state boating laws during a safety check for the year. 


Douglas County Sheriff's Office

This is a free opportunity to have a boat of any kind inspected to ensure it meets all legal requirements for the upcoming boating season.

The motorized inspection process will include checking for:

  • Approved life jackets
  • Working fire extinguishers
  • Approved Type IV floatation devices
  • Approved sound-producing devices
  • Working engine blower fans (if required)
  • Assist with proper placement of Oregon registration numbers and registration stickers
Deputies can also answer questions about non-motorized boats and equipment requirements.

Any non-motorized boat, including paddlecraft, 10' or longer, must have a waterway access permit.

The clinics will be at the following locations:

  • SUTHERLIN BI-MART - Saturday, June 22, 2024, 12 pm - 4 pm
  • ROSEBURG BI-MART - Saturday, June 29, 2024, 12 pm - 4 pm
  • SALMON HARBOR MARINA (Winchester Bay) - Saturday, July 6, 2024, 1 pm - 5 pm





County Marine Patrols & Oregon State Police

  • Baker, 541-523-6415 
  • Benton, 541-766-6858
  • Clackamas, 503-655-8218 (Dispatch: 503-655-8211)
  • Clatsop, 503-325-8635 (Dispatch: 503-325-2061)
  • Columbia, 503-366-4611 (Dispatch: 503-397-1521) 
  • Coos, 541-396-7827
  • Crook, 541-447-6398
  • Curry, 541-247-3242 
  • Deschutes, 541-388-6501
  • Douglas, 541-440-4447
  • Hood River, 541-386-2098 
  • Jackson, 541-864-8844 
  • Jefferson, 541-475-6520 (Dispatch: 541-475-2201)
  • Josephine, 541-474-5120
  • Klamath, 541-883-5130
  • Lane, 541-682-8599 (Dispatch: 541-682-4141)
  • Lincoln, 541-265-4277, 
  • Linn, 541-967-3911 (Dispatch: 541-967-3950)
  • Malheur, 541-473-5126
  • Marion, 503-588-5094 (Dispatch: 503-588-5032)
  • Morrow, 541-676-5317 (Dispatch for Scheduling Appointment)
  • Multnomah, 503-988-6788
  • Polk, 503-623-9251
  • Sherman, 541-565-3622
  • Tillamook, 503-815-3326 (Dispatch: 503-815-1911)
  • Umatilla, 541-966-3601 (Dispatch: 541-966-3651)
  • Union, 541-963-1017
  • Wallowa, 541-426-3131
  • Wasco, 541-506-2580
  • Washington, 503-846-2700 (Dispatch: 503-629-0111)
  • Yamhill, 503-434-7506 or non-emergency dispatch (503) 434-6500

Oregon State Police

  • Salem Dispatch, (503) 375-3555
  • Central Point Dispatch, (541) 776-6111
  • TIP (Turn In Poachers) Line or other calls including arson and DUII, call 1-800-452-7888.
  • Headquarters, Salem, 503-378-3720 after hours, 503-378-3725


Does your boat need to be inspected for the Hull Identification Number?

Some boats in Oregon are required to be inspected by a marine law enforcement officer before they can be titled and registered.  Boats needing hull identification number (HIN) inspections: 

1) Homebuilt boats 

2) Boats never titled or registered in any state 

3) Boats registered in a non-title state 

4) Boats where the hull identification number appears to be incorrect.  

Boats that may be excluded are:

1) New manufactured boats with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)

2) Boats titled in another state, if the title accompanies the application for Oregon title and the hull number listed is correct. After the HIN inspection is completed, you'll receive a "HIN Inspection Certificate." You must return the certificate directly to the Marine Board at PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309.

Learn more about how to title and register your boat in Oregon. 

Graphic of where the hull identification number is found on a boat

Facebook