Columbia County Boat Patrol
Thanks to grant funds received through Columbia County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, we were able to purchase this 1993 aluminum jet boat for patrol on the Snake River to replace our old boat which we had received via surplus from the Federal Government. Our new boat with its enclosed cabin is more reliable, and a better fit to often sudden changing conditions we typically encounter when out on patrol or rescue operations.
The Sheriff's Office has contracts with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Washington State Parks to patrol the waterways in Columbia County, helping to promote safe boating practices. Using our patrol boat, our mission is to promote safe boating practices, enforce the boating, fishing and hunting laws, watch for persons operating water craft under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and lend aid to boaters in distress.
In 2005, legislation was passed requiring boaters receive mandatory training and education in safe boating practices and navigation. Below is a sample of the card, and when you are required to get one. If you are opearting a boat with 15 horse power or more you are required to carry the card on your person.
In the near future, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office will be offering boater education classes. If you are interested in taking classes to obtain your Washington State Boater Education Card, please contact the Sheriff's Office at (509) 382-2518 and ask for Deputy Richard Loyd, or e-mail Deputy Loyd HERE.
You can also take the course online:
On-Line Courses:
The following organizations offer on-line courses that are approved by Washington State Parks and meet state mandatory boater education requirements.
On-line provider: Adventures in Boating - Washington
Study Material Needed: Adventures in Boating Handbook
Practice Test Available? Yes. Practice quizzes are offered after each section and allow unlimited free practice tests.
Pay On-line For The Education Card: Yes. The card costs $10.00 plus a 50-cent handling fee.
Cost: $29.50 for exam results, only when you pass.
Customer Service: 1-800-830-2268
Study Material Needed: America's Boating Course handbook and CD-Rom (shippede immediately upon on-line order confirmation)
Practice Test Available? Yes. Unlimited free practice tests offered. On-line certification exam offered for fee of $10.00
Pay On-line For The Education Card: Yes. The Washington State card costs $10.00.
Cost: $34.95 (+S&H) (Does not include certification exam or WA Boater Education card.)
Customer Service: 1-800-BOAT ABC (1-800-262-8222)
On-line provider: American Boating Education
Study Material Needed: Washington Boat Operator on-line manual.
Practice Test Available? Yes. Free practice quizzes are offered after each section.
Pay On-line For The Education Card: No. Boaters need to mail in the application form, a copy of the completion certificate
and a $10.00 fee.
Cost: $14.95 for exam results, only when you pass.
Customer Service: 1-877-677-2628
The Adventures in Boating Washington Handbook is designed to introduce new boaters to their resposibilities for safe, environmentally sound boating practices and to provide updated information to those who have had experience on the water. Boaters are encouraged to carefully read the material provided in this handbook and make a committment to always practice the safety rules when on the water. Boaters will also find important environmental tips that if followed, will help ensure others hvae the same opportunity to enjoy Washington's wonderful aquatic resources. Keep a copy of the Boating Handbook on board your vessel to be used as a ready reference. If you would like a hard copy of the Boating Handbook, please contact the Sheriff's Office.Vessel Safety Tips
Do you have all the required equipment for boating? If you are not sure what equipment you are required to have you can contact the Sheriff's Office and one of our deputies assigned to the boating program will contact you and set up a voluntary vessel safety check (VSC). No citations for equipment deficiencies will be issued to a person requesting a VSC check. We perform this service in order to help promote safe boating in Columbia County. You can also do a virtual VSC by clicking on the link below.
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