Marine Patrol

Sheriff's Office BadgeThe Lane County Sheriff's Office covers an area of 4,620 square miles. Within the county's jurisdiction are over 40 lakes, five navigable rivers and streams, and coastal waters in the Pacific Ocean reaching out three miles that border the 32 mile long county coastline. Lane County Sheriff's Marine deputies are certified law enforcement patrol deputies. They receive additional training and certification as Marine Law Enforcement Officers by attending special training academies conducted by the State Marine Board.

NorthRiver Marine Boat

Lane County Marine patrol deputies are trained in conducting investigations of marine related crimes including theft, fraud, boating crashes, death investigations, assaults, marine burglaries, crimes and violations involving the marine environment. They have additional specialized training in the operation of various watercraft platforms, swift water rescue, marine crash reconstruction and also perform evaluations of potential waterway hazards.

Marine patrol deputies conduct both on the water and off the water boat safety inspections to ensure compliance with boating safety laws and regulations. Upon completion of the boat safety inspection, a decal is issued to display on the boat showing that the safety requirements have been met for that calendar year. Other marine safety enforcement officers statewide recognize the decal as an indication that the boat has already been checked and found in compliance for safety equipment. In most cases, the boat will not be stopped again during that calendar year for a safety compliance check. Operators of boats on the waterways that do not meet the basic requirements are subject to a citation.

Float Plan
Problem Waterway Update
Motorized Mandatory Education

Contact: 541-682-8995


Boat Theft: Decrease Your Chances of Becoming a Victim

There are a variety of tips to help you keep your boat safe while on, and off the water.
  • When purchasing a boat, check the HIN number, usually on the upper right hand side of the transom, to ensure it matches the number on the registration and title. 
  • Look for indicators of fraud including new paint or a seller with an asking price well below market value.
  • Never purchase a boat with questionable looking or missing documentation.  When in doubt, contact the Oregon State Marine Board with the boat's registration number.
  • Store your equipment in locked compartments when possible. 
  • Mark, photograph, and inventory items on your boat as well as the boat itself. Be sure to include serial numbers for items, especially the motor which is a popular item to steal.
  • Report theft to your local law enforcement agency and provide serial numbers when applicable.







Operation Dry Water

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard, participate in Operation Dry Water each year which is usually the first weekend of July.   Operation Dry Water is a boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign with the mission of reducing the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is working to increase boater awareness of the dangers and risks associated with boating under the influence and will be on the lookout for impaired boaters. The priority during this holiday weekend is to provide boaters with a safe and enjoyable experience by removing dangerous and impaired boaters from the waterways.

 Marine patrol

Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to serious injuries and consequences. In Oregon, the same laws that apply to motorists and intoxicants apply to boaters on the water.  The Lane County Sheriff’s Office reminds boaters to always boat sober and wear a life jacket when on the water this year.

For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org

2017 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics