The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office will offer “Boat Oregon – A Course on Responsible Boating” at four locations around the county in January. Each class will be limited to 20 students. Registration deadline is Dec. 29.

Oregon law requires boaters to take a course on basic boating skills and/or pass a test to demonstrate basic boating knowledge.

All operators of powerboats greater than 10 horsepower, and youth 12 and over operating any size powerboat must carry a boater education card.

The course will cover boating basics. The classes are open free to anyone and families are encouraged to attend. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be provided in the morning.

Upon passing a test at the end of the class, the boater can apply for a boater education card that must be carried when operating a powerboat more than 10 hp on Oregon waters. The student is responsible for mailing in the application and paying the $10 fee to the Marine Board for the boater education card.

Each class will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end no later than 5:30 p.m.

The schedule is:

? Jan. 6: Knappa area: Columbia River Sheriff’s Substation, 92435 Svensen Market Road.

? Jan. 13: Jewell area: Nehalem Valley Sheriff’s Substation, 795342 Oregon Highway 202.

? Jan. 20: Astoria/Warrenton area, location to be announced.

? Jan. 27: Seaside area, location to be announced.

To register, contact Deputy Jim O’Connor at 325-8635 or e-mail (joconnor@co.clatsop.or.us).