March 25, 2024 3:20 a.m.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will host a series of boat inspection clinics beginning this Saturday.

Undersheriff Brad O’Dell said it is a free opportunity to have a boat of any kind inspected to ensure it meets all legal requirements for the upcoming boating season. O’Dell said it is a great opportunity to ensure boaters have all the required safety equipment, learn about lifejacket safety or boating laws, and ask any boating related questions of marine deputies. There are no penalties for failing an inspection at one of the clinics.

The motorized inspection process will include checking for:

*Approved life jackets

*Working fire extinguishers

*Approved Type IV flotation devices

*Working engine blower fans if required

*Assist with proper placement of Oregon registration numbers and registration stickers.

‘O’Dell said deputies can also answer questions about non-motorized boats and the requirements pertaining to them. Any non-motorized boat, including paddle craft, 10 feet or longer are required to have a waterway access permit.

Clinics will be held at:

*Winston Bi-Mart on Saturday

*Roseburg Bi-Mart on Saturday April 5th:

*Sutherlin Bi-Mart on Saturday April 12th:

If a boat passes inspection, a 2025 inspection sticker will be issued.