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Oregon names new Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Matsko posted 07-18-2022 11:58 AM

  
Oregon names new Boating Law Administrator
Brian Paulsen-OR

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is pleased to welcome Brian Paulsen, the new Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the state of Oregon. 

In March, Brian Paulsen was selected as the agency’s Boating Safety Program Manager after joining the agency in July 2018. Paulsen’s formal education background is in Natural Resources, with a focus on molecular biology and water chemistry. Paulsen also has a Merchant Mariner Credential (USCG Captain’s License) in addition to a very diverse boating background which includes experience with rowing rafts, drift boats, catarafts jet boat operations in a river environment, and outboard propeller boats for coastal and offshore fishing. Paulsen is passionate about being on the water and helping others learn boating safety, which makes him a natural fit to serve as the agency’s Boating Safety Program Manager.

Paulsen previously served as the agency’s Waterways Coordinator, managing the statewide waterway obstruction and waterway marker programs, as well as providing technical service and expertise to marine law enforcement partners for boat repairs, training, maintenance, and specifications for boat builds for marine law enforcement.

Looking toward the future, Paulsen commented, “The mandatory Boater Education Card is over 20 years old now. We see opportunities to get boaters excited about continuing education beyond what’s required for motorized boaters, especially with improved technology. Continuing education is the next leap and even finding ways to improve partnerships to expand on-water learning experiences.” Paulsen adds, “There’s been a dynamic evolution in boating with new user groups, new boat types, activities, and increased demand for access. As an agency, we’re working to navigate the challenges we hear about from boaters and to improve engagement. Our agency’s programs get better when we hear from boaters. Their boating dollars go back to help fund boating facilities and education grants, contracts for marine law enforcement and many other valuable programs. Our goal is for all boaters to have a safe and enjoyable experience on Oregon’s waterways.”

Learn more about the Marine Board and its programs at Boat.Oregon.gov.
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