Meet the Marine Patrol
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is a major partner with the Oregon State Marine Board. We work closely with the United States Coast Guard, the Oregon State Police, fire departments, and other county marine units.
- Our Marine Patrol Deputies tour all the navigable waterways of Clackamas County — including the Willamette River, the Clackamas River, Lake Oswego, Timothy Lake, and the North Fork Reservoir.
- We’re responsible for boater-safety services — including monitoring waterways for hazards and placing warning signs and buoys as aids to navigation and boater safety. They also conduct marine-related criminal and accident investigations.
- The Marine Unit provides essential support to the Dive Rescue Unit on water-related search-and-rescue operations.
- Through a contract with the Oregon State Marine Board, the unit provides a comprehensive marine-safety and law-enforcement training program for Clackamas County.
We’re staffed by one Sergeant and three Patrol Deputies — all of them Oregon State Certified Marine Enforcement Officers. From May through September, more personnel are added to meet increased patrol obligations.
Checking for Safety and Registration
During patrols, we conduct boat examinations to make sure boaters have the proper equipment and documentation on board to operate safely and legally.
If you have a properly equipped boat, a safety exam is simple and helpful. It's also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and receive safety literature.
Having the right equipment on board could save your life in an emergency. Proper numbering and documentation protect you from theft.
Safety decals are given to operators who pass our exam. This lets other marine patrols know the vessel was in compliance at the time of the check.
For more information on boating rules and regulations — and to learn how to get your boater’s education card — visit www.BoatOregon.com.
Enforcing the Law
Boating laws are designed to protect boaters and others sharing the water. Enforcing those laws makes them effective.
Boaters committing violations such as reckless operation, wake violations, and boating under the influence will attract the attention of our deputies — which can lead to citation or arrest. We also enforce Angling violations.
A Dedication to Education
Marine Deputies also provide safety instruction for young children and make other public appearances.
Our officers give safety instruction to children grade-school age and older. Deputies teach basic boating and water-safety principles — such as the importance of wearing life jackets, swimming with friends, and what to do if they see someone in trouble.
Deputies also attend county fairs, marine trade shows, and community-safety events to raise awareness about boating and water safety.
Contact the Sheriff’s Office if you’d like a Marine Deputy to attend an event or give a presentation.
Meet the Fleet
The unit utilizes six patrol boats provided by the Oregon State Marine Board. The unit has four jet boats, one outboard and one drift boat. The unit has three tow vehicles, one assigned to each deputy.
The Clackamas County Sheriff Marine Patrol program has earned the top award given annually by the Oregon State Marine Board. The board awarded Clackamas County the "2001 Marine Program of the Year" during awards ceremonies in Klamath Falls on October 17.
Photo ID left to right: Deputy Mitch Beyer; Pat Rowland,OSMB; Sgt. Paul Steigleder; Lt. Bruce Pearson; Deputy Doug Olsen
"SHERIFF JOE MEEK" is a 24’ duckworth hull with a custom cabin. The boat is powered with a 460 Ford engine connected to a Hamilton 1031 jet pump. The boat is equipped with a 16 hp fire pump capable of 94 gpm at 100 psi. The vessel is also equipped with Raytheon Radar, Color Video Sounder, Marine band radio, police radio and a portable intoxilyzer.
Our 22’ Jetcraft is powered by a 454 Chevrolet Vortec engine and a Hamilton 212 jet pump. It is equipped with both Marine and police radios.
Our 21’ North River Trapper is powered by a 6-liter Chevrolet Vortec engine and a Hamilton 212 jet pump. It is equipped with both Marine and police radios.
This is our 19’ Rigid Aluminum Inflatable Vessel (RAIV) by Almar Boats. It has a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine with a 2-stage Kodiak jet pump. It is equipped with both Marine and police radios. It is self-bailing and very versatile.
