The California Boater Card shows that its holder has successfully taken and passed a NASBLA*/state-approved boater safety education examination. The California Boater Card program is phased-in by age for operators of motorized boats on state waterways (see phase-in schedule below). As of January 1, 2022, the card is required for operators 45 years of age or younger. START YOUR APPLICATION HERE. By 2025, all persons who operate on California waters will be required to have one. The lifetime card fee is $10. The lost card replacement fee is $5. The card is issued by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). Once DBW has received your application, proof of education and payment, you will receive a 90-day temporary boater card by email. You should receive your official boater card by mail within 30 days from the time the application was approved. California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 678.11(b) contains the following phase-in schedule based on operator age:
+California age restrictions for operating a motorized vessel: According to California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 658.5, NO person under 16 years of age may operate a boat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower, except for a sailboat that does not exceed 30 feet in length or a dinghy used directly between a moored boat and the shore (or between two moored boats). *National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) For information on mandatory boating education requirements for each state, click here.
Did you know that nearly half of the world’s coastal Redwood Trees (the world’s tallest living things) are located on California‘s northwestern edge? Yeah, we think that’s awesome too. On top of that, California’s pristine beaches hug the pacific coast all the way from northern Crescent City turf, way down to San Diego in the sunny south. This 840 mile-long stretch of coastline is peppered with surfers, boaters, whales, bluffs and spectacular sunsets. And we haven’t even mentioned the mountainous backdrop… or the sunrises. So whether you’re visiting a big city like LA or San Francisco, or maybe you plan on visiting a small, cozy town like Ferndale or cool Mendocino, known for it’s great surf, California has a place and a water venue for everybody! So get out there and feel that California breeze. BEST BOATING LAKESWhere you should plan to launch your boat and hit the water in California really depends on what area of this large state you plan on visiting. But to get you started, we thought we’d name just a few of our favorite places to hit the water in California. They’re popular for a reason. In our opinion, California’s best boating lakes include: Shasta Lake, Trinity Lake, Shaver Lake and (of course) Lake Havasu and Lake Tahoe. STATE PARKSCalifornia State Parks offer outdoor enthusiasts 279 parks, 1.59 million acres, 339 miles of coastline, 974 miles of lake, reservoir and river frontage, 15,000 campsites and 4,456 miles of hiking trails. Lots to see and do in this state. Better get started now! Several State Parks in California offer boaters everything they need for a day on the lake! Launch ramps, campsites, sunshine… the works! Visit California State Parks for more information about boating opportunities or restrictions.
Q: The “joke” I keep hearing is that the two happiest days for a boat owner are the day the boat is bought, and the day the boat is sold. I am not believing that, and am about to buy a nice sized motor boat. We have two kids. First question: What are the basics for someone to legally operate a boat here? M.B., Marina Del Rey Ron SokolA: In order to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 horse power or more, including personal watercraft, California requires a person to be at least 16 years of age and in possession of a California boater card. There are exceptions for people 12 to 15 years of age, if they are supervised on board by someone who is at least 18 years of age and has a California boater card. Also, there is no age restriction to operate a sailboat under 30 feet long (with wind as the main source of propulsion), or a dinghy used between a moored vessel and the shore, or between two moored vessels. The California Division of Boating and Waterways sets forth online, in detail, the ABCs of California boating. The information there includes required equipment, waterway markings, and emergency and accident procedures. Go to dbw.parks.ca.gov (or type “California Division of Boating and Waterways, ABCs” in your web browser) for more information. Q: Second question — is it necessary to have insurance for the boat? M.B., Marina Del Rey A: In California, liability coverage is required to operate a boat or personal watercraft. You must carry at least $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury — the former for a single claimant, the latter no matter how many — and $5,000 for property damage. That said, a note of caution: These minimums may not be enough (or nearly enough) if a major accident occurs. Notice requirementCalifornia law requires a boater involved in an accident to submit a written report to the Division of Boating and Waterways when there is a death, disappearance or injury requiring medical care beyond first aid, or if there is property damage totaling more than $500. Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for over 35 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional. Get the latest news delivered daily! |