California Boater Card Age Requirements

In California, your age currently determines whether or not you need certification to drive a boat and what type of craft you are allowed to operate.

What age groups are required to hold a California Boater Card?

California is currently implementing a requirement for individuals to take a boating safety course in order to operate a recreational vessel. This requirement is being phased in progressively by age. As of January 1, 2022, everyone aged 45 and under is required to pass the course to obtain their California boater card. This requirement will apply to everyone aged 50 and under in 2023, everyone aged 60 and under in 2024, and everyone regardless of age by 2025.

What is the youngest age you can drive a boat in California?

According to Section 658.5 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code, individuals under 16 years of age are not permitted to operate a motorboat with over 15 horsepower or a sailboat over 30 ft long. An exception is made for a dingy operated solely between two moored boats or between a moored boat and the shore.

Individuals between 12 and 15 years of age may only operate a motorboat with over 15 horsepower or a sailboat over 30 ft long if directly supervised by an adult who holds a California boater card.

Individuals 16 or 17 years of age who do not hold a California boater card may operate a vessel if directly supervised by an adult who holds a California boater card.

There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 ft long or a dinghy operated solely between two moored boats or between a moored boat and the shore.

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