California Boater Card: Everything You Need to Know

To legally operate a motorized pleasure craft in the State of California, you need to carry a California Boater Card that has been issued in your name. 

This was not always the case, but a growing concern for boater safety on California waters has led to the adoption of new laws. It’s all about boating responsibly and having fun! 

Who needs a California Boater Card?

By January 1, 2025, all operators of recreational motorized vessels on California waterways, age 16 and older, must possess a California Boater Card, with some exceptions (see below).

This requirement applies to motorboats, PWCs (jet skis), and other motorized watercraft like motorized sailboats, houseboats and wakeboard and ski boats.

The State of California has been phasing in the  obligatory possession of a California Boater Card for all age groups since January 1, 2018. As of January 2024, all operators 60 years old or younger must have the card. The final age group (61 and older) will be the last to be integrated, beginning January 1, 2025.

Exemptions

There are a few exceptions to the above rules. You do not need to carry a valid California Boater Card if you fall into one of the following categories: 

• Operators of rental vessels
• Those under direct supervision of a card-holding adult (18 or older)
• Out-of-state residents temporarily operating a vessel in California (less than 60 days) who already meet the requirements of boating in their home state
• Out-of-country residents temporarily operating a vessel in California (less than 90 days) who already meet the requirements of boating in their home country
• Vessel operators who are participating in an organized regatta or race.
• Boat operators who have an up-to-date commercial fishing license.
• Anyone who has successfully completed a boating course approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training

A California Boater Card is also not required for individuals who have either of the following:

• A Captain’s License, a valid license issued by the United States Coast Guard that must be applicable to the specific waters where the person is operating the vessel.

• International Maritime Certification, a currently valid certificate issued under the latest version of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

These professional maritime credentials exempt the holder from the California Boater Card requirement, as they demonstrate a higher level of training and expertise in watercraft operation.

California boating law

The changes to California boating law result from Senate Bill 941, signed into law on September 18, 2014. The law aims to promote boat safety on California waterways. It was enacted in response to accident data showing that states with boating safety education had fewer accidents and fatalities.

How to get your California Boater Card

The California Boater Card proves that you have followed an approved boater safety education course and passed a written test. You can complete the entire process easily online at Drive A Boat USA.

Step 1: Complete an approved California boating safety course. Drive A Boat USA offers a boater education course that covers all education requirements as set by the California Division of Boating and Waterways.

Step 2: Take the official test. Pass the California boating safety test to obtain your certificate of completion. The exam is open-book and includes unlimited retries!

Step 3: Apply for your California Boater Card. Print your certificate and head over to the California state website to apply for your official boater card. The California Boater Card is good for your entire lifetime – that’s it!

Consequences for not having a California Boater Card

Always carry your boater card with you when you are out on the water. Keep it within easy access so you can present it to an enforcement officer if required.

Failure to carry the card while operating a motorized vessel can result in fines, starting at $100 for a first offense and increasing to $250 for a second and $500 for a third conviction.

Get your California Boater Card from Drive A Boat USA

California boaters, get your boater card online from Drive A Boat USA!

When you prepare to get your state-approved boating license, you’ll learn all about driving a boat safely and following California boating laws, including California PFD requirements, California boating safety equipment requirements, and California boat registration and sticker rules.