California Boater Card: The Comprehensive Guide

While it isn't recent news, not everyone is up to date on the current laws regarding boating in California. 

For a little history, on January 1, 2018, California's latest boating education law went into effect, requiring all California boaters to carry the California Boater Card while operating a recreational motorized vessel. The law is nearing the end of its "phase-in" process by age for operators of motorized boats on California waterways, making boater education mandatory in the state of California.

Is this new information for you? If you're new to boating and plan to do so in California, or you're a seasoned boater but didn't realize you need a boater card, this guide is for you! Keep reading to learn about the California Boater Card and how to stay safe on the water. 

What Is the California Boating Law?

The latest change to California boating laws stemmed from Senate Bill 941, signed into law by former Governor Jerry Brown on September 18, 2014. 

Senate Bill 941 effectively mandates boater safety education for anyone who intends to operate a motor-powered vessel on California waterways. 

On January 1, 2018, the legislation took effect for boaters under 20 years old, and new law requirements have gradually expanded since then to apply to all boaters by 2025.

Why Did the Law Change?

In 2015, California reported 369 accidents and 48 deaths from boating accidents. Most accidents involved boaters who hadn't completed a boater safety education course. 

U. S. Coast Guard accident data consistently conclude that states with some form of boating safety education had fewer accidents and fatalities than states without any boater education. This fact prompted the development of a safer solution for boaters in California.

Senate Bill 941 was created with the intent of promoting boat safety on California waterways. Boaters must complete boater safety training and pass a written test before being issued the California Boater Card. The state of California believed increasing the number of boaters taking approved safety courses would benefit all recreational boaters and drastically reduce accidents on the water.

We agree! Educated boaters are safer boaters.

How is the Law Implemented?

The California Boater Card requirement was implemented in eight phases – and we are nearing the end of the last phase in 2025. This phase-in process continues through 2025, when anyone operating a vessel, regardless of age, must successfully complete the education process. 

Phase 1 began on January 1, 2018, and covered boat operators 20 years old and younger. Then, at the beginning of each year, another segment of the population was required to complete the education process.

As of January 2024, anyone 60 years old or younger must have a boater card to operate a boat in California. By January 1, 2025, anyone (regardless of age) must pass a boater education course and have a card to drive a boat. 

Are There Any Exceptions to This Law?

Yes! California Boater Card notes the exceptions to this boating law in the state. They include:

• A person who is a resident of another state or a foreign country who is operating a vessel and meets either of the following requirements:
  • The person is temporarily using the waters of this state for a period not to exceed 60 days and meets the applicable requirements, if any, of their state of residency.
  • The person is temporarily using the waters of this state for a period not to exceed 90 days and meets the applicable requirements, if any, of their country of residency.
• A person operating a watercraft under the direct supervision of a person 18 years or older with an approved boater operator card.
• A person operating a boat in an organized regatta, race, or water ski race.
• A person operating a rental vessel.
• A person with a current commercial fishing license.
• A person with a valid marine operator license for the waters upon which the licensee is operating, issued by the United States Coast Guard, or who has a valid certificate issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.
• A person who has completed a boating course approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

The safest thing to do is get your California boater safety card, but if you fall under any of these exceptions, you can operate a boat without one. 

What is the California Boater Card?

The California Boater Card shows the carrier has successfully taken and passed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and state-approved boater safety education exam. 

How Do I Get a California Boater Card?

To get your California Boater Card, follow these steps.

1. Complete a Boating Safety Course

Boating safety course providers must be approved by NASBLA and be state-approved by the California Division of Boating and Waterways. Courses may be taken via classroom, home study, or online.

Boat-Ed offers a self-paced, online course approved by the California Division of Boating and Waterways and by NASBLA. Completing this course will fulfill California state requirements for your boat safety education and allow you to move on to attaining your California Boating Card.

2. Apply for the California Boater Card online

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways issues the card for $10. To get your card, fill out the application online. 

Then, hit the water with your card!

What Happens if I Don't Have a California Boater Card?

The California Boater Card is mandatory if you plan to operate a motorized vessel on California waterways. Failure to comply will result in fines that increase based on the number of previous violations. 

Fines for violations are as follows:

• For an initial conviction, a fine of no more than one hundred dollars ($100).
• For a second conviction, a fine of no more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
• For a third or subsequent conviction, a fine of no more than five hundred dollars ($500).

Avoid fines and keep friends and family safe on the water by taking your boating safety course and getting your boater card!

Where Can I Learn More About Boating Laws in California?

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is an official state division serving all recreational boaters. For questions about boating legislation, visit their website. 

Additionally, Boat-Ed offers a detailed breakdown of California boating laws and regulations.

Stay Safe With Boat-Ed and Get Your Boater Card 

Get out on the water faster this season when you already have your safety education and card in hand! Sign up for your course through Boat-Ed, work through it at your pace, and take your exam – all online! 

Then, apply for your California Boater Card and enjoy the water this season.

Originally published February 12, 2020. Content updated November 23, 2024.