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All Boat Operators in California Must Have a California Boater Card

As of January 1, 2025 all boater operators must have a California Boater Card.

The steps to get your California Boater Card are

  1. Complete a qualified boater safety class such as Boat America from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
  2. Submit your certificate of completion to the California Division of Boating and Waterways and pay the application fee.
     

California Safe Boating Card

Information on applying for the California Boating Card from the California Division of Boating and Waterways
https://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/
 

California Boating Safety Classes and Courses

Information on qualified boater safety class such as Boat America from the California Division of Boating and Waterways
https://tinyurl.com/CAsafeBoatingClasse

Boat America

Boat America offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate. To find upcoming courses near you, use the PUBLIC EDUCATION COURSE FINDER BY ZIP CODE

Some insurance companies will also offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.

TOPICS INCLUDE

  • Introduction to Boating Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddle boats, powering boats, and engine types.
  • Boating Law Boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, Federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents.
  • Safety Equipment Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment.
  • Safe Operation and Navigation Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water.
  • Boating Emergencies Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather.
  • Trailering Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer.
  • Sports and BoatingWater-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips.