Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways – California Boater Card P.O. California enacted a law on January 1, 2018 that requires all boaters in the state to carry with them a California Boater Card. Also been boating & jet skiing on Tahoe for about 15 years and never seen anyone stopped by the sheriff or anyone … Qualifications to Operate a Boat. Take note: beginning January 1, 2018, boaters 20 years of age and younger are the first age group that must carry a California Boater Card when on … Applicants cannot apply for a boat registration online. Do you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways? Get a California Jet Ski License Does California require a jet ski license? As of the dates shown below, these Jet ski drivers will be required to carry a boater card issued by DBW, unless they meet certain exemptions. 2021: 40 or younger. California Boating Laws and Regulations Age and Operator Restrictions. California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs).. The new California Boater Card requirements can be found in the links below. You can get your California Boater Card online at BoatSmartExam.com. Once obtained, the card is good for life, and does not need to be renewed. CAL FIRE Butte Unit Public Information Officer Rick Carhart said, "If you are not going to be operating a boat you don't need to have it." Many boating fatalities occur because boaters aren't educated about boating safety. The California Department of Boating & Waterways offers a Boater Education Card to prove that you are a safe boater. California boating safety courses are designed to provide boaters with state specific boating laws and federal navigation requirements in many different environments to suit individual boater needs. This law is currently being phased in … ** California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 678.11(b) contains the following phase-in schedule based on operator age: January 1, 2018 Persons 20 years of age or younger California doesn't require you to have a boater license in order to operate a boat. This can have benefits such as savings on marine insurance. For additional assistance with replacing your boat registration, call the California DMV at (800) 777-0133. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is an innovative leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. The common exception to needing a card is rentals. Sail-powered boat/vessel that is over eight feet long. 2020: 35 or younger. California Boater Card Requirements Timeline. The Foundation provides educational outreach directly to boaters and supports partner organizations nationwide. If you bought your boat/vessel from an out-of-state seller, or if you recently moved to California, you need to register your boat/vessel with DMV within 120 … 2018: Age 20 or younger. Exceptions to this law are: Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel … The Boater Card is required to legally operate any motorized boat, including Personal Watercraft such as a jet-ski or sea-doo. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 California Boat Registration Basics. The law says if you are under 25 and want to take out a boat or jet ski you need to have a boater card. There are home study, classroom, online and on-the-water courses. How do I get the card? Vessel/boat with a motor (no matter how big it is). I don't know if that applies to a borrowed jet ski but just thought I'd mention it. California Boater Card Apply Now! The card is for any kind of motor watercraft, including jet skis. 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