California boating laws and regulations California boating rules and requirements

On January 1, 2018, the mandatory boating safety education law went into effect and is being phased in by age. If you operate any type of motorized vessel on California waterways (including powered sailboats/paddle craft), you will be required to pass an approved boating safety examination and carry a lifetime California Boater Card.

Age restrictions

A person under the age of 16 may not operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower unless the boat is a sailboat and does not exceed 30 feet in length - OR - the boat is a dinghy and is operated between a moored boat and shore, or to go between two moored boats. The law does allow anyone aged 12-15 to operate motorboats of more than 15 horsepower, or sailboats over 30 feet, if they supervised by a person on board who is at least 18 years of age.

PWC Operation: A person under the age of 16 may not operate a personal watercraft (PWC) of more than 15 horsepower unless...

Boating and use of drugs or alcohol

Boaters operating in California are subject to its laws governing the use of drugs or alcohol. No one is allowed to drive a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and operating a power craft in this way is a criminal offense.

Boat registration numbers & stickers

California boat registration number placement

• On the forward part of your vessel well above the waterline

• On both sides of the bow

Boat Registration requirements - fees - renewal

What boats must be registered in California?

Which boats are exempt from registration in California? 

Boating License Requirements

Depending on your age, you need a California Boater Card to operate a power boat in California.

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).

Exceptions to this law are:

• Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including PWCs, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of his/her California Boater Card.
• There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 ft. long (with wind as the main source of propulsion) or a dinghy used between a moored vessel and shore or between two moored vessels.

The mandatory boating safety education law went into effect on January 1, 2018 and the Boater Card requirement is being phased in by age.

By 2025, all operators of motorized vessels will need a California Boater Card.

• January 1, 2024: 60 years old or younger.
• January 1, 2025 All persons regardless of age are required to obtain the card.

Life Jacket Laws & Requirements

California boating law requires to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket for:

1. all persons on board a PWC;

2. anyone being towed behind a vessel;

3. children under 13 years

Life jackets are the most important piece of safe boating and watersports equipment. According to the Division of Boating and Waterways, most boating deaths happen when people don’t wear life jackets and drown. Today’s life jackets are colorful, comfortable and easy to wear.

The Division of Boating and Waterways recommends that boaters always wear a life jacket no matter how well you know how to swim or operate a boat. You never know when an accident might occur. Once in the water, it is very difficult to locate and put on a life jacket while trying to stay afloat.

Required Boat Safety Equipment

In this section you will find the safety equipment that each type of boat must carry on board to comply with California regulations regarding boating...

Personal Watercraft Laws & Regulations

• All operators and passengers on a PWC must wear a PFD at all times.
• When towing individuals on a tube or water skis, ensure there is enough space on the PWC for the operator, observer, and the person being towed.
• PWCs in California waters must have a kill switch with a lanyard or self-circling device, securely fastened to the operator, their clothing, or their PFD.
• Check with local marinas or municipalities for restricted operation zones.

No Discharge Zones

Discharging raw sewage into any of California’s lakes, rivers, reservoirs or coastal waters within three miles of shore is prohibited within U.S. navigable waters...

Oil Disposal

A word on prevention and clean-up of oil spills:

• Check fuel lines on a regular basis and if deteriorated, replace them.

• Use a closed system if you change your own oil...

Carbon monoxide poisoning

It is possible for someone to suffer carbon monoxide poisoning while on board vessels that are poorly ventilated, houseboats, or boats where an overhead canopy is affixed. When the air moves around the boat and creates a low pressure area just behind the wide flat transom, carbon monoxide will accumulate there...

Accident Report

When does an operator file an accident report?

Hit-and-Run Accidents...

Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic nuisance species are non-indigenous species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native aquatic species. Two such ANS are the Zebra mussel and the Quagga mussel. States on behalf of water users spend tens of millions of dollars on attempting to control these prolific species every year...

Pumpout Station

For those who own a recreational watercraft, you must exercise diligence when it comes to protecting the waters of California. If you have installed a marine sanitation system such as a toilet, it must be connected to a holding tank with USCG certification, or you must make it secure so that there will be no discharges of sewage into the water.