Who’s allowed to operate a boat in California? State Parks just updated rules
Heading to a river or lake this summer? What about the coast? You may need to brush up on California’s boating laws.
People operating boats on California waterways are now required to have state-issued boater cards, according to California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways, unless they qualify for an exemption.
California also has age requirements for boaters, depending on the type of vessel being operated.
Here’s what to know before taking the helm:
What are California’s requirements for boaters?
California State Parks updated its age requirements for boat operators in 2025.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, motorized vessel operators are required to have California boater cards, “regardless of age,” the agency said.
That includes children.
Previously, only boaters 60 years old and younger were required to carry the cards.
“The California boating license is required for operating any vessel powered by a motor,” boating safety company Boat-ed said, including powerboats, personal watercraft such as Jet Skis and sailboats with auxiliary engines.
Having a California boater card indicates that you’ve successfully taken and passed a state-approved boater safety education exam.
However, California boating laws do have boating card exemptions for some operators. People who are renting a boat, for example, do not need to get a boating card.
Can my child operate a boat in California?
Under California law, children under 16 years old aren’t allowed to operate boats or personal watercraft solo if they’re powered by motors greater than 15 horsepower.
Kids ages 12 to 15 also can’t pilot sailboats exceeding 30 feet in length by themselves, California’s Harbors and Navigation Code says.
However, children age 12 to 15 are allowed to steer sailboats and motorized vessels if they’re accompanied by an adult “who is attentive and supervising the operation of the vessel,” state law says.
According to California Harbors and Navigation Code, these age restrictions don’t apply to people operating boats in professional exhibitions, organized regattas or boat and water ski races.
Children under 12 aren’t allowed to operate most motorized vessels in California, even with someone over 18 years old present.
Can children pilot sailboats in California?
Children 15 and younger are allowed to steer sailboats solo if the wind-powered vessels are less than 30 feet in length, according to California Harbors and Navigation Code.
Children can also pilot dinghies “used directly between a moored vessel and the shoreline” or two moored boats, state law says.
What are penalties for breaking boating laws?
The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies patrol waterways in California to ensure that boaters are following boating laws.
Under California’s Harbor and Navigation Code, anyone who violates state age requirements for boating is guilty of an infraction.
Additionally, anyone “caught operating a vessel without their California boater card will be cited accordingly,” California State Parks said.
Boating infractions are punishable by a $100 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense, Boater Exam said.
How do I get a California boater card?
You can apply online for a California boater card.
You’ll need to complete a boating safety course and pass the exam offered by a provider approved by the state of California and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
Once you’ve finished the course and passed the test, you can email your boating safety education certificate to boatercard@parks.ca.gov or mail it to the California Division of Boating and Waterways at P.O. Box 943896, Sacramento, CA 94296.
A lifetime California boater card costs $10, while a replacement card is $5.
Once the state Boating and Waterways Division has received your application, proof of education and payment, you’ll get a 90-day temporary boater card via email.
You should receive your official boater card by mail within 30 days of your application being approved.
