California Boater Card

It is required for motorized boat operator this year if you're 60 years of age or younger.

Just got mine in the mail last week

Now I need to get a boat 🤔

Just got mine in the mail last week

Now I need to get a boat 🤔

Nice! I just mailed my test in, should get mine any day now.

Totally didn't realize I needed this until I saw something on the DMV website, but glad it was never an issue.  I do run a pretty low profile tho - 13' tinny with a 10hp Honda, not exactly an attention getter, haha.

Note: You do not need this card for a motorized kayak.

"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)."

My Trolling motor is 36lb thrust. Nowhere near 15HP.

Note: You do not need this card for a motorized kayak.

"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)."

My Trolling motor is 36lb thrust. Nowhere near 15HP.

Thanks for the clarification PnJ.

Note: You do not need this card for a motorized kayak.

"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)."

My Trolling motor is 36lb thrust. Nowhere near 15HP.

While I don't think non-motorzied kayaks need a boater card, I read this a little differently.  That specific paragraph I read as someone under 16 cannot take a boat of more than 15hp out unsupervised, regardless of boater card status.  Kids 12-15 can operate a boat under the supervision of an adult with the boater card, while 16+ need the boater card to operate a boat.

Seems like ALL motorized vessels require an operator with the boater card, except in a few circumstances. Rental boat, someone with mariner certs, etc. I emailed and asked if I needed one for my 10hp tinny, and they said I did, so I got one.  The answer I got: "All operators of motorized vessels, documented and undocumented, will need to have a California Boater Card to operate on state waterways."

By documented they mean a vessel federally registered with USCG, and undocumented is a state registered vessel with CF numbers.

I did not ask specifically about kayaks, but I would be very surprised if an officer gave someone a hard time about a kayak with a trolling motor.

Most of the questions on the rest were about operating boats under the influence and safe operating speeds. Basically, seemed like the nature of it was to reduce collisions and groundings.

Note: You do not need this card for a motorized kayak.

"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)."

My Trolling motor is 36lb thrust. Nowhere near 15HP.

While I don't think non-motorzied kayaks need a boater card, I read this a little differently.  That specific paragraph I read as someone under 16 cannot take a boat of more than 15hp out unsupervised, regardless of boater card status.  Kids 12-15 can operate a boat under the supervision of an adult with the boater card, while 16+ need the boater card to operate a boat.

Seems like ALL motorized vessels require an operator with the boater card, except in a few circumstances. Rental boat, someone with mariner certs, etc. I emailed and asked if I needed one for my 10hp tinny, and they said I did, so I got one.  The answer I got: "All operators of motorized vessels, documented and undocumented, will need to have a California Boater Card to operate on state waterways."

By documented they mean a vessel federally registered with USCG, and undocumented is a state registered vessel with CF numbers.

I did not ask specifically about kayaks, but I would be very surprised if an officer gave someone a hard time about a kayak with a trolling motor.

Most of the questions on the test were about operating boats under the influence and safe operating speeds. Basically, seemed like the nature of it was to reduce collisions and groundings.

Speedy, I read the same paragraph and understood the same as you.  As it was pertaining someone under the age of 16. 

Anyhow, it didnt take much effort, only costed me $27 and about 2 hours of my time.  Test was easy and got an immediate PDF temp card until the hard copy arrives.

They are starting to enforce the boater card next year. Better to get it done sooner than later. Seems like another money grab from California to fine people.

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card, you can always use the paid education classes but why?:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30826

1.Request a test from [email protected].
Please include your name and current, complete home or office address. Please indicate in your request if you would like to receive your answer sheet in Spanish.

2. Send back test to

California Course for Safe Boating
Boating Education Unit
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

3. If you pass they will send you a certificate showing you completed the boating education.

4. Go to boater card website and apply for the card. You'll need to scan or take a picture of the certificate to show proof that you finished the application. Pay the $10 for the lifetime license and you're good.

https://boatercard.parks.ca.gov/Application

It's about time. I have mine since 2003. 

-Kiel

nannyfornia 
does it train you to back a trailer? 

They are starting to enforce the boater card next year. Better to get it done sooner than later. Seems like another money grab from California to fine people.

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card, you can always use the paid education classes but why?:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30826

1.Request a test from [email protected].
Please include your name and current, complete home or office address. Please indicate in your request if you would like to receive your answer sheet in Spanish.

Why in Spanish and not English?

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card ...

Thanks for the info. My AI is not motorized, but probably will be eventually.

They are starting to enforce the boater card next year. Better to get it done sooner than later. Seems like another money grab from California to fine people.

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card, you can always use the paid education classes but why?:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30826

1.Request a test from [email protected].
Please include your name and current, complete home or office address. Please indicate in your request if you would like to receive your answer sheet in Spanish.

2. Send back test to

California Course for Safe Boating
Boating Education Unit
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

3. If you pass they will send you a certificate showing you completed the boating education.

4. Go to boater card website and apply for the card. You'll need to scan or take a picture of the certificate to show proof that you finished the application. Pay the $10 for the lifetime license and you're good.

https://boatercard.parks.ca.gov/Application

This is exactly what I did a while ago.

nannyfornia 
does it train you to back a trailer? 

Haha, the most hazardous part of boating is the ramp! Always a good time watching folks who don't know what they are doing...

Kalifornia is proud of its??? 🤨

Great info Thanks