Free California State Boating Safety Course
The BoatUS Foundation’s Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
State Approved
About the Course
What is the course about and why do I need it?
This free online course teaches you everything you need to operate a boat safely and legally in California including navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies, and protecting the environment.
Before taking the course, you must apply for a California Boater ID on the California website and keep your ID number handy. For more detailed instructions, see below.
2-4
Hours to Complete
5
Lessons
60
Final Exam Questions
37
Approved States
learn online at your own pace
What is the format of the course?
You’ll learn through interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes, then pass a final exam to earn your state-approved boating safety certificate.
Complete the course at your own pace and gain the skills and confidence to get out on the water.
How Do I Get My California Certificate?
- Apply for California Boater ID on the California website www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com
- Come to BoatUS Foundation and register for California course, enter your California Boater ID on the registration page.
- Complete the course (you will receive a temporary certificate of completion when you pass the course)
- We will send your Application ID to California for verification
- You will receive a confirmation email from the state of California when your application is accepted and your card will arrive in the mail within 60 days
Video: Obtaining a California Boater Card
Watch a short video on how to apply for the California Boating Card here:
Frequently Asked Questions
For all questions about your state’s Free Boating Safety Course, visit our Support Center. Below are FAQs specific to California.
Mandatory Boater Education: On January 1, 2018, California began implementing its new seven-year phase-in of the mandatory boater safety education law for boaters who operate a motorized vessel on California waterways. Prior to implementation, the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) will began issuing lifetime Boater Cards to those who show proof of passing an approved boater safety exam such as this Boat US Foundation course.
DBW will accept proof of passing an approved boater education course taken between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Persons who have passed an approved examination during this timeframe will have until December 31, 2018 to apply for a Boater Card at www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com. Phase in schedule for those who are required to possess a valid card:
- January 1, 2018 – Persons 20 years of age or younger
January 1, 2019 – Persons 25 years of age or younger
January 1, 2020 – Persons 35 years of age or younger
January 1, 2021 – Persons 40 years of age or younger
January 1, 2022 – Persons 45 years of age or younger
January 1, 2023 – Persons 50 years of age or younger
January 1, 2024 – Persons 60 years of age or younger
January 1, 2025 – All persons regardless of age
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 used between a moored boat and shore or between 2 moored boats. The law does allow persons aged 12-15 to operate motorboats of more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet if supervised by a person on board who is at least 18 years of age.
A person under that age of 16 may not operate a personal watercraft (PWC) of more than 15 horsepower unless they are between the ages of 12-15 and are supervised by a person on board who is at least 18 years of age. Any person, who allows an unsupervised person under the age of 16 to operate, is guilty of an infraction.