Get Your Official California Boater Card Online
Take this California–approved course to complete your online boating safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
unlimited exam attempts
Lifetime Card
Do you need the Boater Card?
As of January 1, 2022, California law requires all boaters 45 years of age or younger to carry the Boater Card. Beginning January 1, 2023, all boaters 50 years of age or younger will be required to carry the Boater Card. All boaters regardless of age will be required to obtain the card by 2025.
Get boater certified in 3 steps.
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Study and pass the $39.95 online course.
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Print your online course completion document.
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Get your Boater Card.
Do you need a Boating License in California?
On January 1, 2018, California began a phase-in-by-age law that requires certain boat and PWC operators to pass a boater safety course and to carry the California Boater Card. The law is being phased in over several years.
As of January 1, 2022, California law requires all boaters 45 years of age or younger to carry the Boater Card. Beginning January 1, 2023, all boaters 50 years of age or younger will be required to carry the Boater Card.
California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Requirements
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of California to take this online course.
Reviews
What to Expect From Boat Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.
Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.
Comprehensive Instruction in California Boating Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by California. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
California Approved
California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
1 Capitol Mall, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
The boater education certificate in California is often called a “boating license.” While the certificate is often called a California boating license, the certification does not expire and does not need to be renewed.
Do you need a Boating license to drive a boat in California?
California boating law requires boaters to obtain and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways. This card is often called the ‘California boating license’. The CBC requirement will be phased in over 8 years.
- 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
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Start My TrialCalifornia Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the California Boat Ed Course cost?
The California Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.
Taking the Course
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in California?
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the California Boat Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of California to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the California Boat Ed Course approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways?
The California Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
Is my California Boater Card accepted elsewhere?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online California Boat Ed Course completion?
Once you pay for and pass the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Certificate of Completion. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Certificate of Completion right then and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
What is the permanent California Boater Card?
The California Boater Card is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved Boating safety course and allows you to go boating. Because the California Boater Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed, it is not called the California Boating License.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Boater Card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost or damaged Boater Card, please visit the California Boater Card website. The cost of a replacement card will be $5.
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