| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| California Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
In California, you must carry a California Boater Card (CBC) when operating a motorized vessel on California waterways, based on the state’s mandatory boater education requirements.
California issues the California Boater Card through the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). Once issued, the card is valid for the operator’s lifetime.
California’s Boater Card requirement is phased in by age and becomes mandatory for more operators over time. The requirement schedule is:
Operators who are required to have proof of boating safety education must be able to provide it when requested by law enforcement.
You can earn your California Boater Card (CBC) by passing an approved vessel operator examination, as required by the DBW. DBW issues the California Boater Card to persons who provide proof that an approved vessel operator examination has been passed since January 1, 2015.
Approved formats include:
Virtual/Online Course:
California allows boaters to complete an approved online boating safety education course and pass the required examination. After successfully passing, you can use your proof of completion to obtain your California Boater Card through DBW’s process.
Classroom Course/In-Person Option:
California also recognizes classroom-based boating safety education courses offered by approved providers. After completing the in-person education requirement and passing the approved examination, you can obtain your California Boater Card through DBW.
California’s Boater Card is a requirement for operating motorized vessels on California waterways.
When boating outside California, operators should always review the laws of the destination state, since boating education requirements and minimum operator ages vary by location.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your California boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive a DBW-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Card.
California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
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?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license.
What you really need is the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
You can get the
Boating Safety Education Certificate
by taking this boat safety course
at boat-ed.com.
Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
GET CERTIFIED
You can take a NASBLA-sanctioned paddling safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace California’s Boater Card requirement when operating motorized vessels.
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Forget the indoors. California's sunny days are perfect for enjoying the water on your boat. With its extensive coastline spanning the entire state, California is a top destination for recreational boating. From tranquil bays to bustling harbors, California's geography offers something for every type of boater. Experience iconic landmarks and history, alongside secluded islands and open coastline adventure
Lake Tahoe
A surreal boating destination surrounded by the Sierra Mountains, known for crystal-clear water, beaches, and plenty of room for cruising and water sports.
Big Bear Lake
A Southern California favorite with lake activities for every type of outing, including tubing, jet skis, fishing, and shoreline picnics.
California Delta
A boater's utopia with over 700 miles of waterways, packed with options for cruising, kayaking, water sports, sightseeing, and fishing.
San Diego Bay
A major recreational bay for boating and sightseeing, with public parks, wildlife refuges, and water access across multiple port cities.
Clearlake
California's largest clearwater lake, offering a more tranquil boating experience with conditions suited for sailing, fishing, and paddling.
