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California Boater Card
As of January 1, 2018, California began a phase-in-by-age law that requires all boat and PWC operators to pass a boater safety course and to carry the California Boater Card.
Phase-in schedule
The law is being phased in over several years. Operators 40 years of age or younger are required to carry the California Boater Card by January 1, 2021. Each year a new age group is added to those required to carry a Boater Card.
- January 1, 2021Persons 40 years of age or younger
- January 1, 2023Persons 50 years of age or younger
- January 1, 2024Persons 60 years of age or younger
- January 1, 2025All persons regardless of age
Since January 1, 2025 every operator, regardless of age, must carry the card.