In California, the requirement applies to every operator, at any age operating any motorized vessel. The credential is the California Boater Card, issued by California Division of Boating and Waterways.
| Who needs it | every operator, at any age |
| Applies to | any motorized vessel |
| What it is called | California Boater Card |
| Issued by | California Division of Boating and Waterways |
BoatTests101 runs a California-approved course you can take at your own pace and finish in an afternoon. We may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Start the California courseCalifornia requires the California Boater Card for every operator, at any age operating any motorized vessel.
A licence makes you legal to operate. It tells you nothing about the boat itself. Run the hull number free — it decodes the builder and model year, and flags any US Coast Guard recall campaign on record for that manufacturer.