Before I get started, a few “legal disclaimers.”\u00a0 I am not an attorney.\u00a0 Do not rely on this article as legal advice.\u00a0 The article is simply my thoughts regarding a new law that has not yet been tested in the courts.<\/p>\n
As of January 1, 2018 all persons 20 years of age and younger who operate any motorized vessel on state waterways, including powered sailboats and paddlecraft, are required to carry a boater card issued by the State of California, Division of Boating and Waterways, if you are looking for a marina check out https:\/\/www.jerrysmajestic.com\/<\/a> to learn more from it.<\/p>\n On January 1 of each subsequent year, the age where a boater card is required increases by 5 years, as shown in the schedule below.<\/p>\n I am already over 60, so based on this phasing schedule I am not going to need to worry about it until 2025 … right?\u00a0 Maybe, maybe not.\u00a0 What happens when I turn the wheel over to an 18-year-old, just long enough for me to drop below to use the head?<\/p>\n One of the exceptions to the boating card requirements reads; “A person operating a vessel while under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who is in possession of a California Boater Card.”\u00a0 So, it shouldn’t be a problem, right … wrong … I think … the exception doesn’t say in possession of a card if they are of an age to require one.\u00a0 It says “who is in possession of a California Boater Card.”\u00a0 I don’t currently have a boater card, because I don’t need one, however, if I am reading the exception correctly, I need one if I am to supervise someone who doesn’t have one, but would need one if I wasn’t supervising them.\u00a0 Getting a headache yet?\u00a0 Here is another exception.\u00a0 I don’t need a boater card because I am in possession of a valid marine operator license, except that I might need one because of the supervision clause.<\/p>\n So, enough of that stuff.\u00a0 How do you get a boater card?<\/p>\n First<\/strong>, take a class.\u00a0 There are a number of options available, including home study with mail in testing, online classes, and in person classroom sessions.\u00a0 Some of the classes are free, while others have a fee associated (generally about $30.00 as of December 2017.)\u00a0 Information about currently approved courses can be found at:\u00a0http:\/\/californiaboatercard.com\/courses\/<\/a> Second<\/strong>, get proof of education.\u00a0 Depending upon the class option selected, you may receive the proof immediately, or you may have to wait for one to be mailed to you.<\/p>\n Third<\/strong>, once you have proof of education, apply for the card online at\u00a0\u00a0http:\/\/californiaboatercard.com\/applynow\/<\/a> .\u00a0 There is a $10.00 fee for the card, which can be mailed in or paid online using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.<\/p>\n In closing, here is one more exception to needing a boater card.\u00a0 Rental boats.\u00a0 When renting a boat, you don’t need a valid California Boater Card.\u00a0 Which may cover boats chartered through Tradewinds, however, I can’t find the definition of “rental boat”, so I’m not sure.\u00a0 As an instructor here at Tradewinds, I have made the decision to get a card right away.\u00a0 I don’t need to get one until 2025 based on my age and my “captains license”, however, as an instructor, students that would need a card, but don’t have one, will be under my direct supervision, so I believe that I need one anyway.\u00a0 I highly recommend you get one also, just in case.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Before I get started, a few “legal disclaimers.”\u00a0 I am not an attorney.\u00a0 Do not rely on this article as legal advice.\u00a0 The article is simply my thoughts regarding a new law that has not yet been tested in the … Continue reading \n
\nNote:\u00a0 The California Division of Boating and Waterways, California Course for Safe Boating<\/strong> is a home study course available through Tradewinds.<\/p>\n