California boating lawsBoater Education Card

California Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: California requires operators of a vessel with a motor of 15 hp or more to be 16+ and hold a California Boater Card; as of 2025 all motorized-vessel operators must carry the card.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

California requires operators of a vessel with a motor of 15 hp or more to be 16+ and hold a California Boater Card; as of 2025 all motorized-vessel operators must carry the card.

Official source: parks.ca.gov

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