CALIFORNIA STATE SPECIFIC LAWS

PWC Requirements

Every person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) and water skiers must wear a Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket.

On a motorboat, sailboat, or vessel that is 26 feet or less in length, all persons 11 years of age or less must wear a Type I, II, III or V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device of a suitable size while that motorboat, sailboat, or vessel is underway. (Unless the child is restrained by a harness tethered to a sailboat or is in an enclosed cabin.)

Exceptions: a person aboard a personal watercraft or being towed behind a vessel on water skis if that person is a performer in a professional exhibition, or preparing to participate in an official regatta, marine parade, tournament or exhibition. In lieu of wearing a Type I, II, III, or V Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, any person engaged in slalom skiing on a marked course, or any person engaged in barefoot, jump, or trick water skiing may elect to wear a wetsuit designed for the activity and labeled by the manufacturer as a water ski wetsuit. A Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket must be carried in the tow vessel for each skier electing to wear a wetsuit.

Personal watercraft (PWC) are subject to the same laws governing the operation of motorboats of the same size.

Lanyard/Self-Circling Device--The law requires a person operating a personal watercraft equipped with a lanyard cutoff switch to attach the lanyard to his or her person. Operating a personal watercraft equipped with a self-circling device is prohibited if the self-circling device has been altered.

Nighttime Operation Prohibited--The law prohibits the operation of a personal watercraft at any time between sunset and sunrise.

Operator Age--It is an infraction for a person under 16 years of age to operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower, including personal watercraft. Any person who permits a person under the age of 16 to do so is guilty of an infraction. A person 12-15 may operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower if supervised by a person on board who is at least 18 years of age.

Reasonable and Prudent Operation--California law holds that no person shall operate any craft in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. Some examples are:

1. Navigating a vessel, skis, or other devices between a towing vessel and its tow or tows.

2. Operating under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics.

3. Unsafe Operation:

   Jumping or attempting to jump the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of the other vessel constitutes unsafe operation. Other actions which constitute unsafe operation are operating a PWC toward any person or vessel in the water and turning sharply so as to spray the person or vessel; and operating at a rate of speed and proximity to another vessel so that either operator is required to swerve at the last minute to avoid collision. Operating a PWC at night (between sunset and sunrise) is illegal under the law, even if the PWC is equipped with the proper navigational lights.

California Boating Laws

1. No person under 16 years of age may operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower. The only exceptions are for a sailboat that does not exceed 30 feet in length or a dinghy used directly between a moored boat and the shore, or between two moored boats. The law allows persons 12-15 years of age to operate motorboats of more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet if supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age. A violation of these provisions is an infraction.



2. Every peace officer of the state, city, county, harbor district, or other political subdivision of the state is empowered to enforce California Boating Law. Officers have the authority to stop and board any vessel where the peace officer has cause to believe that a violation of law exists.

Peace officers are also authorized to order the operator of an unsafe vessel to shore. A vessel can be ordered to the nearest safe moorage if an unsafe condition is found that cannot be corrected on the spot and where, in the judgment of the officer, the continued operation of the vessel would be especially hazardous.

Any vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being over-taken by a moving law enforcement vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light, or any vessel approaching a stationary law enforcement vessel displaying an illuminated blue light, shall immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage only, shall alter its course, within its ability, so as not to inhibit or interfere with the operation of the law enforcement vessel, and shall proceed, unless otherwise directed by the operator of the law enforcement vessel, at the reduced speed until beyond the area of operation of the law enforcement vessel.

3. In addition to state law, many counties, cities, and districts have special laws or ordinances which restrict activities in certain areas, prohibit certain acts at certain times, or establish additional requirements.




The operator of any vessel is obligated to know the laws. Local rules may include horsepower or speed limits, vessel type and size restrictions, zoning restrictions or traffic patterns, additional equipment requirements or other general prohibitions. These ordinances may set aside certain areas or hours for special purposes and prohibit acts which would be contrary to public interest.

Boaters must comply with these local rules as well as with the state laws. Check with your local waterway operator for special laws or ordinances in your area.

4. Speed is limited by law for certain conditions and areas.

The maximum speed for motorboats within 100 feet of a bather (but not a water skier) and within 200 feet of a bathing beach, swimming float, diving platform or life line, passenger landing being used, or landing where boats are tied up is five miles per hour.

A safe speed should be maintained at all times so that: a) action can be taken to avoid collision and b) the boat can stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

In restricted visibility, motorboats should have the engines ready for immediate maneuvering. An operator should be prepared to stop the vessel within the space of half the distance of forward visibility.

5. No person shall operate any vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.

Examples of such operation include, but are not limited to:



1. Riding on the bow, gunwale, or transom of a vessel under way, propelled by machinery, when such position is not protected by railing or other reasonable deterrent to falling overboard; or riding in a position or manner which is obviously dangerous. These provisions shall not apply to a vessel's crew in the act of anchoring, mooring or making fast to a dock or another vessel, or in the necessary management of a sail.



2. Maneuvering towed skiers, or devices, so as to pass the towline over another vessel or its skier.



3. Navigating a vessel, skis, or other devices between a towing vessel and its tow or tows.



4. Operating under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics,

Other actions, such as speeding in confined or restricted areas, "buzzing" or "wetting down" others, or skiing at prohibited times or in restricted areas can also be construed to be reckless or negligent operation.

"Hit and run"--Any person involved in a boating accident resulting in injury, death or disappearance, who is convicted of leaving the scene without furnishing appropriate information to others involved or to any peace officer at the scene and/or rendering any reasonable assistance to any injured person, is liable for a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

6. No person shall operate any vessel, water skis or similar device while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or who is addicted to any drug.


1. No person 21 years of age or older shall operate any vessel, water skis or similar device who has .08% or more, by weight, of alcohol in their blood. A level of at least .05% but less than .08% may be used with other evidence in determining whether the person was under the influence of alcohol. No person under 21 years of age may operate a vessel, water skis or similar device who has .01% or more, by weight, of alcohol in their blood.



2. A person who has been arrested for operating a mechanically propelled vessel "under the influence" may be requested to submit to a chemical test to determine blood alcohol content. Refusal may result in increased penalties upon conviction. A person convicted of intoxicated boat operation could receive up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.



3. If you are convicted of operating a vessel while intoxicated, the Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke your vehicle driver's license. Depending upon the number and type of vehicle and/or vessel violations accumulated, this suspension or revocation could be for up to 5 years, and could also result in fines of up to $1,000.

Alcohol is a factor in approximately one-third of all fatal motorboat accidents in California. For current statistics go to www.dbw.ca.gov. Please do not drink and operate a boat!

7. A person convicted of a moving violation will be ordered by the court to pass a boating safety course.

Persons found guilty of reckless or negligent operation, speeding, or operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be ordered by the court upon a subsequent conviction to complete a boating safety course.

8. Boat operators involved in an accident must provide information to other involved parties. This includes their name, address and vessel registration number. They must render assistance to any injured persons. In case of a death or disappearance, they must report the accident without delay to law enforcement officials.

Boat operators or owners must also make a written report of a boating accident to the Department of Boating and Waterways when:



• A person dies, disappears, or is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid.



• Total damage to all vessels involved and other property is more than $500 or there is complete loss of a vessel.

This report must be made within 48 hours of the accident in cases involving a disappearance, or death that occurs within 24 hours of the accident, or injury to a person that requires medical treatment beyond first aid. In all other incidents where a written accident report is required, you must make the report within 10 days of the accident.

An accident report form is contained in this course and may be used for such reports. Forms are available through most sheriff's and harbormaster's offices and many police departments. They may also be obtained by writing to the Department of Boating and Waterways, 2000 Evergreen Street, Sacramento, CA 95815-3888. Failure to comply with the above requirements is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both.

9. If a numbered vessel is stolen, the owner or legal owner should notify the local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

The owner shall also notify the local law enforcement agency if the vessel reported stolen is recovered.

10. California law provides that anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a Type I, II, III or V Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

When using a boat to tow a person on water skis or an aquaplane, there must be in the boat, in addition to the operator, one other person who can observe the person being towed. The observer must be at least 12 years of age.

The towing of water-skiers from sunset to sunrise is prohibited by state law. Local laws may also restrict skiing at certain times during the day and in certain areas.

Water skis and aquaplanes must not be operated in a manner to endanger the safety of persons or property. Passing the towline over another vessel or skier is prohibited. Towing a skier or navigating between a vessel and its tow is prohibited. Towing a skier does not give the operator of the vessel any special privileges. The rules of the road must be observed.

It is mandatory for the operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier to display, or cause to be displayed, a red or orange water-ski flag, to indicate:



• A downed skier



• A skier that is in the water and preparing to ski



• That there is a ski line extended from the vessel



• That there is a water ski floating in the vicinity of the vessel

The flag must be no less than 12 inches on each side and be in the shape of a square or rectangle. The display of the ski flag does not in itself restrict the use of the water, but when operating in the area, boaters should exercise caution.

For more information on water-skiing, send for the free pamphlet titled "Safety Hints for Water-Skiing" from the Department of Boating and Waterways or go to www.dbw.ca.gov.

As noted in the "Age Restrictions" section, it is illegal for a person under 16 years of age to operate, or for any person to allow a person under 16 to operate, a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower. Exception: A person 12-15 years of age may operate if there is someone on board supervising who is at least 18.

11. It is against the law to tow a trailered vessel containing a passenger, except when engaged in launching or retrieving a vessel.



12. Before you begin a cruise, check the local "weather and sea" conditions.

Detailed information can be obtained by tuning in to local radio stations or the National Weather Radio broadcasts on frequencies of 162.400, 162.475, and 162.550 MHz in areas where available, or by consulting local newspapers.

At selected locations in and near boating areas, storm advisories are displayed by flag hoists or lights. Coast Guard stations and many marinas no longer display storm advisory flags. Remaining display points are located at some park ranger stations, marinas, or municipal piers. A boater should become familiar with the display stations in the area and the meanings of the signals.

For information on getting a license for a VHF marine radio or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), contact the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at (800) 418-3676 for forms, or (888) CALL-FCC for assistance.

A. If you are in distress (i.e., when threatened by grave and imminent danger) or are observing another vessel in distress, transmit the International Distress Call on Channel 16 "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY THIS IS (state vessel's name and assigned call letters, repeated 3 times)".

If aboard a vessel in trouble, state:



1. WHO you are (your vessel's call letters and name).



2. WHERE you are (your vessel's position in latitude/longitude or true bearing and distance in nautical miles from a widely known geographical point; local names known only in the immediate vicinity are confusing).



3. WHAT is wrong.



4. Kind of assistance desired.



5. Number of persons aboard and the condition of any injured.



6. Present seaworthiness of your vessel.



7. Description of your vessel length, type, cabin, masts, power, color of hull, superstructure, and trim.



8. Your listening frequency and schedule.

If observing another vessel in distress give:



1. Your position and, if possible, the bearing and distance of the vessel in difficulty.



2. Nature of distress.



3. Description of the vessel in distress.



4. Your intentions, course, and speed, etc.



5. Your radio call sign, name of your vessel, listening frequency, and schedule.
13. Most fires happen after fueling.

To prevent fires, follow these rules:



• Don't smoke or strike matches.



• Shut off motors. Turn off electric equipment.



• Close all windows, doors and openings.



• Take portable tanks out of the boat and fill them on the dock.



• Keep the filling nozzle in contact with the tank.



• Wipe up any spilled gas. Discard the cloth in a safe manner.



• Ventilate for at least five minutes. Sniff around to make sure there is no odor of gasoline anywhere in the boat.



• Periodically check the system for fuel leaks.



• Visually check for leaks, or fuel in the bilges.
14. Single-hull motorboats less than 20 feet in length which are manufactured after 1972 must display capacity and safe horsepower information.

The maximum weight in persons, gear and motors is offered as a guide to boaters, and should not be exceeded. It is not a violation of federal or California state law to exceed recommended maximums. However, other states may cite an operator who exceeds capacity and horsepower limitations. Some insurance companies will not insure craft exceeding horsepower maximums and some boat manufacturers will void any applicable warranties for the same reasons.

15. It's the operator's responsibility that supplies be carefully loaded and all passengers be properly seated.


• Spread weight evenly.



• Fasten gear to prevent shifting.



• Keep passengers seated.



• Don't overload.



16. Navigation aids located on coastal and inland waters are used in both the lateral and state waterway marking systems.


• Port-hand buoys are painted green, with green fixed or flashing lights.



• Starboard-hand buoys are painted red, with red fixed or flashing lights.



• Safe water buoys, also called mid-channel or fairway buoys, and approach buoys are painted with red and white vertical stripes, with flashing lights.



• Preferred channel, or junction buoys, are painted with red and green horizontal bands, with flashing lights.



• Special marks (traffic separation, anchorage areas, dredging, fishnet areas, etc.) are painted yellow. If lighted, the light may be fixed or flashing.

Every vessel operating in the State of California shall carry and use safety equipment in accordance with U. S. Coast Guard requirements as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations. Additionally, every vessel shall display the lights and shapes required by the navigation rules.

17. The law also prescribes signals to identify vessels navigating in or near areas of restricted visibility.

Upon hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam, the operator should reduce speed to the minimum at which the boat can be kept on course, unless it has been determined by radar or other means that the risk of collision does not exist. If necessary, the operator should use reverse propulsion. In any event, navigate with extreme caution until any danger is over.

Motorboats:



• Making way through the water, sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes, one prolonged blast.



• Under way but stopped and making no way through the water, sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged blasts in succession, with an interval of about two seconds between them.

Sailboats or Vessels Not Under Command, Restricted in Ability to Maneuver, Towing or Pushing Another Vessel, or Engaged in Fishing with Nets or Trawling:



• Sound at intervals of not more than two minutes, one prolonged followed by two short blasts.
18. Motorboat Noise: A person may not operate a motorized recreational vessel in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean waters that are within one mile of the California coastline, in a manner that exceeds the following noise levels:



• For engines manufactured before January 1st, 1993, a noise level of 90 dB when subjected to the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice (SAE) SAE J2005.



• For engines manufactured on or after January 1st, 1993, a noise level of 88 dB when subjected to the SAE J2005.



• A noise level of 75 dB measured as specified in the SAE J1970.



• A law enforcement officer utilizing a decibel measuring device for the purposes of enforcing this section shall be knowledgeable and proficient in the use of that device.



• The California Department of Boating & Waterways may, by regulation, revise the measurement procedure when deemed necessary to adjust to advances in technology.



• This section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels competing under a local public entity or United States Coast Guard permit in a regatta, in a boat race, while on trial runs or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit. In addition, this section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels preparing for a race or regatta if authorized by a permit issued by the local entity having jurisdiction over the area where these preparations occur.



19. All motorboats or motor vessels, except open boats, made after 1940 and using gasoline as a fuel must have at least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls or their equivalent.

This is for the efficient removal of explosive or flammable gases from the bilges of every engine and fuel tank compartment. If engine and fuel tank compartments are closed and separated, two such ventilation systems are required.

There must be at least one exhaust duct installed so as to extend from the open atmosphere to the lower portion of the bilge and at least one intake duct installed so as to extend to a point at least midway to the bilge or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake. The cowls must be located and trimmed for maximum effectiveness so as to prevent displaced fumes from being re-circulated.

Boats built after July 31, 1980 that have a gasoline engine for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion must be equipped with an operable ventilation system. A compartment containing a permanently installed gasoline engine must either be open to the atmosphere or ventilated by an exhaust blower system. The intake duct for an exhaust blower must be in the lower one-third of the compartment and above the normal level of accumulated bilge water. A combination of more than one exhaust blower may be used to meet specified requirements.

Boats equipped with outboard motors or inboard motors, not enclosed and of "open" construction, are exempt from ventilation requirements.

Backfire flame control devices are designed to prevent open flame from leaving the carburetion system in the event of a backfire.

20. Vessels equipped with gasoline engines, except outboard motors, must have a backfire flame control device installed on the engine.

These can be either:



• a Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arrestor, suitably secured to the air intake with flame-tight connection,



• a backfire flame arrestor marked "SAEJ-1928" or "UL 1111", and suitably secured to the air intake with a flame-tight connection,



• an approved engine air and fuel induction system which provides adequate protection from propagation of backfire flame to the atmosphere, equivalent to that provided by an acceptable backfire flame arrestor, or



• a flame-tight metallic carburetor air intake attachment, located or positioned so backfire flames would be dispersed to the atmosphere outside the vessel. This latter device must be acceptable to the Coast Guard and be such that the flames will not endanger the vessel, persons on board, or nearby vessels and structures.
21. State law provides that it is a misdemeanor to disconnect, bypass, operate a marine sanitation device (MSD) so as to discharge sewage into the waters of this state unless expressly authorized or permitted by law.

No person may operate, in any lake, reservoir, or fresh water impoundment of California, any vessel which is equipped with a toilet unless such toilet is sealed or otherwise rendered inoperable - no discharge permitted. Human sewage from boats can create environmental problems including: human health hazards, unappealing sight of floating sewage, contaminated shellfish beds and decreased oxygen levels in the water.

In no-discharge areas a) no person shall disconnect, bypass, or operate an MSD so as to potentially discharge sewage, and b) no person shall occupy or operate a vessel in which an MSD is installed unless the MSD is properly secured A first violation is an infraction and any subsequent violation is misdemeanor. State and local peace officers may enforce state law relating to MSDs and may inspect vessels if there is reasonable cause to suspect noncompliance with those laws.

22. Federal law now requires all boats 26 feet or more in length, when operating in waters under federal jurisdiction, to display an informational placard on the subject of the federal marine pollution prevention laws.

Under the Marine Pollution (MARPOL) International Convention To Prevent Pollution From Ships, the discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. of the following is prohibited:



• plastic, paper, rags, glass, metal, crockery or food in U.S. lakes, rivers, bays, sounds, and up to 3 miles from shore.



• any plastic, or any of the above items if not ground to less than an inch in size, between 3 and 12 miles from shore.



• Plastic or dunnage 12 to 25 miles from shore.



• plastic outside 25 miles from shore.

The required placard details these prohibitions. The placard must be displayed in a prominent location where the crew and passengers can read it, must be at least 9 inches wide by 4 inches high, and must be made of durable material bearing letters at least 1/8 inch high. The placards can be purchased at marine supply dealers, or a free placard can be obtained by writing to the Department of Boating and Waterways, 2000 Evergreen Street, Sacramento, CA 95815-3888, or by calling toll free (888) 326-2822.

23. Operating a boat at night without lights is not only dangerous, it is against the law. Running lights make it possible for boat operators to properly interpret and react to the movements of other boats in darkness. Boaters can refer to the United States Coast Guard Web Site for specific lighting requirements for vessels.

If a boat is used exclusively in the daylight hours, and not during periods of restricted visibility, running lights are not required.

All vessels must show required running lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility. Light requirements vary, based on vessel length and propulsion type. In most cases, requirements for a particular vessel are the same under both inland and international rules.

Power-Driven Vessels: A recreational powerboat under way is required to display a masthead light forward, red and green sidelights and a stern light. A recreational powerboat under 39 feet 4 inches (12 meters) may instead display a 360' all-round stern light and combination red and green sidelights.

Sailing Vessels and Vessels Under Oar: A sailing vessel operating under power of sail only must exhibit sidelights and a stern light. A sailing vessel of less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length must, if practicable, exhibit sidelights and a stern light or a lighted lantern showing a white light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

A sailing vessel operating under machinery power only, or under power and sails, is considered a power-driven vessel, and must display the proper lights for a powerboat.

A vessel under oars may: a) display those lights prescribed for sailing vessels, or b) have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

Boaters operating at night should be aware that there are other possible combinations of lights; the ones presented above are the most common.

24. California law requires current registration of most vessels.

This includes vessels that are moored, whether or not they are used. All vessels must be registered and numbered except:



1. Boats propelled manually (oars or paddles).



2. Boats eight feet or less in length propelled solely by sail.



3. Certain vessels owned by public agencies.



4. Vessels documented by the Coast Guard.



5. Foreign vessels temporarily using California waters.



6. Ship's lifeboats used solely for lifesaving purposes.



7. Vessels having valid registration in the state of principal use and not remaining in California over 90 consecutive days.



8. Sailboards.

How to Register

Application to register a vessel may be made at any office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Upon receipt of the required application and fees, DMV will issue a Certificate of Number, a Certificate of Ownership, and a set of registration stickers. The boat registration number is the number (beginning with CF) shown on the certificates.

Upon registration your vessel may be subject to Use Tax based on the purchase price if it is acquired out-of-state and brought into California within 90 days of purchase or from a private party. For additional information regarding Use Tax, contact your local Board of Equalization or DMV office.

The Certificate of Ownership is your evidence of title to the vessel and, therefore, should be kept in a safe place. The Certificate of Number, or temporary Certificate of Number, must be available for inspection on the vessel whenever it is being used on the water. Proper display of the current registration stickers on the vessel next to the CF number is required to permit enforcement officers to determine, without boarding, that the vessel is currently registered.

Display of Numbers and Stickers

Numbers and stickers issued at the time of registration must be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel, usually on the bow. If placement of a number on a flared bow would result in difficult reading, the number should be placed on some other part of the forward half of the vessel where it can be easily read.

For personal watercraft, the numbers and stickers must be affixed on each side of the forward half of the vessel on a non-removable portion of the hull.

On inflatable boats or vessels so configured that a number will not properly adhere or cannot be clearly seen, the number should be painted on or attached to a backing plate along with the registration sticker. The number must be visible from each side of the vessel. No other numbers, letters, or devices may be placed in the vicinity of the state-assigned number.

Letters and numerals must be at least three inches high, of block character, and of a color which will form a good contrast with the color of the hull or backing plate.

Notification Requirements

The owner is required to notify DMV in writing whenever any of the following takes place:

1. The vessel has been destroyed or abandoned. This notice must be given within 15 days and be accompanied by the State issued Certificate of Number and the State issued Certificate of Ownership.



2. The owner has changed their address. This notice must be given within 15 days.



3. If the vessel is sold, the owner must submit a notice within five calendar days of sale. This notice must include date of the sale, a description of the vessel, and the name and address of the purchaser of the vessel.

Registration forms may be obtained from any local DMV office or authorized registration agent or by writing:

Department of Motor Vehicles Registration Processing Units
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001