Online California Boater Safety Course

Get your official California Boater Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $39.99

California Boater
Safety Course

Get your official California Boater Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $39.99

Recademics.com is an official delegated provider of the California Division of Boating and Waterways.

Official Course Approved By the California Division of Boating and Waterways

This course has been designed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the California Division of Boating and Waterways for the California Boater Card.

Who Needs This Course?

It’s the law in California! In California, all operators of motorized vessels regardless of age need the California Boater Card.

You must be at least 6 years old to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of California to take this online course.

Helpful Resources

Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by CA DBW and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this California boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local California boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boater Card

Recademics made getting my certification easy and fast. Officially the best course out there!

Becca M.

Engaging course with top-notch material. Highly recommend for certification!

Kelly T.

Officially amazed by Recademics! Easy to understand material and quick certification process.

Erin W.

Fast course, got my certification in no time. Recademics is the best!

Lacey R.

Loved Recademics! Easy to navigate and the fastest way to get certified.

Sara K.

Recademics made getting my boating certification easy and fast. Officially the best course out there!

Jared H.

Best boating course out there. Recademics offers thorough and understandable content.

Stephen B.

Great experience! The certification process was smooth and efficient.

Jose R.

Quick and easy certification with Recademics. Definitely the best course I’ve taken.

Erin R.

Recademics made it so easy to get certified fast. Great quality content!

Dennis B.

Fast, easy, and official. Recademics is the best boater education course by far!

Kelly W.

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How It Works

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course & Pass the Test

3 Hours

Submit the Boater Card Application.

1 Minute

Go Boating!

Instantly

Stay Safe, Stay Legal: What California Boaters Need to Know About the Boater Card

Boaters who lack proper education are involved in thousands of preventable accidents each year. That’s why California law now requires all operators to complete an approved boating safety course and carry a California Boater Card.

This card demonstrates that you’ve completed a state-approved course and have the knowledge to navigate California’s waterways safely. The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) oversees the boater education program and authorizes all approved courses and providers.

What Is the California Boater Card?

The California Boater Card is proof that you’ve passed a DBW-approved boating safety course. While often referred to as a “boating license,” it’s technically a lifetime certificate, not a traditional license. Once earned, you don’t need to renew it.

Why You Need a Boater Card in California

Legal Requirements

California law now requires anyone operating a motorized vessel on state waterways to carry a California Boater Card. This law was phased in by birth year and applies to all operators regardless of age by 2025.

A Safer Boating Experience

Most boating injuries and fatalities occur when the operator has not completed a safety course. The California Boater Card ensures operators understand state laws, navigation rules, emergency preparedness, and environmental protections.

Who Needs the California Boater Card?

As of 2025, all motorized vessel operators on California waters must have a California Boater Card. The requirement is already in effect for:

Anyone operating personal watercraft (PWC) like jet skis
Operators of boats with 15+ horsepower

How to Get the California Boater Card

1. Take a DBW-Approved Boating Safety Course

Complete a state-approved course from a provider like Recademics, which covers California-specific rules, navigation, environmental laws, and emergency procedures.

2. Pass the Final Exam

After completing the course, you’ll take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge. Once passed, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from your provider.

3. Apply for the California Boater Card

Submit your certificate and application to DBW. You’ll receive a temporary card immediately and your official California Boater Card by mail. Recademics integrates seamlessly with California’s system so that your certificate is automatically on its way to you when you pass the final exam!

How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?

Courses typically take between 3 to 8 hours to complete, depending on pace and provider. Most can be completed online and at your own pace.

Benefits of Taking a California Boater Safety Course

Full Access to California’s Waterways
From Lake Tahoe to the Channel Islands, your Boater Card gives you the freedom to explore safely and legally.
Reciprocity in Other States
The California Boater Card is recognized by most other U.S. states that require education, making it easier to boat when traveling.
Peace of Mind on the Water
Knowing how to prevent collisions, handle emergencies, and follow navigation rules helps protect you, your passengers, and other boaters.

See How Recademics Stacks Up Against The Rest

California-Approved

Video

Interactive

Customer Support

Price

$ 44

Yes
Some
No
Mostly Self-Service

$ 39

Yes
Some
No
Yes

$ 54

Yes
No
Yes
Mostly Self-Service

What Is In The California Boating Course?

Boating Terminology

Define and demonstrate knowledge of common nautical terms across all types of boating including vessel, port, starboard, bow, stern, stand-on, and give-way.

Boat Types and Characteristics

Understand various boat types and their limitations, calculate a boat’s capacity with or without a capacity plate, and explain proper loading techniques and gear securing on a boat.

Required Equipment

The essential equipment for safe boating, including flotation devices, required lights, sound signals and visual distress signals

Trip Planning and Preparation

Master thorough boat trip planning and safety, including regulations, weather, readiness, hazard recognition, float plans, maintenance, and decision-making.

Safe Boat Operation

Master safe boat operation, covering responsibilities, accident reporting, basic seamanship, and the dangers of boating under the influence.

Navigation

Learn navigation rules and responsibilities, understand homeland security measures, identify navigation aids, and recognize marker types and purposes.

Boating Emergencies

Learn emergency response, including assisting distressed individuals or boats, post-incident procedures, handling environmental stressors, storm response, carrying emergency devices, and effective communication with vessels and emergency hailing.

California Boating Laws and Regulations

Learn California boating laws, focusing on rules, registration, and safety. This knowledge is essential for responsible and enjoyable boating while preserving California waterways.

Recademics Course Features

Official
Certification

Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.

Affordable &
Aboveboard

Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!

Safety with a
Splash of Fun

This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click.

Live
Support

Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.

Boating in California

California’s diverse landscape offers boating experiences from the Pacific Ocean to its numerous lakes and reservoirs. With 840 miles of coastline and popular spots like Lake Tahoe, San Francisco Bay, and the Channel Islands, the state provides ample opportunities for sailing, fishing, and water sports. The mild climate allows for year-round boating. To safely enjoy these activities, California requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a boating license, promoting responsible boating practices.

California Boating Course FAQs

What is the California boater safety course?

A California CA DBW-approved boater safety course is designed to teach the fundamentals of safe boating. It covers navigation rules, federal and California boating laws, safety equipment, and responsible boating practices. The course aims to reduce boating incidents on California waterways.

Who needs to take the California boating course?

In California, all operators of motorized vessels regardless of age need the California Boater Card..

The California Division of Boating and Waterways encourages all boaters get the Boater Card to stay familiar with California laws and regulations.

Is the Boater Card good in all states?

All states and Canada recognize the California Boater Card received from courses that are NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved. This is known as Reciprocity.

How Long is the California online boating course?

The California boating course typically takes 3 hours if taken online. The online format allows California users to complete it at their own pace, starting and stopping as needed. Set aside a weekend for California Division of Boating and Waterways sanctioned in-person courses.

What is the cost of the course?

The cost can vary depending on the course you choose. Most CA DBW-approved courses are $35 – $60. The Recademics course for California is $39.99 and has a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you get your money back.

Can I take the California boater safety course online?

Yes, most states offer the option to take the boater safety course online, providing a convenient way to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

Is there an exam at the end of the boater safety course?

Yes, to receive a California Boater Card, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course.

How do I get my California boating certificate after completing the course?

After completing the course and passing the final exam, you will receive your boater safety certificate by email.

Does the boater safety certificate expire?

The California Boater Card does not expire and is valid for life.

Can I retake the boater safety course if I fail the exam?

Yes, most course providers in California allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. Recademics has a pass guarantee. You can retake the California boating exam and course for free if you fail the first time or get your money back.

What if I lose my boater safety certificate?

If you lose your California Boater Card, you should contact the California Division of Boating and Waterways. There may be a process and fee for issuing a replacement.