California Boater Card?

[ronnie_deep]

I recently bought my first boat, a 2024 Sea Ray SPX 210 and my buddy told me about this California Boater Card. He said it's mandatory but I still have to understand the requirements and its processes. Can anyone here tell me which courses I should take and how much would it cost? Does it also mean I can't do any kind of boating pending the Boater Card? If anyone here can lead me to some information, that would be great!

 

[SeaRayNavigator]

Congrats on the new Sea Ray!

Just a heads-up, in California, you'll need a Boater Card to drive motorized boats starting in 2025. Getting one involves a quick online safety course (around $40), a test, and a $10 card application. You can still boat while they process your application, just keep your course completion proof handy.

Wondering which course works best for you?

 

[seattle chips]

I recently bought my first boat, a 2024 Sea Ray SPX 210 and my buddy told me about this California Boater Card. He said it's mandatory but I still have to understand the requirements and its processes. Can anyone here tell me which courses I should take and how much would it cost? Does it also mean I can't do any kind of boating pending the Boater Card? If anyone here can lead me to some information, that would be great!

In California, you need a boater card to operate any motorized boat, including your searay, you have to complete an approved boating safety course, there are free and paid options and then apply for the card, which costs about $10. You shouldn't be boating without it, or you risk fines, you`ll find that it's pretty straightforward once you pick a course and finish it

 

[Narmour0]

Congrats on the Sea Ray! I went through the same thing, I took the BoatUS free course online, then paid ten bucks for the California Boater Card and the whole process was smooth, it took about a day. Yeah, you technically can't operate without it, so don't delay!