Online California Boater
Safety Course
Get your official California Boat Ed Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $44.95
Official Course Approved By the California Division of Boating and Waterways
This course has been developed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways for the California Boater Card. Website: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/BoaterCard Address: 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by California State Parks 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 (commonly referred to as the California Boating License).
Who Needs This Course?
It’s the law in California! In California, if you were born on or after January 1, 1982, you must complete a boater safety course.
- You must be at least years old to complete this online course.
- You do not need to be a California resident to take this online course
Helpful Resources
- Study Guide
- California Boater Education Card
- California Boating Laws and Regulations
- Boating Courses for Other States
The Pathway to Safe and Certified Boating
Register
5 Minutes
Complete the Course
3 Hours
Instant Certificate
1 Minutes
Go Boating
Instantly
What Boaters Say About CertifiedBoater
See how CertifiedBoater has helped boaters like you get certified, stay safe, and enjoy the water with confidence.
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What Is In The California Boating Course?
This section provides an overview of boating safety fundamentals, including why safety is critical, basic rules, and how to stay safe on the water. Perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher.
Learn key boating terms and phrases to communicate effectively on the water. This section ensures you understand the language of boating, from parts of a boat to navigation terms.
Discover the essential equipment required for safe boating, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and more. This section ensures you’re fully prepared and compliant with safety regulations.
Get step-by-step guidance on planning your boating trip, from checking the weather to inspecting your boat and packing the right gear. Preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.
Learn how to handle emergencies on the water, including man-overboard situations, engine failure, and first aid. This section equips you with the knowledge to stay calm and act quickly.
Understand the “rules of the road” for boating, including right-of-way, speed limits, and how to avoid collisions. This section ensures you navigate safely and responsibly.
Explore the purpose and use of buoys, markers, and other navigation aids. This section helps you interpret these tools to stay on course and avoid hazards.
Learn how to safely coexist with other water activities like fishing, swimming, and water sports. This section covers etiquette and safety tips for shared waterways.
certifiedboater course features
Instant 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.
California Boating Course FAQs
The California Boat Ed Course fee is $44.95.
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course
You do not have to be a resident of California to take this online course
The California Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
Once you pay for and pass the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Certificate of Completion. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Certificate of Completion right then and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
The California Boater Card is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved Boating safety course and allows you to go boating. Because the California Boater Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed, it is not called the California Boating License
To replace a lost or damaged Boater Card, please visit the California Boater Card website. The cost of a replacement card will be $5.
Boating in California
California is known for its stunning waterways, including the Pacific Ocean, the Sacramento River, and popular lakes like Lake Tahoe and Clear Lake. Boaters can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports in these scenic locations. California’s diverse waters offer unique experiences, from tranquil mountain lakes to the vast Pacific coastline. To promote safe boating, California requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, ensuring they can fully enjoy the state’s aquatic adventures.
Select the State to view resources
Alabama
Course approved by the Alabama Department of Natural Resources
Alaska
Course approved by the Alaska Office of Boating
Arizona
Course approved by the Arizona Game & Fish Department
New Hampshire
Official New Hampshire Marine Patrol boating license course
Colorado
Course approved by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Connecticut
Course approved by the Connecticut Dept of Energy & Environment
Delaware
Course approved by the Dept of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
Arkansas
Official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating license course
