Online California Boater
License Safety Course
An easy, California & NASBLA approved online course that teaches California boating laws, safety rules, and responsible operation. Complete it at your own pace and get certified.
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 Should Enroll?
Do I need a boater license in California?
As of January 1, 2025, California boating law requires boaters to obtain a boater education certificate and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways.
- 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.
How to get your boater license in california
Register
5 Minutes
Complete the Course
3 Hours
Instant Certificate
1 Minute
Go Boating
Instantly
What Boaters Say About Certified Boater
See how Certified Boater has helped boaters like you get certified, stay safe, and enjoy the water with confidence.
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What You’ll Learn
What Is In The California Boating Course?
Before learning boating rules, you must understand basic boating terms. Boaters use these terms to communicate clearly on the water. Clear communication helps prevent confusion and accidents.
Different boats are designed for different uses. The way a boat is built affects how it moves on the water. Boat design affects how a boat handles waves and wind. It also affects how much weight the boat can safely carry.
Boating safety depends on having the right equipment on board. It also depends on knowing how and when to use that equipment.
Safe boating starts before the boat ever leaves the dock.
Safe boat operation means making safe choices on the water.
Navigation rules help prevent crashes on the water.
Boating emergencies can happen at any time.
Many waterways are shared by many people. Boats often share the water with swimmers, divers, anglers, hunters, and people being pulled on skis or tubes.
Boaters share the water with people, animals, and plants.
Boater safety reduces accidents.
certified boater 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 Certified boater Course fee is $29.99.
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 Certified boater 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.
Navigate with Confidence
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 card, promoting responsible boating practices.
Select the State to view resources
Alabama
Alabama Offers scenic rivers, lakes, and Gulf Coast waters ideal for recreational boating.
Alaska
Alaska Features vast coastal waters and inland waterways popular for boating adventures.
Arizona
Arizona Known for desert lakes and reservoirs that provide excellent boating opportunities.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Features scenic lakes and rivers well suited for boating.
Colorado
Colorado Offers mountain lakes and reservoirs popular for seasonal boating activities.
Connecticut
Connecticut Features coastal waters, rivers, and lakes suited for recreational boating.
Delaware
Delaware Offers bays, coastal waters, and inland waterways ideal for boating recreation.
Arkansas
Arkansas Home to clear lakes and winding rivers perfect for recreational boating.