New! Interactive
Official California
Boater Safety Course
The fastest way to get your boating license—no timers!
As of January 1, 2018, California law requires all boaters to carry the California Boater Card. This law will be phased in over eight years.
Get Your California Boating License in 3 Easy Steps.
1
Play and pass the $49.50 interactive course.
Learn and test your boating knowledge while you venture through this fun, interactive course. Once you successfully guide your group to safety, you may take the final exam. You have multiple attempts to pass the final exam.
2
Print your certificate.
The boater education certificate proves that you completed an approved boater safety course. Your permanent California Boater Card will arrive 8-10 business days after successfully completing this course.
3
Go boating!
Your California Boater Card is recognized in all U.S. states and Canada.
Why Take This Course?
  |
Other Courses | |
|---|---|---|
| California–Approved boater education | ||
| No minimum time requirements | ||
| Complete the course in under 3 hours | ||
| Real-life situations | ||
| Role-playing simulations | ||
| Final exam |
The California Boater Card
The California Boater Card (often referred to as "California boating License" or "California Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.
Vessel operators who are required to have a California Boater Card must carry their card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by enforcement officers.
The Only Approved Interactive Boater Safety Course in California
This interactive course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by NASBLA as well as meets the requirements of the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
Official course provider approved by:
California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
1 Capitol Mall, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
1-888-326-2822
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
The Only Gamified Interactive Course
California-Approved Boater Safety Education
Our interactive boater safety course satisfies all boater education requirements established by NASBLA and the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
No Minimum Time Requirements
Students complete our interactive courses faster than our traditional courses. Why? There are no timers—ever!
Complete the Course in Under 3 Hours
Instruction that engages the brain using both words and images has been shown to significantly increase student retention and comprehension. When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, it’s easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education in under 3 hours!
Real-Life Situations
Make choices for your character that will earn you awards and allow you to move through levels by applying what you’ve learned about boater safety throughout the challenges.
Role-Playing Simulations
We made sure to include plenty of mini-games and realistic simulations to keep you engaged along the way. Earn achievement badges as you master trip planning, emergency preparation, and safety operations. Crack all of the levels, and you will be awarded your boating education certificate.
California Boating Laws and Regulations
As of January 1, 2020, California law requires all boaters 35 years of age or younger to carry a California Boater Card. All boaters regardless of age are required to obtain a California Boater Card by 2025.
California Age and Operator Restrictions
- California Law requires those operating a vessel of 15 hp or more, be 16 years of age and carry his/her California Boater Card.
- Those 12 to 15 years old may operate a vessel of 15 hp or more (including PWCs) if on board supervision is 18 years of age and in possession of a California Boater Card.
- It is illegal to permit a person under 16 years to operate a vessel of 15 hp or more, including PWC without onboard supervision of a person 18 years of age in possession of a California Boater Card.
Exemptions to California Boater Education Requirements
California law does not restrict the age of those operating
- a sailboat under 30 ft when wind is the main source of propulsion.
- operating a dinghy used between a moored vessel and shore or between two moored vessels.
Customer Service
Our customer service team, made up of real people with real I Learn To Boat experience, is here to provide assistance through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
9:00 a.m. to midnight EST, seven days a week.
Get help seven days a week from professionals like Katy, Heidi, Josh, Misty, Liz, Allen, and Thomas.
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