Interactive California Boater Safety Course
The fastest California boaters safety course—no timers! ilearntoboat.com is a delegated boating safety provider for the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
As of January 1, 2025, California boating law requires all boaters, regardless of age, to obtain a boater education certificate and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways.
This course is approved by the state of California and, once successfully completed, will result in your California Boating License.
How to Get your Boating Certificate in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for your ilearntoboat® student account, pay for the course, and get started right away.
Step 2
est. 2–3 hrs
Study & Pass the Online Course
Learn at your own pace on any device. We automatically save your progress, whether you take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile.
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Complete Additional State Requirements
Your state requires an in-person component to be completed before obtaining certification.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Boating!
Time to make waves! You can now legally and confidently operate a boat.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating certification 2–3 times faster than other courses.
Why Take This Course?
| Feature |
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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 Boater Card
The 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 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
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating certification 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
All boaters regardless of age are required to obtain a boater education certificate and carry a California Boater Card (CBC).
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.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating certification 2–3 times faster than other courses.
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If you plan to operate a personal watercraft, commonly known as a "jet ski," in California, you need to know and follow the state's boating laws and regulations. Here are some tips to help you safely and legally use a personal watercraft in California:
Obtain a boating license:
If you were born after January 1, 1988, you are required to obtain a boating license in California. The California Boater Card is proof that you have successfully completed a boater education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The course covers topics such as navigation rules, safe operation, and emergency procedures.
Know the age restrictions:
California law prohibits anyone under 16 years of age from operating a personal watercraft unless accompanied by someone who is at least 18 years old and has a boating license.
Wear a life jacket:
California law requires that everyone on board a personal watercraft wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
Follow speed limits:
Personal watercraft must not exceed 5 mph when within 100 feet of a swimmer, shore, or within 200 feet of a bathing beach.
Follow no-wake zones:
In California, personal watercraft must adhere to no-wake zones, which are areas where vessels must travel at a speed slow enough to not create a wake.
Avoid crowded areas:
Try to avoid crowded areas, especially around the docks, marinas, and other high-traffic zones.
Respect wildlife:
When you're out on the water, be respectful of the wildlife and avoid disturbing their habitat.
Remember, operating a personal watercraft in California is a privilege, and it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. Obtaining a boating license and completing a boater education course will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a personal watercraft in California waters.
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Boating Safety Resources
For additional information and resources related to best boating safety practices, read through our latest blog posts.
Do You Need a License to Drive a Jet Ski?
Boating season brings people of all ages dashing to the waterfront...
What You Need To Know About Boating Accidents
The U.S. Coast Guard has released its annual report on boating accidents...
Essential Boating Safety Equipment
According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), there were 613 deadly boating...
Frequently Asked boating Questions
Price and Payment
- How much does the California ilearntoboat Course cost?
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The California ilearntoboat Course fee is $59.95.
Taking the Course
- Do you need California Boating education?
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All boaters, regardless of age, are required to obtain a boater education certificate and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways.
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Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in California?
- What is the minimum age to take this online course?
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There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
- Do I have to be a resident to take the California ilearntoboat Course?
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You do not have to be a resident of California to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
- Is the California ilearntoboat Course approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways?
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The California ilearntoboat Course is approved and accepted by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.
- Is my California Boater Card accepted elsewhere?
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For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements.
Quizzes and/or Exams
- Do I have to take an online exam?
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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.
About Your Certification
- What is the proof of online California ilearntoboat Course completion?
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Once you pass and pay for 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. This certificate EXPIRES 90 days after course completion.
- What is the permanent California Boater Card?
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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.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
- How do I replace my Boater Card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
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To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boater Card, go to http://californiaboatercard.com/replacement/.
Customer Service
Your ilearntoboat course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST, and
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
