What are the rules for operating a personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski)? The laws for personal watercraft are the same as for boats, with a few exceptions:

• Every person on board a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• If the personal watercraft has a lanyard cutoff switch, the operator must attach the lanyard to his or her person.
• Personal watercraft may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.

As with other vessels, people under age 16 may not operate a personal watercraft that has more that 15 horsepower unless they are 12 to 15 years old AND supervised on board by an adult.

Am I required by law to install a kill switch on a personal watercraft?
California does not require the installation of a kill switch on personal watercraft or any other vessels used in the state. However, on vessels equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard, California law does require the operator to use it by attaching the lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or personal flotation device, as appropriate for the specific vessel.
(Reference: Section 65537(a) of the California Harbors and Navigation Code)

Are two-stroke engines going to be “outlawed” soon?
No. But there are some lakes that have banned two-stroke engines. For more information regarding the law and a list of lakes that prohibit two-stroke engines, please see our Web site at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Environmental/TwoStroke/.

Can I get a life jacket to fit my baby?
Life jackets for infants come in one size to fit a child up to 30 pounds. They should have a head support collar and safety crotch strap. These life jackets can be found at all the same places that carry life jackets for bigger children and adults-department stores, marine supply stores and on the Internet. Many life jacket sources only carry life jackets seasonally, but marine supply stores and Internet suppliers will carry them year-round.

Is it a good idea to take my infant boating?
It is not advised to take a baby boating before they are at least six months old and they can sit up on their own. Also, babies will not be comfortable in a life jacket when they cannot sit up. A reclined infant in a life jacket will experience great discomfort from the poor fit of most infant life jackets. Once they can sit up, some of the pressure around the neck of the life jacket will be relieved.

Do I have to register my boat?
California law requires current registration of most vessels, including moored vessels, whether or not they are used. All vessels must be registered except:

• Boats propelled manually.
• Sailboats eight feet or less in length.
• Ships lifeboats used solely for lifesaving.
• Boats from out of state, registered in that state.
• Sailboards.

How do I display the boat registration stickers and numbers?

• Stickers must be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel three inches aft of the registration number.
• Numbers must be placed on each side of the vessel, usually near the bow.
• Numbers must be in plain block letters and easily read from left to right.
• Numbers must be at least three inches high.
• Letters must be separated from numbers with spaces or hyphens.
• Numbers must be in contrasting color to the background and be distinctly visible.

For detailed information on vessel registration requirements, consult the “ABCs of the California Boating Law” at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/pubs/ABC/registration.pdf.

How do I find out if a boat is stolen?
Contact your local law enforcement agency.

How and when do I report a boating accident?
Boat operators or owners must make a written report of a boating accident to DBW when a person dies, disappears, or is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid or when total damage to all vessels involved and other property is more than $500 or there is complete loss of a vessel. Forms are available through most Sheriff’s and harbormaster’s offices and many police departments or online at www.dbw.ca.gov/PDF/AccidentForms/BAR.pdf .

What steps do I need to take to get rid of an abandoned vessel?
DBW provides funds to public agencies to remove, store, and dispose of abandoned, wrecked, or dismantled vessels or any other partially submerged objects which pose a substantial hazard to navigation, from navigable waterways or adjacent public property, or private property with the landowner’s consent. More information is available on the website at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Funding/AWAF.aspx.

How can I get free boating publications?
You can order publications, videos, and other resources through the Department’s Website at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Publications.aspx or call toll free (888) 326-2822.