No person shall water ski, be towed on any device, or operate a vessel towing a person between sunset and sunrise except upon special permit. Consult an official sunrise–sunset table of the local area for exact times

When you want to tow a person(s) on water skis or a similar device, you have specific equipment and observer requirements to meet.

1) You must always wear your personal flotation device when water-skiing, tubing, or participating in any other similar activity.

2) Any person who operates a vessel towing a person on water skis, a surfboard, or other device or a barefoot skier shall have an observer ten years of age or older in the vessel who shall at all times observe the person being towed. The vessel operator shall observe the traffic pattern.

3) If towing a skier with a person watercraft, it is recommended the person watercraft be rated for at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the skier.

In addition to you having to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their watercraft.

• No person shall operate or permit operation of a PWC unless each person aboard is wearing a personal flotation device
• Operators on personal watercraft equipped with a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch must attach the lanyard to their clothing, Personal flotation device, themselves, or as appropriate for the specific devices.
• No person shall operate a personal watercraft between sunset and sunrise.
• No person who owns or has charge over a personal watercraft shall permit operation in violation of laws.

An engine cut-off switch is a safety device that is designed to shut the engine down if the operator is thrown from the proper operating position

Two-stroke engines are not “banned” for use on all waterways in California, A direct injection two-stroke engine will normally have a label sticker (with 1 to 3 stars) on its engine cover indicating that it meets California Air Resources Board emission regulations for 2001, 2004, and 2008 for vessel engine manufacturers.

When you think of California, surf, sand, and blue oceans come to mind. Water sports are popular pastimes among residents and visitors alike. If you are one of those people who love the water, proper insurance for motorized water craft is a must. Many California car insurance companies that insure your vehicles will also insure your toys. Before taking to the water, call your car insurance company and get rates for your boat or personal watercraft (PWC).

There are many different types of boats and California car insurance companies have different rates depending on what boat you have. It is a good idea to obtain insurance for all motorized watercraft. Personal non-motorized watercraft can be insured, but it isn’t as important to do so. Insurance typically covers damages you are liable for when you make a mistake or have a loss due to fire, animals or other non-preventable incidences. If your boat or PWC is not worth a lot and not motorized, insurance is not needed, but if your boat has a high risk of injury or will cost a lot to repair/replace, definitely insure it.

Passenger boats are usually powered by motors and are bigger than a canoe. These boats usually can carry three or more passengers comfortably. Serious bodily and property damage can be done with these boats. At the very least, liability insurance should be purchased. If the boat is stored by a company during off months, ask them if your boat is covered if something happens. You may be able to save some money by dropping your insurance coverage during winter months if it is covered by the storage company’s liability policy. States differ in their insurance laws and minimums. Contact your California car insurance carrier for requirements and rate

Marina Del Rey and Paradise Cove in central California, originally a salt marsh fed by fresh water from a nearby creek and a popular duck hunting area, the marina is now a harbor for pleasure craft and small boats.

Two-stroke engines are not “banned” for use on all waterways in California, A direct injection two-stroke engine will normally have a label sticker (with 1 to 3 stars) on its engine cover indicating that it meets California Air Resources Board emission regulations for 2001, 2004, and 2008 for vessel engine manufacturers.

Castiac Lake is Southern California’s largest reservoir formed by Castaic Dam in the beautiful Sierra Pelona Mountains. Open daily, except on Christmas Day, (though Covid 19 may have effected opening hours/days), you will have no trouble finding something to do there from boating, fishing, wake-boarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing are just a few of the activities available. Vehicle entry fees, boat launch fees, and camping fees apply, so make sure to plan in advance.

Question: Do I need a boater license if I am renting a boat for the weekend in California?

Reply: The short answer is No. However, although operators who are renting a boating in California are not required to obtain a Boater Card, it is highly recommended. Most boating accidents occur because operators did not have the proper knowledge and training to operate safely. It is unlikely that a rental company is going to teach you the ins and outs of various rescue procedures, or how to respond in a boating emergency. So be on the safe side and get certified

Although there is no minimum age to take the BOATsmart (BoatSmartExam.com) California course and obtain your boater card, there are restrictions that apply to boat operators who are less than sixteen years of age.

For boat operators that are 12-15 years of age must be under the supervision of an adult who is at least 18 years of age or older, in order to operate a motorized boat that is powered by a motor of more than 15 hp, including personal watercraft.

Question: Where can I get a CA boater card?

Reply: You can get a California boater card online at BoatSmartExam.com. The course takes about three hours to complete, and is animated, narrated, and illustrated, making it user friendly for boaters of all ages.

Once you have completed and passed the final exam of the State-approved online course, you will be issued a certificate of completion. The certificate can be submitted to the California Division of Boating and Waterways, who will issue your temporary and permanent cards. For more information on how to apply for your permanent card with the California Division of Boating and Waterways, visit the California Boater Card website.

In California operators of motorized vessels need a California boater card, if they are 35 years of age or younger.

A boater card/license, requirements are being phased in over a period of eight years. By January 1st, 2025, all boat operators in California will be required to get certified, no matter their age. A boater card is required to legally operate any motorized boat, which does include personal watercraft such as a jet-ski or sea-doo. However once it is obtained, the card is good for life, and does not need to be renewed.

If you are going to got boating in CA you should make sure you know the laws.

• Life Jackets: Each person who is on board a watercraft must be wearing a life jacket that has been approved by the Coast Guard. *The acceptable approved types are Types I, II, III and V.
• When you can use a PWC: Operating a personal watercraft such as a jet ski is prohibited between sunset and sunrise even if the craft is outfitted with the correct navigational lights.
• Agen: Only individuals that are aged 16 and older can operate a boat that is more than 15 horsepower unsupervised. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 can do so under the direct supervision of a person who is over the age of 18.
• There are also specific stipulations against negligent and unsafe behavior while operating a watercraft.