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California Boater Card

California Boater Card Apply Now!

Do you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways? Take note: You may be required to obtain a California Boater Card before heading out on the water. It's the law.
Safety Equipment

Safety Equipment

Carrying the proper safety equipment on your boat is not only smart, it’s the law! Click here to find the required safety equipment for your type of boat. The ABCs of California Boating includes California boating law in an easy to read format.

Quagga Zebra Stickers

Quagga Zebra Stickers

California registered vessels using fresh water bodies within the state are required to display a “Mussel Fee Paid” sticker on the hull next to the current registration sticker. Paying the Mussel Fee does not entitle vessels to bypass inspections or fees for inspections conducted by individual reservoir owners or managers.
Places to Boat in CA

Places to Boat in CA

No matter where you boat in California, a water adventure awaits you—each one as big and unique as the state itself. It can be majestic as sailing around San Francisco Bay within view of the Golden Gate Bridge, or as heart-thumping as riding the flows of the Lower Kern River. Pick a destination!
Pump Out Stations

Pump Out Stations

Pump it. Don’t Dump it! It’s against the law. Raw sewage can spread disease, contaminate shellfish beds, and lower oxygen levels in water. Marine sanitation devices and pump out stations are readily available throughout the state. You can help by never dumping raw sewage into California waters.
Boating News and Alerts

Boating News and Alerts

Important news for boaters is posted on this website. Safe boating updates, waterway closure and construction alerts, boat inspections and environmental news.
Our Mission: To provide safe and convenient public access to California's waterways and leadership in promoting safe, enjoyable and environmentally sound recreational boating.
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