The BOATsmart! Boater Safety Course includes all of the knowledge required to pass the Official Boating Safety Test and obtain your California Boater Education Card. When completing the online boating...
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Is BOATsmart! a Recognized Boating Safety Organization?
Yes. The BOATsmart! Boating Safety Course and Official Boating Safety Test have been officially approved by the California Division of Boating and Waterways, the National Association of State Boating ...
Who Is Required To Wear Life Jackets On California Waters?
The only boaters REQUIRED to wear their life jackets in California are: •Any boaters 13 years of age or younger who are on boats under 26 feet in length. •PWC operators and passengers. •Passenge...
Are Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operators Required To Have a ‘Kill Switch’ In California?
California does not require the installation of a ‘kill switch’ on a PWC. However, if you own any boat or PWC that is equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard, the state of California d...
Do I Need a Driver’s License To Operate a Motorized Boat?
It depends on your age. From 2018 to 2025, the state is phasing in mandatory boater education based on operator age, requiring boaters to have a boating license, similar to how a driver’s licens...
Will My California Boating License Card Ever Expire?
Nope! Your BOATsmart! Card will be good for life. But don’t be a stranger – BOATsmart! offers free refresher lessons that will help you keep your boating knowledge up to date! California&#...
Will My California Boating License Be Valid In Other States?
Yes! The BOATsmart! Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of mot...
Can I Access The BOATsmart! California Boating Safety Test Without Completing The 3-Hour Online BOATsmart! Course?
No. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requires California boaters to complete the full 3-hour online study guide in order to access the online version of the Boater...
I Read The BOATsmart! Study Guide Module, Why Can’t I Access The Next Lesson?
In order to access to the next module lesson or the module quiz, you must complete the minimum time requirement on your current lesson page. You’ll likely be able to move forward by the time you...
Do I Need To Insure My Boat In California?
Boater’s are not required to have boat insurance in California. However, in some states boaters are required to carry boat insurance, so always check with boating law authorities in the state yo...