Some of the unit's responsibilities include enforcement of boating laws and regulations, assistance to stranded boaters, inspection of vessels for proper equipment, supervision of organized water events, search and rescue operations, recovery of drowning victims, investigation of boating accidents, and boating safety presentations, and evacuation of citizens in flood conditions.
Several boats and crafts of various sizes and designs are used to accomplish the unit's mission. The unit will also summon the surrounding counties for mutual aid from their sheriff's boat patrol units if the need arises.
If you would like to have a boating safety or water safety presentation, please contact the Boat Patrol Sergeant through our contact form or telephone (530) 822-7307.
California Boating Laws and Regulations
Age and Operator Restrictions
California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercrafts (PWCs).
Exceptions to this are:
Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of a California Boater Card.
There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 ft. long (wind as propulsion) or a dinghy used between a moored vessel(s) and/or shore.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD), commonly known as "Life Jackets"
Children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a moving boat that’s 26 feet in length or less. The life jacket must be of proper size and fit for the child.
Vessels less than 16 feet in length must have one Coast Guard-approved life jacket onboard the vessel for each person. They must be readily accessible, good condition and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer.
Vessels 16 feet to less than 26 feet in length must have one Coast Guard-approved life jacket onboard the vessel for each person. They must be readily accessible, good condition and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer. In addition, the vessel must carry an approved Type IV throwable device which should be immediately available (canoes and kayaks are exempt from the Type IV device).
Personal Watercraft (PWC), commonly known as "Jet Skis"
- Everyone on a personal watercraft or being towed must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket.
- Lanyard-every PWC must be equipped with a lanyard cutoff switch which is attached to his or her person during operation.
- Nighttime Operation Prohibited-The law prohibits the operation of PWC at any time from sunset to sunrise, even if the PWC is equipped with navigational lights.
- Reasonable and Prudent Operation-California law holds that no person shall operate any craft in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger any person. Some examples are:
- Jumping or attempting to jump the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of the other vessel.
- Turning sharply towards any person or vessel in the water in an attempt to spray the person.
- Operating at a rate of speed and proximity to another vessel so that either operator is required to swerve to avoid a collision.
Reckless or Negligent Operation of a Vessel
- No person shall operate any vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane or similar device in a reckless or negligent manner. Examples of such operation include, but are not limited to:
- Riding on the bow(front), gunwale(side), or transom(rear) of a vessel underway, propelled by machinery, when such position is not protected by railing or other reasonable deterrent to falling overboard.
- Operating under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics. Alcohol is a factor in 49% of all fatal motorboat accidents in California. Persons 21 years of age or older shall not operate any vessel, water skis or similar device with .08% or more, by weight, of alcohol in their blood. Persons 21 years of age or younger shall not operate any vessel, water skis or similar device with .01% or more, by weight, of alcohol in their blood.
- Speeding in confined or restricted areas, within 100 feet of a bather (not a water skier) or within 200 feet of a bathing beach, swimming float or dock where boats are tied up.
- "Buzzing" or "wetting down" others
For more information on boating and water safety, please contact Boat Patrol Sergeant using our contact form or telephone (530) 822-7307.
Q: The “joke” I keep hearing is that the two happiest days for a boat owner are the day the boat is bought, and the day the boat is sold. I am not believing that, and am about to buy a nice sized motor boat. We have two kids. First question: What are the basics for someone to legally operate a boat here?
M.B., Marina Del Rey
A: In order to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 horse power or more, including personal watercraft, California requires a person to be at least 16 years of age and in possession of a California boater card. There are exceptions for people 12 to 15 years of age, if they are supervised on board by someone who is at least 18 years of age and has a California boater card. Also, there is no age restriction to operate a sailboat under 30 feet long (with wind as the main source of propulsion), or a dinghy used between a moored vessel and the shore, or between two moored vessels.
The California Division of Boating and Waterways sets forth online, in detail, the ABCs of California boating. The information there includes required equipment, waterway markings, and emergency and accident procedures. Go to dbw.parks.ca.gov (or type “California Division of Boating and Waterways, ABCs” in your web browser) for more information.
Q: Second question — is it necessary to have insurance for the boat?
M.B., Marina Del Rey
A: In California, liability coverage is required to operate a boat or personal watercraft. You must carry at least $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury — the former for a single claimant, the latter no matter how many — and $5,000 for property damage. That said, a note of caution: These minimums may not be enough (or nearly enough) if a major accident occurs.
Notice requirement
California law requires a boater involved in an accident to submit a written report to the Division of Boating and Waterways when there is a death, disappearance or injury requiring medical care beyond first aid, or if there is property damage totaling more than $500.
Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for over 35 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional.
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