It is About Time for that CA Boating Card!

This video was from last month, filmed near Fort Bragg, California. The best part of being on the ocean that day was seeing the Coast Guard practice maneuvers. 

We were fortunate to be out on the boat that day, because the retrofit connection between the motors twisted and failed. The trolling motor prevented the other motor from being turned to the right. The Mr., an experienced mariner, navigated to the dock by reversing and turning to the left. He had to cut the line between the motors. 

We were surprised to find there was no regulatory agency that monitored boat safety. If a part is unsafe and prone to malfunction, there is no one to notify. There are over 600,000 registered recreational vessels in California. 

Another surprise to find is that California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) requires a California Boater Card. As of January 2022, the card is required for operators 45 years of age or younger. By January 1, 2025, the card will be required for all persons regardless of age. The requirement is phased in as follows.  

California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 678.11(b) contains the following phase-in schedule based on operator age:

• January 1, 2018 – Persons 20 years of age or younger
• January 1, 2019 – Persons 25 years of age or younger
• January 1, 2020 – Persons 35 years of age or younger
• January 1, 2021 – Persons 40 years of age or younger
• January 1, 2022 – Persons 45 years of age or younger
• January 1, 2023 – Persons 50 years of age or younger
• January 1, 2024 – Persons 60 years of age or younger
• January 1, 2025 – All persons regardless of age

There has been no mention of this new requirement from the DBW on social media or the news.

I think this is great because we have seen a lot of bad behavior from boaters that are clueless about navigation rules of the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Last year, I was injured on the boat when another boater decided to pass us heading out of the mouth of the harbor. It is a No Wake Zone, and that is a big No No, not to mention an incredibly stupid move. 

As the other boat passed us, it somehow picked up the line to one of our fishing poles (he passed that close to us). I grabbed the pole but the line cut through deep on my index finger. I let go and then re-grabbed the Shimano pole just in time to save it. The boater blew past us and out onto the ocean. 

Some time later, while out fishing he was heard over the radio, "I seem to be having trouble with one of my motors. I will have to get a tow in from the Coast Guard." Karma is a b***h, my friend. That fishing line must have wrapped neatly around that motor ensuring a very costly mistake. 

For those of you in California, here is the link to preparatory courses to apply for your California Boating Card https://californiaboatercard.com/courses/