California. Boat rental businesses in California must register with the state's Department of Boating and Waterways prior to operating within the state's waterways. All each rental boat used for recreational purposes must also be registered with the department as well.
Do I need insurance when I rent a boat? Only a few states require boat insurance. Whether or not you're required to carry insurance for a boat rental may depend on whom you're renting from. Boat rental companies and marinas that offer boat rentals may mandate boat liability coverage or some form of boat insurance.
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 watercraft (PWCs).
Ing to California law the following persons are not required to have a boater card to operate a motorized vessel on California waterways: A person operating a rental vessel.
No. Operators renting a boat in California are not required to obtain a Boater Card — however, it is highly recommended. Most boating accidents occur because operators don't have the proper knowledge and training to operate safely.
California law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a USCG–approved life jacket while underway in a recreational vehicle of any length (unless tethered to a sailboat or in an enclosed cabin).
Department of Parks and Recreation Please visit CaliforniaBoaterCard to take one of the approved courses and exam. You will then provide your ApplicationID to one of the approved course providers, and pass the corresponding exam.