As many of you may remember, in 2014, Governor Brown Jr. signed Senate Bill 941 into law. The bill was to promote boating safety education for California boat operators. The law will be implemented under the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). Operator Cards (CVOC) will be issued to those persons who provide proof that a vessel operator examination has been passed by the individual.
Implementation of the new law will be phased in over a seven year period, with each passing year requiring a new age group to get their cards. By January 1, 2025, all persons operating a vessel will be required to have a CVOC or qualify for one of the exemptions. The cards will remain valid for the boater’s lifetime.
The phase stages are below:
- 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
The list of exemptions is below:
- A person who is a resident of a state other than California who is temporarily operating a vessel in California for less than 60 days and meets the boating requirements, if any of his/her state.
- A person who is a resident of a country other than the United States who is temporarily operating a vessel in California for less than 90 days and meets the boating requirements, if any of his/her country.
- A person operating a vessel while under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who is in possession of a CVOC issued by DBW.
- A person operating a vessel in an organized regatta or vessel race, or water ski race.
- A person operating a rental vessel.
- A person who is in possession of a current commercial fishing license.
- A person who is in possession of a valid marine operator license, for the waters upon which the licensee is operating, issued by the United State Coast Guard, or who is in possession of a valid certificate issued pursuant to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.
- A person who has successfully completed a boating course approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
There are several facets of the law that are “to be determined” and you can monitor the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways website to stay up to date as the first phase of enforcement, January 1, 2018 draws nearer.
Photo Credit – CA Department of Boating and Waterways
