California features mesmerizing landscapes, and one of the best ways to appreciate them is from the seat of a kayak.
When I was planning to buy a paddling vessel, that’s when I got to read the California boating laws and regulations. Thankfully, so; otherwise, I’d be paying heavy fines and penalties.
Summarizing them here.
California Kayak Laws
The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is responsible for regulating the state boating laws in California.
Age and Operator Restrictions
California Boater Card age requirements prohibit anyone under 16 years of age from operating a watercraft with a motor larger than 15 horsepower.
According to California law, all boaters between 12 and 15 years of age require adult supervision (18 years of age or older) to operate any motor powered vessel greater than 15 horsepower (including Personal Watercraft).
It was stated that by 2025, boat operators of all ages will be required to have a valid California Boater Card. If you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways, you will also be required to have a California Boater Education Card.
Life Jacket Requirements
The number of increasing deaths and injuries in canoes and kayaks is due to no other than the lack of usage of life jackets.
It is made obliged by law for boating safety kayaks of any length, and other boats less than 16 feet in length must carry one PFD (personal flotation device), which can be of any type except the throwable Type IV.
Before boat launch, everyone must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, which should be:
Correct body and chest size
In good workable condition
Readily accessible
Kayak Registration Requirements
Before registering your kayak in California, know that vessels propelled by oars or paddlers are not subject to registration.
If you operate a motorized vessel, it must be registered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Upon boat registration, you’ll receive registration stickers, a Certificate of number, and a certificate of ownership that’s subject to inspection by an enforcement officer.
Vessels currently registered and kept in another state (after more than 90 days of use, California should be considered the state of principal use).
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Kayaking under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in California state. The criteria are as follows:
21 years of age or older with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or older
No person under 21 years of age may operate a vessel, water skis, or similar device who has 0.01 percent or more of alcohol in his or her blood by weight.
If a person convicted of operating a vessel under the influence, he/she may be subjected to a fine of up to $250 and participation in an alcohol education or community service program.
If you are 21 years of age or older and have 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in your blood, you may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Ps – No person is permitted by law to operate a vessel or towed device (water skis, wakeboard, etc.) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Other Boating Laws
Lights Law: You must have legal lighting between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.
Sounding Device Laws: Vessels less than 12 meters long and operating in California state waters must carry a whistle, horn, or other means to make an efficient sound signal audible for at least one-half mile. You must have it attached to your PFD.
Fire Extinguisher Laws: Boats less than 26 feet don’t require fire extinguishers as they have no fuel tanks installed and don’t have spaces where vapors can collect. Other boats must have a B-1 Class Fire Extinguisher fitted on board.
To Wrap Up: Boating Rules and Regulations
I hope my insights will help you have trouble-free boating experiences. These laws apply to both kayaks and canoes.
If you want to go kayaking in California, know that your vessel must be registered, you must carry one wearable PFD approved by the Coast Guard, and you must abide by all kayaking laws—you’re good to go!
