California's New Boating Card Requirement
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel that California's new boating card requirement is more about money than safety? As an owner of a pontoon boat, I must take a 3-hour online class and pass a test to operate a boat on the lake. But if I had no boating experience and rented a boat, I would not be required to have the class or the card. That is just plain ridiculous.
Comments (3)
From what I understand, it's not "new" - it's been getting phased in since 2018 (7 years ago), based on age. However, a $10 lifetime card isn't too bad. We have a similar requirement here in Kentucky, but it only applies to people under 18 (12-17 years old). If you go to the link below, you'll see that most states actually have a similar requirement. I've lived on the lake here in Kentucky nearly my whole life and nobody bats an eye about it. Personally, $10 for a lifetime card to help ensure you know the laws of the waterways is pocket change. I've seen too many idiots out operating watercraft - often going 50+ MPH on the water - that didn't need to be operating a boat for any reason.
Yes, you could possibly rent a boat and the rental facility wouldn't check anything, but it's ultimately your responsibility to have one. If you were to ever get stopped by the game warden or any of the water-based law enforcement, then that would be on you 100% for not having a boating card/license.
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https://californiaboatercard.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Mandatory-Boating-Education-Requirements-State-by-State.pdf
I mean, look at the first word in this post's title. Having lived in California for close to 40 years, I've gotten used to these nanny mandates by now.
We have a voluntary course in Florida. I took it and learned some new things. Also, check with your boat insurance company, you may be eligible for a discount.