What are the legal requirements to operate a boat?

In California, there are some legal requirements that must be met in order to lawfully operate a boat. To start, anyone who is operating a boat must have a valid California Boater Card. This card is issued by the State and requires the boater to pass an exam on boating safety. The boat must also be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This registration must be renewed yearly and is required before it can be legally used in the water. The registration is proof that the boat meets all safety requirements established by the state. In addition, operators of boat must be at least 16 years old and must obey all federal and state boating laws. These include laws such as the speed limit, which changes depending on the conditions and location, how you must act when passing other boats, and how close to shore you must be while operating a boat. Alcohol use while operating a boat is also illegal. Lastly, it is vital that the operator of the boat wear a life jacket at all times. It is also important to have other essential safety items on board such as a fire extinguisher, flares, and a first-aid kit. By following all of these requirements, you can ensure that you are operating your boat legally and safely in California.

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What are the legal requirements to operate a boat?

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