Mullins Farms In Valley Springs

Update: Every boater and personal watercraft driver will need a California Boater Card before they hit the waterways in 2025.

This summer,(2019) any boat or personal watercraft operator 25-and-under must carry a boater card before getting behind the wheel.The Division of Boating and Waterways also offers a free online course with a downloadable study guide. The boater card has a $10 fee and is good for life.

The California Boater Card is being phased in by age, with every operator required to have one by 2025.

Jan. 1, 2018 – Persons 20 years of age or younger
Jan. 1, 2019 – Persons 25 years of age or younger
Jan. 1, 2020 – Persons 35 years of age or younger
Jan. 1, 2021 – Persons 40 years of age or younger
Jan. 1, 2022 – Persons 45 years of age or younger
Jan. 1, 2023 – Persons 50 years of age or younger
Jan. 1, 2024 – Persons 60 years of age or younger
Jan. 1, 2025 – All persons regardless of age

California Boater Card

Welcome to the wonderful world of boating. It’s been about 7 years since I’ve owned a boat. I really missed cruising around the water; boating, tubing, skiing, wake boarding and above all FISHING.

I spent a lot of time in Pleasanton, CA. I originally stored my old boat at that location, but city zoning rules don’t allow you to store  a boat, unless it’s in your backyard and no one can see it. ( Tech tip: If you leave it hitched to your car and move it every 3 days you are fine. Evil grin.)

So We ended up storing it at our vacation home. Check out Fun Cabin Rentals if you’d like more about about our cabin in Twain Harte, CA we rent out 365 days a year. Unfortunately I have a “crazy uncle”. Doesn’t every family seem to have one of those? He decided he’d steal a bunch of parts off the boat, all our ski’s, tow ropes, etc. and sell them on the black market. Of course I can’t prove it but I know it’s him. Insurance basically made the boat a total loss and that was the end of boating for me.

Now that I have a new home in Valley Springs, CA (away from crazy uncle) I figured it’s time to get back into boating. I don’t buy too many things brand new, so I found a slightly used 1989 Sun Runner 195 CV Cuddy Cabin. That way I could sleep on it if need be or do night fishing trips.

1989 Sun Runner 195 CV

Some of you know I’m a pretty avid reader and like to get certifications and what not in various things. So I decided to take a California boater education course. You’ll need to take this if you ever get a ticket on the water; so I guess I am being proactive if that ever happens. It really was pretty good and well worth it. It took about 6 hours to complete.

The class I took was put on by Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc.

I paid $29.95 for the class and they don’t charge extra for your certificate. You can actually go thru the entire class for free if you just want to learn more about boating laws, but you won’t get the certificate at the end.

Boat-Ed.com
14086 Proton Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75244
Telephone: 214-351-0461
https://www.facebook.com/kalkomey
https://www.youtube.com/user/kalkomey

My biggest takeaway from the California Boater Education Class was learning how to correctly pass boats and knowing who was the right of way in various waters under certain conditions. It’s legal to drink on the boat, but the driver can’t be intoxicated (same limits for driving a car).

Go out and get your certificate and be a safer boater.

California Boater Education Course & Class – FYI: No Expiration date on Cert.

Here’s a rundown of the table of contents from the California Boater Education Course:

• Unit 1: Before Getting Underway

  • Topic 1: The Many Parts of a Boat

  • Topic 2: Types of Boat Hulls

  • Topic 3: Boat Length

  • Topic 4: Types of Engines and Drives

  • Topic 5: Personal Watercraft (PWCs)

  • Topic 6: Sailboats

  • Topic 7: Your Boat’s Capacity

  • Topic 8: Float Plans

  • Topic 9: Fuel Your Boat—Safely

  • Topic 10: Trailering Your Boat

  • Topic 11: Tying Nautical Knots

  • Topic 12: Taking Care of Your Boat and Engine

  • Topic 13: Summary

  • Unit 1 Quiz

• Unit 2: Getting Out on the Water

  • Topic 1: Casting Off

  • Topic 2: Docking

  • Topic 3: Navigation Rules—Traffic Laws of the Waterways

  • Topic 4: Navigation Lights

  • Topic 5: Night Navigation

  • Topic 6: Sound Signals

  • Topic 7: Summary

  • Unit 2 Quiz

• Unit 3: Navigation and Safe Operation

  • Topic 1: U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)

  • Topic 2: Anchoring

  • Topic 3: Dams, Locks, and Bridges

  • Topic 4: Changing Water Levels

  • Topic 5: Compasses and Charts

  • Topic 6: Personal Watercraft (PWCs)

  • Topic 7: Ignition Safety (Engine Shut-Off) Switches

  • Topic 8: Avoiding Jet Stream and Propeller Strike Injuries

  • Topic 9: Summary

  • Unit 3 Quiz

• Unit 4: California’s Legal Requirements of Boating

  • Topic 1: Your Boat’s Identification

  • Topic 2: Who May Operate

  • Topic 3: Unlawful Operation

  • Topic 4: Alcohol and Drugs

  • Topic 5: Staying Clear of Other Boats

  • Topic 6: Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)

  • Topic 7: Fire Extinguishers

  • Topic 8: Other Engine Requirements

  • Topic 9: Navigation Lights

  • Topic 10: Federally Controlled Waters

  • Topic 11: Signaling and Sound Devices

  • Topic 12: Additional Regulations and Safety Considerations

  • Topic 13: Personal Watercraft (PWCs)

  • Topic 14: Skiing and Tubing

  • Topic 15: Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal

  • Topic 16: Protect the Environment

  • Topic 17: Boating Accidents and Casualties

  • Topic 18: Enforcement and Penalties

  • Topic 19: Summary

  • Unit 4 Quiz

• Unit 5: Boating Emergencies

  • Topic 1: Risk Management

  • Topic 2: Rescue Techniques

  • Topic 3: Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard

  • Topic 4: Avoiding Collisions

  • Topic 5: Dealing With Fire Emergencies

  • Topic 6: Running Aground

  • Topic 7: Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia

  • Topic 8: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

  • Topic 9: Personal Injuries

  • Topic 10: Weather Emergencies

  • Topic 11: Summoning Help

  • Topic 12: Summary

  • Unit 5 Quiz

• Unit 6: Enjoying Water Sports

  • Topic 1: Responsibilities of a Boat Operator

  • Topic 2: Paddlesports—Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts

  • Topic 3: Water-Skiing and Tubing

  • Topic 4: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

  • Topic 5: Windsurfing and Sailing

  • Topic 6: Fishing and Hunting

  • Topic 7: Summary

  • Unit 6 Quiz
• Practice Exam
• Certification Exam