California’s waters can get crowded. Just ask any sportfishing captain chasing yellowfin these days. The sportfishing fleet electronics and chumming only inspires private boaters to shadow them. A few of the sportfishers have been known to try and “muscle” private boaters off a spot.
Private boaters in California waters have few requirements to operate a boat: other than a current registration and properly displayed hull ID, a fire extinguisher, life vests, and a life ring aboard. No driver’s license is needed, no insurance is required. Most boating rules in California are specific to each waterway; from speed and distance to closed areas and angling rules. Operating a vessel while intoxicated will incur a DUI charge as stiff as if you were on the road, though spotting an intoxicated operator is tough.
There is a Coast Guard–approved, in-depth boating course that can be taken online or in person: America’s Boating Course. The instruction will be held in a classroom and in the water at the Southwestern Yacht Club this Friday and Saturday; $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers. The two-day certification course covers topics from introduction to boating, boating law and navigation, to specifics on hunting, skiing, and fishing.
California’s waters can get crowded. Just ask any sportfishing captain chasing yellowfin these days. The sportfishing fleet electronics and chumming only inspires private boaters to shadow them. A few of the sportfishers have been known to try and “muscle” private boaters off a spot.
Private boaters in California waters have few requirements to operate a boat: other than a current registration and properly displayed hull ID, a fire extinguisher, life vests, and a life ring aboard. No driver’s license is needed, no insurance is required. Most boating rules in California are specific to each waterway; from speed and distance to closed areas and angling rules. Operating a vessel while intoxicated will incur a DUI charge as stiff as if you were on the road, though spotting an intoxicated operator is tough.
There is a Coast Guard–approved, in-depth boating course that can be taken online or in person: America’s Boating Course. The instruction will be held in a classroom and in the water at the Southwestern Yacht Club this Friday and Saturday; $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers. The two-day certification course covers topics from introduction to boating, boating law and navigation, to specifics on hunting, skiing, and fishing.
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