143035_DBW Course_r3

Chapter 2 X Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids

False Search and Rescue Calls Anyone who reports to a state or local agency that an emergency exists knowing that the report is false is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, a fine up to $1,000, or by both imprisonment and fine. An emergency includes any condition that results in, or could result in, the response of a public official in an authorized emergency vehicle, vessel or aircraft. It is a felony for anyone to falsely report to any state or government agency that an emergency exists when the reporter knows, or should know, that the response to the report is likely to cause death or great bodily injury to some one as a result of the false report. Age of Operator in California ƒ A person must be 16 years of age or older to operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower. Exceptions : There is no age limit to operate a sailboat under 30 feet long (if using wind as the main source of propulsion), or a dinghy used directly between a moored vessel and the shoreline or between two moored vessels. ƒ People 12 to 15 years of age may operate any vessel powered by a motor of more than 15-horsepower, if they’re supervised on board by someone at least 18 years of age who is in possession of a California Boater Card as required by California law. (Harbors and Navigation Code 678.11.(B)2)

TAKE NOTE

Making a false emergency report is against the law and it can keep law enforcement officers from responding to real emergencies.

WEBSITE By 2025, all persons operating power vessels in California will be required to carry the California Boater Card. Some exemptions apply. For the complete age phase-in schedule visit: CaliforniaBoaterCard.com

REVIEW QUESTIONS: BOATING LAW

Answer these questions by circling T for true or F for false. 1. The Coast Guard enforces the law on state and federal waters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F 2. You are responsible for obeying boating laws you don’t know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F 3. The use of a blue light is reserved for law enforcement vessels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F 4. Peace officers can order the operator of an unsafe vessel to shore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F 5. A person convicted of any moving violation while operating a vessel must complete and pass a boating safety course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F 6. There are no penalties for making a false emergency report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F 7. A person must be at least 12 to operate a powerboat unsupervised. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F 8. By 2025 all boat operators must carry a valid California Boater Card when boating within the state. . . . . T F 9. A DBW-approved course must be passed in order to get a California Boater Card... . . . . . . . . . . . . . T F Turn to page 100 for correct answers .

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California Course for Safe Boating