A Course for Safe Boating

Chapter 2 u Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids

AGE OF OPERATOR In California

ƒ 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 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.

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 Turn to page 100 for correct answers .

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California Boating  A Course for Safe Boating