A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

Chapter 2

Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids

Once registered, the boat registration numbers must be purchased

and displayed properly.

The figures must read left to right.

They must be displayed on the forward half of the starboard (right) and

port (left) sides of the boat.

Numbers must be in plain, block letters.

Numbers must be at least three inches high.

Numbers must be light-colored on dark backgrounds—or dark-colored

on light backgrounds—and must be easy to see, and as high above the

waterline as possible.

No number other than the number assigned can be displayed on the

forward half of the vessel.

Letters must be separated from the numbers by spaces or hyphens.

Registration stickers must be displayed three inches away from the number

and toward the rear of the boat.

REMEMBER

Personal watercraft are boats, not

toys, and are subject to the same

registration and equipment laws as

recreational boats.

Documenting a Boat

Californians can document their boats with the Coast Guard.

Larger boats meeting Coast Guard guidelines can be given a documentation

number by the Coast Guard. Documentation is a form of national registration

and is useful for boats taken into international waters or other countries.

Documented vessels must have their name and hailing port printed on the

stern, above the waterline. In California, a documented vessel may not be

registered by the state. For more information about this process, contact the

Coast Guard.

NOTE

Because of the size and shape of

some models of personal watercraft

or other boats, it may be difficult to

apply registration numbers so that

they’re easy to see. If in doubt, check

with local authorities for proper size

and placement.

Starboard Side

Port Side

CF-1234-JS

CF 1234 JS

CORRECT DISPLAY OF BOAT NUMBERS