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50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007
Law Enforcement Increases Safety on the Water
The Boating Law Enforcement Training Program is available to the
more than 100 public agencies that are responsible for enforcing
California’s boating law. The training curriculum includes classes
in boating safety and enforcement that are certified by the California
State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
These classes instruct officers on boating law, required equipment,
boating under the influence, accident investigation, fire safety,
personal watercraft operation (used for search and rescue), and
coastal navigation.
Cal Boating’s training curriculum has set the industry standard for law
enforcement training, and the demand for training has grown substantially.
The training program has become internationally recognized, with the
department receiving interest from countries as far away as Australia. The
department has responded to this demand by increasing the number of
classes held each year and plans to add more in the future.
Cal Boating’s Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Program
provides $10.6 million each year to 38 local agencies for on the water
boat patrols. Funds are used for enforcing boating laws, assisting
boaters in distress, inspecting vessels, supervising organized boating
events, and conducting search and rescue operations and the
recovery of drowning victims. In addition, federal funds are used
for equipment grants to local agencies for the purchase of patrol boats,
trailers, engines, and other equipment necessary to ensure adequate
law enforcement.
Cal Boating Provides Consumer Protection
Cal Boating’s Yacht and Ship Licensing Program currently licenses 450
yacht brokers and 750 salespersons in California. Similar to the law for
San Bernardino County Sheriff
officer patrols the Colorado River.
Of the accidents that occur on this
river, 80 percent of the operators are
from the Southern California area.