Like you there are many other boaters who like boating. Honestly, it is hard to pick a single reason for loving boating activity, as there is a long list of loving boating. Many of us like boating as it is good for both mental and physical health. Fresh air, Vitamin D, and many other physical activities keep boaters sane and increase their quality of life, improve their mood, and also boost their fitness.
Moreover, despite your age, you can go boating, it is a healthy activity and excellent enjoyment. For instance, fishing, tubing, skiing, and sightseeing are for all people despite their ages. In short, boating is a great way to get out of your daily grind and breathe in the fresh and open air.
So if you have decided on a boating trip, you need to make a plan, conduct research, and follow all the requirements and rules that a state has set for the boaters. If you are not aware of these rules and requirements, we have done the homework and come up with a guide and list of things you should know and do before starting your boating trip. To learn about the boating laws, rules, and requirements continue reading.
Take a Boating Course
Expert, experienced, and new boater all are alike; they need to take a boating course in order to understand the rules and boating requirements. Since you are living in California, your state requires boaters to have their boating license. Below is the CA boating license requirement:
1. Operator and Age Restrictions
California law requires boaters to be sixteen years of age and should have his/her California Boating Card in order to legally operate a boat. According to the state rule, it is illegal to allow a person under the age of sixteen to operate a PWCs or boat powered by the motor by 15hp. They always require onboard supervision by a boater nineteen years of age or the one who has his own boating card.
2. Rules Related to Lifejacket
Everyone onboard has to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This is for the boater’s safety. Different studies have shown that more than thirty percent of people who don’t wear safety lifejackets meet death if a boat accident occurs. So make sure to keep your lifejacket and other safety equipment before leaving your place.
3. Learn About All Signals and Signs
Understanding navigation marks and signs are the most crucial to understand. If you are confused with the other provided guides on navigation marks and signs read below for the better understanding:
• A system of lights, poles, buoys is used to navigate safely. Each type of color, light, topmark, and shapes used to help boaters.
• Buoys are signals to warn danger.
• Lateral marks indicate the starboard and port sides of the waterway when you are traveling in the buoyage‘s direction.
• Special marks indicate the special area of water, for instance, no boating zone or speed restricted area.
