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Our Mission
To provide safe and convenient public access to California's waterways and leadership in promoting safe, enjoyable and environmentally sound recreational boating.
According to state law, a boat owner/operator must report their boat accident to California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) if the accident results in death, disappearance or injury to a person requiring medical attention beyond first aid, damage to a vessel or other property exceeding $500 or complete loss of a vessel, regardless of value. Boat accidents must be reported within specific time periods.
Complete a Boating Accident Report (Form BAR-1) (PDF, opens in new tab).
In California, non-native mussels such as Golden, Quagga, and Zebra Mussels can damage your boat, leading to costly repairs by attaching to the interior and exterior surfaces of your watercraft. They can block your engine cooling systems, resulting in overheating and damage, clog other internal passages including hoses, seacocks and strainers, and jam steering equipment. Encrusted hulls increase drag, adding to the boat’s fuel consumption. Besides what they can do to your boat, they can also shut down water access.
Clean, Drain, and Dry practices are well known around the country. Here in California, boaters and anglers know that these practices are not just crucial for limiting the spread of invasive mussels but also for protecting their boats.
Get your Mussel Fee Sticker from the DMV (opens in new tab).
Boating Programs and Resources
California Boater Card – Apply Now (opens in new tab)
Do you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways? Take note: beginning January 1, 2025, all boaters regardless of age must carry a California Boater Card when operating on state waterways.
Safety Equipment
Carrying the proper safety equipment on your boat is not only smart, it’s the law! Find the required safety equipment for your type of boat. The ABCs of California Boating includes California boating law in an easy to read format.
Mussel Fee (Quagga) Sticker
California DMV-registered vessels operating in fresh waterways must display a current “Mussel Fee Sticker” on the vessel’s hull next to the registration sticker. Paying the mussel fee is a separate DMV transaction from the registration sticker. Purchase your sticker on the DMV Mussel Fee page (opens in new tab). They are also available at DMV field offices and at AAA, for members.
Places to Boat in California
No matter where you boat in California, a water adventure awaits you—each one as big and unique as the state itself. It can be majestic as sailing around San Francisco Bay within view of the Golden Gate Bridge, or as heart-thumping as riding the flows of the Lower Kern River. Pick a destination!
Pump Out Stations
Pump it. Don’t dump it! It’s against the law. Raw sewage can spread disease, contaminate shellfish beds, and lower oxygen levels in water. Marine sanitation devices and pump out stations are readily available throughout the state. You can help by never dumping raw sewage into California waters.
Boating News and Alerts
Important news for boaters is posted on this website: safe boating updates, waterway closure and construction alerts, boat inspections and environmental news.
Register Your Boat Today
If you own a sailboat over eight feet long or a boat/vessel with a motor (no matter the size), you must register it with DMV in order to legally operate it on California waterways.
Learn more about registering your boat with the DMV (opens in new tab)