Publications

Below is a list of publications covering access information to California’s recreational waterways, boating rules and safety, and well as environmentally safe boating practices.

Publications may be viewed and downloaded online* and/or ordered free of charge.  To submit an order:

Visit DBW's Online Ordering System
Call (888) 326-2822
Guide to Ordering Publications (General Public: Single Orders)
Guide to Ordering Publications (Partners: Bulk Orders)

ABCs of California Boating
Explains state boating laws and regulations for equipment, rules of the road, vessel operation, accident reporting, and aids to navigation. Includes an accident report form and float plan (in English or Spanish).

DBW Boating Safety Course

The DBW boating safety course, California Course for Safe Boating, is a 136-page eCoursebook designed to be studied at home. It covers state and federal boating laws, rules of the road, and much more. The course materials also include a 60-question exam. Participants who receive a passing score of at least 80 percent will receive a certificate of completion. Individuals who take and pass the course beginning will be eligible to apply for the California Boater Card. 

How to take the course: 
The eCoursebook is only available online; click here to open the digital eCoursebook directions, eCoursebook and exams. Request exam answer sheets by email from BoatingSafetyCourse@parks.ca.gov or by calling 1-916-902-8486.  Books, exams, and answer sheets cannot be delivered via fax or email.

2010 ADA Standards Excerpts for Recreational Boating Facilities
The California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) prepared this booklet to address the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 ADA Standards) that apply to recreational boating facilities. Designed and written to be of value in the planning, funding, design, construction and maintenance of accessible recreational boating facilities, the booklet will be of particular value to inform and assist planners, engineers, architects, designers, contractors, state and local government officials, marina owners and operators, and the recreational boating community statewide. The 2010 ADA Standards are applicable in both the public and private sectors.

Cover, Intro and TOC - 2010 ADA Standards Excerpts for Recreational Boating Facilities
Part A - 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Part B - 2010 ADA Standards Text, Exceptions, Advisories,References,Cross References & Comments for Clarification Regarding Recreational Boating Facilities

Aquatic Invasive Species
Boat Cleaning Guide Book
Hydrilla, Boater Alert
Explains what hydrilla is and tells boaters how they can avoid spreading this aquatic pest from one waterway to another.
Quagga / Zebra Mussel Card
Quagga / Zebra Mussel Card (Spanish)
Quagga / Zebra Mussel Poster

Boating Instruction Centers

Clean Boating
Clean Boating Habits
Clean Boating Posters
These clean boating posters address topics such as fueling, sewage, boat cleaning and maintenance, oil and hazardous waste and trash and marine debris management. The posters promote clean boating practices to ensure that safe and clean boating is part of the boaters' experience enjoying California waterways.
Clean Vessel Act
Explains requirements and laws regarding the Clean Vessel Act.
Environmental Boating Laws Every Recreational Boater Should Know
This brochure contains information on Environmental Boating Laws for fuel and oil, sewage, dispersants, hazardous waste, plastic and marine debris. Every recreational boater should ensure that clean boating is part of their experience of enjoying California waterways.
Federal Marine Sanitation Device Regulations
Describes Federal regulations and includes a list of no discharge areas in California.
San Francisco Clean Boating Map
Produced by the City and County of San Francisco Department of the Environment, the California Division of Boating and Waterways, and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean & Green Program.
When Nature Calls
When Nature Calls - Web Version
This publication provides boaters with information about proper boat sewage management, Marine Sanitation Devices, how to steps for pumping out boat sewage, no discharge zones and restricted water bodies, laws, and green solutions. This publication was produced by The Bay Foundation and the Division of Boating and Waterways.

Consumer Protection
How to Buy a Used Boat
The pleasant way to purchase your pleasure craft.
State Water Project Recreation Facilities
Contains information about many of the State Water Project recreational facilities in California, including amenity listings, contact information, and location. For more information on this publication please contact the Department of Water Resources at (800) 272-8869 or write to DWR, Publications Unit, 1416 9th Street, Room #338, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Fundamentals of Boating
ABCs of California Boating
Explains state boating laws and regulations for equipment, rules of the road, vessel operation, accident reporting, and aids to navigation. Includes an accident report form and float plan (in English or Spanish).
Boat Launching Facilities - Design Handbook (Main, Appendix A, B1, B2, C1, C2)
Boating and Alcohol
Explains the effects of alcohol when combined with the stresses of boating. Includes an alcohol consumption and blood-alcohol chart (in English or Spanish).
Carbon Monoxide
Includes required decals.
Boaters: Protect Yourself from this silent Killer!
Carbon Monoxide: Stay Out of the Carbon Monoxide Zone!
Comic book which educates school-age children about marine carbon monoxide.
Classes
California boating safety class gives the who, what, where, when, why and how of boating safety classes.
Courses
California boating safety course is a 60-page workbook you can study at home at your own pace. Covers state and federal laws, rules of the road, and much more. Take the optional 50-question test and send it to us for your official certificate of completion.
Drowning Prevention Checklist
Offers pool and spa owners a checklist of pointers to help prevent child drownings (in English or Spanish).
Fire Extinguishers
Describes the various types of Coast Guard-approved extinguishers for motor boats and the laws regarding them.
Hunters and Anglers
Recommends safety precautions for people who use small boats to hunt and fish.
Life Jackets and the Law
Describes the various types of lifesaving devices, and the number and types required to be carried on board.
Maintenance Checklist
This 17-page booklet will help those who conduct boat cleaning, repair, and maintenance activities outside of a boat repair facility to identify ways to prevent pollutants from entering California waterways.
Marine Security
Provides tips on protecting your boat and gear from theft.
Paddle Craft: Be Smart Be Safe, Have Fun
Covers the required equipment and recommended safety practices for using canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts.
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Contains information on boating safety classes, required and recommended equipment, the rules of the road, registration, and restrictions on speed, noise and age (in English or Spanish).
Personal Water Craft Online Safety Course
Offers tips on how to operate PWC's in a safe and legal manner.
Quiet Boating For Everyone
Provides information on the state's motorboat noise laws, and how to be a quiet boater.
Safety Card
Boating safety card illustrates the rules of the road, the California Waterway Marking system, weather advisories, and recognized distress signals, on a 5" by 8" card.
Safety Rules for Boating Sticker
Displays the rules of the road on a self-adhesive sticker.
Towing Sports
Covers the legal requirements, restrictions and safety practices for towing sports.
Towing Tips for Trailer Sailors
Explains the proper use and maintenance of a recreational boat trailer.
Vessel Trun-In Program (VTIP) Brochure
Windsurfing
Offers safety and weather flag advice, as well as a hypothermia chart.

Laws
2012 California Boating Law
Contains the boating laws and regulations of the State of California including excerpts from the Harbors and Navigation, Corporations, Education, Fish and Wildlife, Government, Health and Safety, Penal, Public Resources, Vehicle, and Water Codes, the California Code of Regulations and the Federal Inland Navigation Rules as they relate to boating. All changes through January 2012 are included.
ABCs of California Boating
Explains state boating laws and regulations for equipment, rules of the road, vessel operation, accident reporting, and aids to navigation. Includes an accident report form and float plan (in English or Spanish).
Boating Under the Influence Information Card
Lists legal penalties for boating under the influence.
Environmental Boating Laws Every Recreational Boater Should Know
This brochure contains information on Environmental Boating Laws for fuel and oil, sewage, dispersants, hazardous waste, plastic and marine debris. Every recreational boater should ensure that clean boating is part of their experience of enjoying California waterways.
Marine Pollution Laws
Covers state and federal laws governing the disposal of plastic debris and other garbage in the ocean, marine sanitation, and the use of anti-fouling paint.
Vessel Repair Law

Marina Berthing Facilities - Design Guidelines
DBW just published the 2005 edition of this invaluable resource for marina planners and designers. It provides technical assistance in the development of California public marinas.

Layout & Design Guidelines for Boat Launching Facilities

Map & Guides

American River (North and Middle Forks) – Boating Trail Guide Covers the North Fork from Iowa Hill Bridge to Lake Clementine and the Middle Fork from Oxbow Put-In to Mammoth Bar. Includes a map and white water class system chart.

American River (South Fork) – Boating Trail Guide Features a public access map of the South Fork. Includes information of the history, plant life, and local regulations of the area.

American River Parkway – Boating Trail Guide Includes safety hints and a map for paddling the lower American River from Nimbus Dam to the Sacramento River.

Chart Agents List- Lists agents authorized to sell nautical charts and related National Ocean Service publications.

Colorado River Safe Boating Hints Series

Colorado River (Blythe to Imperial Dam) Boating Trail Guide – Features 11 maps.

Colorado River (Davis Dam to Parker Dam) Boating Trail Guide – Features 5 maps.

Colorado River, Tri-State Boating Safety Guide- Provides information on the boating laws in Arizona, California and Nevada as well as recommended boating safety practices for the Colorado River.

Delta Safe Boating Hints Series

Delta Boaters' Pumpout and Map Guide (In Spanish) -A map with the locations of pumpouts throughout the Delta. Includes information about clean boating including equipment, practices and legal requirements.

Delta Map for Recreational Boating- The purpose of this map is to help boaters and the general public conveniently find environmental services within the central and southern areas of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Delta (Delta).

Kern River, (pamphlet) (map) -A Boating Trail Guide to the Includes a map of the river and information and safety, logistics, camping and more.

Lake Tahoe Boating Safety and Environmental Hints

Merced River - A Boating Trail Guide to the Features a map of the Merced River Canyon. Includes information on the history, wildlife, and fishing and fire regulations of the area.

Monterey – SLO – Santa Barbara, -Vessel Pumpout Locator Card. Maps show the location of vessel sewage pumpout facilities and pumpout stations.

Morro Bay Safe Boating Hints Series

MSD's: Shipshape Sanitation, MSD's and Pumpouts- Explains the laws regarding vessel sewage discharge, and the importance of proper disposal.

Northern Coast Safe Boating Hints Series

Sacramento River Safe Boating Hints Series

Sacramento River Bend Map and Guide

Sacramento River (Redding to Red Bluff) Boating Trail Guide - Includes a map, and information on the history and wildlife of the area.

Sacramento River (Woodson Bridge to Colusa) Boating Trail Guide – Features a map with a chart that predicts your rafting trip time according to the river flow in cubic-feet per second.

Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta Recreational Boating Map -Produced by Keep the Delta Clean with the California Department of Boating and Waterways, and the California Coastal Commission.

Salton Sea Safe Boating Hints Series

San Francisco Bay- Includes historical and safety information, including information on the U.S. Coast Guard's vessel traffic Routing system and precautionary zone; weather; safety equipment; what to do when you need assistance; and more.

San Francisco Bay Boaters' Pumpout and Map Guide (In Spanish) -A map with locations of pumpouts throughout the San Francisco Bay. Includes information about clean boating including equipment, practices and legal requirements.

Shipshape Sanitation, MSD's and Pumpouts -Explains the laws regarding vessel sewage discharge, and the importance of proper disposal.

Smith River- Boating Trail Guide Covers all the navigable waters of this Wild and Scenic river to the ocean.

Southern Coast Safe Boating Hints Series

Tomales Bay Safe Boating Hints Series

Trinity River, A Boating Trail Guide to the

Tuolumne River – Boating Trail Guide Covers the Tuolumne from Don Pedro Dam to Yosemite National Park.

Delta Boaters' Pumpout and Map Guide (In Spanish)
A map with the locations of pumpouts throughout the Delta. Includes information about clean boating including equipment, practices and legal requirements.
San Francisco Bay Boaters' Pumpout and Map Guide (In Spanish)
A map with locations of pumpouts throughout the San Francisco Bay. Includes information about clean boating including equipment, practices and legal requirements.
San Francisco Clean Boating Map
Produced by the City and County of San Francisco Department of the Environment, the California Division of Boating and Waterways, and the California Coastal Commission's Boating Clean & Green Program. The San Francisco Bay Area Clean Boating Map features locations of marina-based pollution prevention services (used oil collection, sewage and bilge pumpout, oil absorbent distribution and collection, marine battery collection), mobile boat-to-boat services and helpful information about clean and safe boating practices.
Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta Recreational Boating Map
Produced by Keep the Delta Clean Program, the California Division of Boating and Waterways, and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean & Green Program. This map features pollution prevention services at marinas, general marina characteristics, certified used Oil Collection centers and information about clean and safe boating.

Southern California Boater's Guide
This guide provides valuable information about the numerous recreational opportunities within the 15 Southern California harbors, conveniently features boat safety and proper maintenance techniques and offers custom maps and practical harbor information such as how to obtain a guest slip, location of waste and pumpout facilities, entrance obstacles, and much more. This guide was produced by The Bay Foundation and the Division of Boating and Waterways.  The Guide is available to purchase from The Bay Foundation, or as a free download, or as an interactive e-book for iPad versions 2 and above.

Teachers & Kids

AquaSMART Activity book for Kids
24-page coloring-and-activities book on water and boating safety (in English or Spanish).


Posters
Get Into It
Life Jacket Loan Station
Ride Safe, Ride Smart
Safe Boating is Big Fun!
Use Care When Fueling Your Boat
Choose Less Toxic Cleaning and Maintenance Products
Practice Preventative Engine Maintenance and Use Oil Absorbents
Use Pumpouts and Dump Stations
Bring All Your Trash Back to Shore

Miscellaneous
Publications From Other Agencies
Homeland Security And The Boaters Role English - Español