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Boating Law Enforcement Training Program

California boating law is enforced by more than 100 local government agencies throughout the state.  Each year, officers from all over the state attend the numerous classes Cal Boating offers.  The result is that recreational boaters can expect the boating laws to be enforced uniformly on all of the states waterways.

Cal Boating training courses are designed for the various experience levels of marine patrol officers.  The law enforcement training program classes consist of Basic Boating Safety and Enforcement, Boating Under the Influence, Basic Accident Investigation and Reconstruction, Advanced Accident Investigation and Reconstruction, Introduction to Personal Watercraft for Law Enforcement, Coastal Piloting & Navigation, Boating Marine Fires, Boating Skills Operation and Rescue Boat Operations.

Cal Boating offers a “Masters Certificate” program for those officers who have successfully completed the classes in navigation, boating handling, marine fire fighting, and boating law enforcement.   These individuals receive a certificate and a pin recognizing their commitment to boating safety and enforcement.

Individuals wishing to attend a Cal Boating course must be assigned to a marine patrol unit and must meet any prerequisites listed in the course description in the "Training Calendar." In addition, those individuals must be registered for a class by their Agency’s Training Coordinator. 

Cal Boating courses are certified by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.  Peace officers who have successfully completed a Cal Boating course may receive reimbursement for costs in accordance with POST Plan IV.  Individuals who are not peace officers, however work in a marine unit such as Lifeguards, Harbor Patrol, etc., may receive reimbursement for costs associated with attending Cal Boating training through the Boating Safety and Enforcement Trainee Grant Program as long as the Agency agrees to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cal Boating.  Those rates are also reimbursed in accordance with POST Plan IV.  Cal Boating reimburses for actual expenses for lodging, per diem, mileage, etc.

For additional Program Information, please contact:

Mary Thomas
(916) 263-8185
2000 Evergreen St., Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95815-3888