(a) Subject to the schedule in subdivision (b), a person shall not operate on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the state a vessel that is propelled by an engine, regardless of whether the engine is the principal source of propulsion, unless the person has in his or her possession a vessel operator card issued by the division pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 678.

(b) A person is subject to subdivision (a) according to the following schedule:

(1) On and after January 1, 2018: A person 20 years of age or younger.

(2) On and after January 1, 2019: A person 25 years of age or younger.

(3) On and after January 1, 2020: A person 35 years of age or younger.

(4) On and after January 1, 2021: A person 40 years of age or younger.

(5) On and after January 1, 2022: A person 45 years of age or younger.

(6) On and after January 1, 2023: A person 50 years of age or younger.

(7) On and after January 1, 2024: A person 60 years of age or younger.

(8) On and after January 1, 2025: All persons, regardless of age.

(c) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A person who is a resident of another state or a foreign country who is operating a vessel and meets either of the following requirements:

(A) The person is temporarily using the waters of this state for a period not to exceed 60 days, and meets the applicable requirements, if any, of his or her state of residency.

(B) The person is temporarily using the waters of this state for a period not to exceed 90 days, and meets the applicable requirements, if any, of his or her country of residency.

(2) A person operating a vessel while under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who is in possession of a vessel operator card issued pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 678 or who is not required to possess a vessel operator card pursuant to paragraph (6).

(3) A person operating a vessel in an organized regatta or vessel race, or water ski race.

(4) A person operating a rental vessel.

(5) A person who is in possession of a current commercial fishing license.

(6) A person who is in possession of a valid marine operator license, for the waters upon which the licensee is operating, issued by the United States Coast Guard, or who is in possession of a valid certificate issued pursuant to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.

(7) A person who has successfully completed a boating course approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 433, Sec. 1. (SB 941) Effective January 1, 2015.)