Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 650. Section 650.
It is the policy of this state to promote safety for persons and property in and connected with the use and equipment of vessels and to promote uniformity of laws relating thereto.
ARTICLE 1. Operation and Equipment [650. - 674.]
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC 1.
in effectCal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 650.1. Section 650.1.
(a)
This chapter shall apply to vessels and associated equipment used, to be used, or carried in vessels used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of this state.
(b)
This chapter, except those sections that expressly indicate otherwise, shall not apply to the following:
(1)
Foreign vessels temporarily using waters subject to state jurisdiction.
(2)
Military or public vessels of the United States, except
recreational-type public vessels.
(3)
A vessel whose owner is a state or subdivision thereof, that is used principally for governmental purposes, and that is clearly identifiable as such.
(4)
Ship’s lifeboats.
(c)
For purposes of this chapter, “subdivision thereof” or “subdivision of the state” includes cities and counties.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 651. Section 651.
As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:
(a)
“Alcohol” means any form or derivative of ethyl alcohol (ethanol).
(b)
“Alcohol concentration” means either grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
(c)
“Associated equipment” means any of the following, excluding radio equipment:
(1)
Any system, part, or component of a boat as originally manufactured or any similar part
or component manufactured or sold for replacement, repair, or improvement of the system, part, or component.
(2)
Any accessory or equipment for, or appurtenance to, a boat.
(3)
Any marine safety article, accessory, or equipment intended for use by a person on board a boat.
(d)
“Boat” means any vessel that is any of the following:
(1)
Manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use.
(2)
Leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter’s noncommercial use.
(3)
Engaged in the carrying of six or fewer passengers, including those for-hire vessels carrying more than three passengers while using inland waters of the state
that are not declared navigable by the United States Coast Guard.
(4)
Commercial vessels required to be numbered pursuant to Section 9850 of the Vehicle Code.
(e)
“Chemical test” means a test that analyzes an individual’s breath, blood, or urine for evidence of drug or alcohol use.
(f)
“Controlled substance” means controlled substance as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code.
(g)
“Department” means the Department of Boating and Waterways.
(h)
“Director” means the Director of Boating and Waterways.
(i)
“Drug” means any substance or combination of substances other than alcohol that could so affect the nervous
system, brain, or muscles of a person as to impair to an appreciable degree the person’s ability to operate a vessel in the manner that an ordinarily prudent person, in full possession of their faculties, using reasonable care, would operate a similar vessel under like conditions.
(j)
“Engine cut-off switch” means a switch that automatically stops the engine of a power-driven vessel if activated by an engine cut-off switch link.
(k)
“Engine cut-off switch link” means a device that, if attached to an operator, activates an engine cut-off switch if the operator is separated from the power-driven vessel. This term includes a lanyard or another mechanical device and a wireless cut-off link that transmits an electromagnetic signal to an engine cut-off switch.
(
l
)
“Intoxicant” means any form of alcohol, drug, or combination thereof.
(m)
“Legal owner” is a person holding the legal title to a vessel under a conditional sale contract, the mortgagee of a vessel, or the renter or lessor of a vessel to the state, or to any county, city, district, or political subdivision of the state, under a lease, lease-sale, or rental-purchase agreement that grants possession of the vessel to the lessee for a period of 30 consecutive days or more.
(n)
“Manufacturer” means any person engaged in any of the following:
(1)
The manufacture, construction, or assembly of boats or associated equipment.
(2)
The manufacture or construction of components for boats and associated equipment to be sold for subsequent assembly.
(3)
The importation into this state for sale of boats, associated equipment, or components thereof.
(o)
“Marine employer” means the owner, managing operator, charterer, agent, master, or person in charge of a
vessel, other than a recreational vessel.
(p)
“Motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion, but shall not include a vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard or any federal agency successor thereto.
(q)
“Operator” means the person aboard a vessel who meets any of the following:
(1)
Is steering the vessel while underway.
(2)
Is responsible for the operation of the vessel while underway.
(3)
Is at least 18 years of age and is attentive and supervising the operation of the vessel by a person 12, 13, 14, or 15 years of age pursuant to Section 658.5.
(r)
(1)
“Owner” is a person
that meets one or more of the following criteria:
(A)
Has all the incidents of ownership, including the legal title, of a vessel whether or not that person lends, rents, or pledges the vessel.
(B)
The person entitled to the possession of a vessel as the purchaser under a
conditional sale
contract.
(C)
The mortgagor of a vessel.
(2)
“Owner” does not include a person holding legal title to a vessel under a conditional sale contract, the mortgagee of a vessel, or the renter or lessor of a vessel to the state or to any county, city, district, or political subdivision of the state under a lease, lease-sale, or rental-purchase agreement that grants possession of the vessel to
the lessee for a period of 30 consecutive days or more.
(s)
“Passenger” means every person carried on board a vessel other than any of the following:
(1)
The owner or the owner’s representative.
(2)
The operator.
(3)
Bona fide members of the crew engaged in the business of the vessel who have contributed no consideration for their carriage and who are paid for their services.
(4)
Any guest on board a vessel that is
being used exclusively for pleasure purposes who has not contributed any consideration, directly or indirectly, for their carriage.
(t)
“Person” means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, or other entity, but does not include the United States, the state, or a municipality or subdivision thereof.
(u)
“Personal flotation device” means a device that is approved by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard pursuant to Part 160 (commencing with Section 160.001-1) of Title 46
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(v)
“Personal watercraft” means a vessel
propelled by a water-jet pump or other machinery as its primary source of motive power and designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than sitting or standing
within the vessel’s hull.
(w)
“Recreational vessel” means a vessel that is being used only for pleasure.
(x)
“Registered owner” is the person registered by the Department of Motor Vehicles as the owner of the vessel.
(y)
“Special-use area” means all or a portion of a waterway that is set aside for specified uses or activities to the exclusion of other incompatible uses or activities.
(z)
“State” means a state of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the District of Columbia.
(aa)
“State of principal use” means the state on which waters a vessel is used or intended to be used most during a calendar year.
(ab)
“Static thrust” means the forward or backward thrust developed by a propulsion machinery while stationary.
(ac)
“Throwable personal flotation device” means a personal flotation device that is intended to be thrown to a person in the water. A personal flotation device marked as Type IV or Type V with Type IV performance is considered a throwable personal flotation device. Unless specifically marked otherwise, a wearable personal flotation device is not a throwable personal flotation device.
(ad)
“Undocumented vessel” means any vessel that is not required to have, and does not have, a valid marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard or any federal agency successor thereto.
(ae)
“Use” means operate, navigate, or employ.
(af)
“Vessel” includes every description of a watercraft or other artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except either of the following:
(1)
A seaplane on the water.
(2)
A watercraft specifically designed to operate on a permanently fixed course, the movement of which is restricted to a fixed track or arm to which the watercraft is attached or by which the watercraft is controlled.
(ag)
“Water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device” includes all forms of water skiing, barefoot
skiing, skiing on skim boards, knee boards, or other contrivances, parasailing, ski kiting, or any activity where a person is towed behind or alongside a boat.
(ah)
“Waters of this state” means any waters within the territorial limits of this state.
(ai)
“Wearable personal flotation device” means a personal flotation device that is intended to be worn or otherwise attached to the body. A personal flotation device marked as Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V with Type I, II, or III performance is considered a wearable
personal flotation device.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 651.1. Section 651.1.
As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, “bather” or “bathing” means a person floating, swimming, wading, or bodysurfing, with or without the use of a flotation device, including, but not limited to, floating upon or with the aid of a surfboard, paddle board, surfmat, innertube, life preserver, or air mattress, except a flotation device which is designed to be propelled by sail, mechanical means, power, oars, or paddle.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 651.5. Section 651.5.
The Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide every person who originally registers, or who acquires the ownership certificate of, a vessel required to be numbered pursuant to Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code with a copy of guidelines for safe vessel operation prepared by the Department of Boating and Waterways.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 652. Section 652.
(a)
The department may issue regulations to do all of the following:
(1)
Establish minimum safety standards for boats and associated equipment.
(2)
Require the installation, carrying, or using of associated equipment.
(3)
Prohibit the installation, carrying, or using of associated equipment that does not conform with safety standards established pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
The regulations shall conform with the federal navigation laws or with the navigation rules promulgated by the United States Coast Guard, or any successor
thereto.
(c)
A person or public agency shall not use or give permission for the use of a vessel that does not carry the equipment or meet the standards established pursuant to this chapter.
(d)
A peace officer or harbor police officer authorized to enforce this chapter may order the termination of the operation of a vessel that is found to be unsafe for operation pursuant to Section 6550.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. A violation of an order under this subdivision is a misdemeanor.
(e)
A person found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of subdivision (d), or of any regulation adopted by the department pursuant to this section, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six months, or both that fine and
imprisonment.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 652.5. Section 652.5.
(a)
The use of a distinctive blue light as prescribed by the department is reserved for public safety vessels and may be displayed during the day or night whenever the vessel may be engaged in direct law enforcement activities, including, but not limited to, those activities specified in subdivision (a) of Section 663.7, or public safety activities conducted by a fire department or a fire protection district, where identification of a public safety vessel is desirable or where necessary for safety reasons.
(b)
That light when used shall be in addition to prescribed lights and day signals required by law.
(c)
The display of these blue lights on vessels for other
purposes is prohibited.
(d)
A vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being overtaken by a moving public safety vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light, or a vessel approaching a stationary public safety vessel displaying an illuminated blue light, shall immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage only, shall alter its course, within its ability, so as not to inhibit or interfere with the operation of the public safety vessel, and shall proceed, unless otherwise directed by the operator of the public safety vessel, at the reduced speed until beyond the area of operation of the public safety vessel.
(e)
The operator of a cable ferry shall take whatever reasonable action is necessary to provide a clear course for a public safety vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light, or both.
(f)
For purposes of this section, “public safety vessel” means a law enforcement, a fire department, or a fire protection district vessel.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 654. Section 654.
(a)
(1)
For the purposes of this section, a “muffler” or “muffler system” is a sound suppression device or system that is designed and installed to abate the sound of exhaust gases emitted from an internal combustion engine and prevents excessive or unusual noise.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, an underwater through-the-propeller-hub exhaust outlet system is a muffler system.
(b)
A motorized recreational vessel that is operated in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean waters that are within one mile of the coastline of the state shall be equipped at all times with a muffler or a muffler system that is all of the following:
(1)
In good working condition.
(2)
In constant operation.
(3)
Installed in a manner that effectively brings the vessel into compliance with Section 654.05.
(c)
This section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels competing under a local public entity or United States Coast Guard permit in a regatta, in a boat race, while on trial runs, or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit. In addition, this section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels preparing for a race or regatta if authorized by a permit issued by the local entity having jurisdiction over the area where the preparations occur.
(d)
This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 654.1. Section 654.1.
Boating facilities constructed with funds derived from the state shall be required as a condition for the receipt of such funds to provide shoreside facilities for purposes of emptying waste matter holding tanks from vessels in accordance with needs and standards as established by the department.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 654.03. Section 654.03.
(a)
A person may not manufacture for sale a motorized recreational vessel that is not equipped with a muffler or muffler system, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 654, that brings the vessel into compliance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 654.05, except as authorized under subdivision (b).
(b)
A person may manufacture for sale a motorized recreational vessel that is not equipped as required under subdivision (a) if the vessel is designed, manufactured, and sold for the sole purpose of competing in racing events.
(c)
A person may not sell a vessel that is exempted under subdivision (b) unless there is compliance with both of the following:
(1)
The sales agreement includes a statement that the vessel is designed, manufactured, and sold for the sole purpose of competing in racing events and may not be operated in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean waters that are within one mile of the coastline of the state, except under the conditions described in subdivision (c) of Section 654.
(2)
The statement described in paragraph (1) is signed by both the buyer and the seller.
(d)
Both the buyer and the seller of a vessel exempted under subdivision (b) shall maintain copies of the sales agreement described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c).
(e)
A person may not operate a vessel that is exempted under subdivision (b) unless a copy of the sales agreement described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) is on board the vessel.
(f)
A person may not operate a vessel that is exempted under subdivision (b) in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean waters within one mile of the coastline of the state, except under the conditions described in subdivision (c) of Section 654.
(g)
This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 654.3. Section 654.3.
(a)
Each diesel powered vessel operating exclusively in California, engaged in the commercial transport of passengers with the capacity to transport 75 passengers or more, shall use only California diesel fuel formulated as specified in Sections 2281 and 2282 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.
(b)
This section shall become operative on January 1, 2003.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 654.5. Section 654.5.
A person who maliciously throws, hurls, or projects an object by manual, mechanical, or other means at a vessel or an occupant of a vessel on any of the waters within or bordering on this state, which act does not constitute a violation of either Section 242 or 594 of the Penal Code, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon first conviction the punishment shall be a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 30 days, or both that fine and imprisonment. Upon a second conviction, the punishment shall be a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 90 days, or both that fine and imprisonment. Upon a third or subsequent conviction, the punishment shall be a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or
imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year, or both that fine and imprisonment.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 654.05. Section 654.05.
(a)
The owner of a motorized recreational vessel that is numbered pursuant to Section 9850 of the Vehicle Code, or that is documented by an agency of the federal government, shall not operate, or authorize the operation of, the vessel in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean waters that are within one mile of the coastline of the state, in a manner that exceeds the following noise levels:
(1)
For engines manufactured before January 1, 1993, a noise level of 90 dB(A) when subjected to the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice SAE J2005 (Stationary Sound Level Measurement Procedure for Pleasure Motorboats).
(2)
For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1993, a noise level of 88 dB(A) when subjected to the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice SAE J2005 (Stationary Sound Level Measurement Procedure for Pleasure Motorboats).
(3)
A noise level of 75 dB(A) measured as specified in the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice SAE J1970 (Shoreline Sound Level Measurement Procedure). However, a measurement of noise level that is in compliance with this paragraph does not preclude the conducting of a test of noise levels under paragraph (1) or (2).
(b)
A law enforcement officer utilizing a decibel measuring device for the purposes of enforcing this section shall be knowledgeable and proficient in the use of that device.
(c)
The department may, by regulation, revise the measurement procedure when deemed necessary to adjust to advances in technology.
(d)
This section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels competing under a local public entity or United States Coast Guard permit in a regatta, in a boat race, while on trial runs, or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit. In addition, this section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels preparing for a race or regatta if authorized by a permit issued by the local entity having jurisdiction over the area where these preparations occur.
(e)
This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 654.06. Section 654.06.
No person shall sell or offer for sale at retail any internal combustion engine for use on any motorized recreational vessel which, when operated, exceeds the following noise levels:
(a)
For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1974, and before January 1, 1976, a noise level of 86 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.
(b)
For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1976, and before January 1, 1978, a noise level of 84 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.
(c)
For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1978, a noise level of 82 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorized recreational vessel.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655. Section 655.
(a)
No person shall use any vessel or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The department shall adopt regulations for the use of vessels, water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices in a manner that will minimize the danger to life, limb, or property consistent with reasonable use of the equipment for the purpose for which it was designed.
(b)
No person shall operate any vessel or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, any drug, or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug.
(c)
No person shall operate any recreational vessel or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device if the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more in his or her blood.
(d)
No person shall operate any vessel other than a recreational vessel if the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more in his or her blood.
(e)
No person shall operate any vessel, or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device who is addicted to the use of any drug. This subdivision does not apply to a person who is participating in a narcotic treatment program approved pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 11875) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
(f)
No person shall operate any vessel or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug, and while so operating, do any act forbidden by law, or neglect any duty imposed by law in the use of the vessel, water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, which act or neglect proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than himself or herself.
(g)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, information, verbal or otherwise, which is obtained from a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the United States Coast Guard who directly observed the offense may be used as the sole basis for establishing the necessary reasonable cause for a peace officer of this state to make an arrest pursuant to the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and Section 836 of the Penal Code for violations of subdivisions (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section.
(h)
In any prosecution under subdivision (c), it is a rebuttable presumption that the person had 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood at the time of operation of a recreational vessel if the person had an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more in his or her blood at the time of the performance of a chemical test within three hours after the operation.
(i)
In any prosecution under subdivision (d), it is a rebuttable presumption that the person had 0.04 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood at the time of operation of a vessel other than a recreational vessel if the person had an alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more in his or her blood at the time of the performance of a chemical test within three hours after the operation.
(j)
Upon the trial of any criminal action, or preliminary proceeding in a criminal action, arising out of acts alleged to have been committed by any person who was operating a vessel or manipulating water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage in violation of subdivision (b) or (f), the amount of alcohol in the person’s blood at the time of the test, as shown by a chemical test of that person’s blood, breath, or urine, shall give rise to the following presumptions affecting the burden of proof:
(1)
If there was at that time less than 0.05 percent, by weight, of alcohol in the person’s blood, it shall be presumed that the person was not under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the alleged offense.
(2)
If there was at that time 0.05 percent or more, but less than 0.08 percent, by weight, of alcohol in the person’s blood, that fact shall not give rise to any presumption that the person was or was not under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, but the fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether the person was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the alleged offense.
(3)
If there was at that time 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in the person’s blood, it shall be presumed that the person was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the alleged offense.
(k)
This section does not limit the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing upon the question whether the person ingested any alcoholic beverage or was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the alleged offense.
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This section applies to foreign vessels using waters subject to state jurisdiction.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.1. Section 655.1.
(a)
As used in this section, “mechanically propelled vessel” means any vessel actively propelled by machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion.
(b)
(1)
A peace officer, having reasonable cause to believe that any person was operating a mechanically propelled vessel or manipulating any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug, who lawfully arrests the person for any violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of Section 655, may request that person to submit to chemical testing of his or her blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the drug or alcoholic content of
the blood.
(2)
The arrested person shall be advised of all of the following:
(A)
A criminal complaint may be filed against him or her for operating a mechanically propelled vessel or manipulating any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug.
(B)
He or she has a right to refuse chemical testing.
(C)
An officer has the authority to seek a search warrant compelling the arrested person to submit a blood sample as described in paragraph (16) of subdivision (a) of Section 1524 of the Penal Code.
(D)
He or she does not have the right to have an attorney present before
stating whether he or she will submit to the chemical testing, before deciding which chemical test or tests to take, or during the administration of the chemical test or tests chosen.
(c)
If the person is lawfully arrested for operating a mechanically propelled vessel or manipulating any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and submits to the chemical testing, the person has the choice of whether the chemical test shall be of his or her blood or breath and the person shall be advised by the arresting officer that he or she has that choice. If the person arrested either is incapable, or states that he or she is incapable, of completing the chosen test, the person shall submit to the remaining test. If a blood or breath test, or both, are unavailable, then subdivision (n) applies.
(d)
If the person is lawfully arrested for operating a
mechanically propelled vessel or manipulating any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device under the influence of any drug or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug and submits to the chemical testing, the person has the choice of whether the chemical test shall be of his or her blood, breath, or urine, and the officer shall advise the person that he or she has that choice.
(e)
A person who chooses to submit to a breath test may also be requested to submit to a blood or urine test if the arresting officer has reasonable cause to believe that the person was operating a mechanically propelled vessel or manipulating any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device under the influence of any drug, or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug, and if the arresting officer has a clear indication that a blood or urine test will reveal evidence of the person being under the influence. The arresting officer shall
state in his or her report the facts upon which that belief and that clear indication are based. The person shall have the choice of submitting to and completing a blood or urine test, and shall be advised by the arresting officer that he or she is requested to submit to an additional test, and that he or she may choose a test of either blood or urine. If the person arrested is either incapable, or states that he or she is incapable, of completing either chosen chemical test, the person shall submit to and complete the other remaining chemical test.
(f)
(1)
A person who chooses to submit to a breath test shall be advised before or after the breath test that the breath-testing equipment does not retain any sample of the breath, and that no breath sample will be available after the breath test which could be analyzed later by the person or any other person.
(2)
The person shall also be advised that, because no breath sample is retained, the person will be given an opportunity to provide a blood or urine sample that will be retained at no cost to the person so that there will be something retained that may be subsequently analyzed for the alcoholic content of the person’s blood. If the person completes a breath test and wishes to provide a blood or urine sample to be retained, the sample shall be collected and retained in the same manner as if the person had chosen a blood or urine test initially.
(3)
The person shall also be advised that the blood or urine sample may be tested by either party in any criminal prosecution. The failure of either party to perform this chemical test shall place no duty upon the opposing party to perform the chemical test nor affect the admissibility of any other evidence of the drug or alcoholic content of the blood of the person arrested.
(g)
If the person is lawfully arrested for any offense allegedly committed in violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of Section 655, and because of the need for medical treatment, the person is first transported to a medical facility where it is not feasible to administer a particular chemical test of, or to obtain a particular sample of, the person’s blood, breath, or urine, the person has the choice of submitting to those chemical tests that are available at the facility to which that person has been transported. In this event, the arresting officer shall advise the person of those chemical tests that are available at the medical facility, and that the person’s choice is limited to those chemical tests that are available.
(h)
Any person who is unconscious or otherwise in a condition rendering him or her incapable of refusal may be subjected to chemical testing of his
or her blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the drug or alcoholic content of the blood, whether or not the person is advised of the information specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b).
(i)
Any person who is afflicted with hemophilia is exempt from the blood test provided for in this section.
(j)
Any person who is afflicted with a heart condition and is using an anticoagulant under the direction of a licensed physician and surgeon is exempt from the blood test provided for in this section.
(k)
A person lawfully arrested for any offense allegedly committed while the person was operating a mechanically propelled vessel or manipulating any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device in violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of Section 655 may request the arresting officer to have a
chemical test made of his or her blood or breath for the purpose of determining the drug or alcoholic content of the blood and, if so requested, the arresting officer shall have the chemical test performed. However, if a blood or breath test, or both, are unavailable, then subdivision (n) applies.
(
l
)
Any chemical test of blood, breath, or urine to determine the percentage, by weight, of alcohol in the blood shall be performed in accordance with Section 23158 of the Vehicle Code.
(m)
This section does not limit the authority of a peace officer to gather evidence from a person lawfully arrested for a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of Section 655.
(n)
If a blood or breath test is not available under paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) or under subdivision (k), the person shall submit to the
remaining test in order to determine the percentage, by weight, of alcohol in the person’s blood. If both the blood and breath tests are unavailable, the person shall be deemed to have given his or her consent to chemical testing of his or her urine and shall submit to a urine test.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.2. Section 655.2.
(a)
Every owner, operator, or person in command of any vessel propelled by machinery is guilty of an infraction who uses it, or permits it to be used, at a speed in excess of five miles per hour in any portion of the following areas not otherwise regulated by local rules and regulations:
(1)
Within 100 feet of any person who is engaged in the act of bathing. A person engaged in the sport of water skiing shall not be considered as engaged in the act of bathing for the purposes of this section.
(2)
Within 200 feet of any of the following:
(A)
A beach frequented by
bathers.
(B)
A swimming float, diving platform, or lifeline.
(C)
A way or landing float to which boats are made fast or that is being used for the embarkation or discharge of passengers.
(b)
This section does not apply to the following:
(1)
Vessels, including personal water craft, clearly identifiable as lifeguard rescue
vessels engaged in public safety activities.
(2)
Public safety vessels engaged in direct law enforcement activities or public safety activities that are displaying the distinctive blue lights prescribed by subdivision (a) of Section 652.5.
(3)
Personal water craft, clearly identifiable as lifeguard rescue vessels or public
safety vessels, operating within the surf zone.
(c)
The vessels described in subdivision (b) are also exempt from any locally imposed speed regulation adopted pursuant to Section
660, but shall be operated in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 655.7.
(d)
For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1)
“Clearly identifiable as lifeguard rescue vessel” means an authorized lifeguard water rescue vessel operated by or owned by a public agency.
(2)
“Public safety activities” include public agency sanctioned patrolling, traffic control, assisting
disabled vessels, salvage operations, firefighting, providing medical assistance, search and rescue, and training.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.3. Section 655.3.
The department may adopt regulations to establish and maintain for the use of vessels and the equipment on vessels on the waters of this state rules of the road and pilot rules in conformity with those contained in the federal navigation laws or the navigation rules promulgated by the United States Coast Guard.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.4. Section 655.4.
(a)
No person shall serve as a crew member on any charter boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, or the combined influence of intoxicating liquor and any drug.
(b)
No person shall serve as a crew member on any charter boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, or under the combined influence of intoxicating liquor and any drug, and while so serving, do any act forbidden by law, or neglect any duty imposed by law in the use of the vessel, which act or neglect proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than himself or herself.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.05. Section 655.05.
(a)
No person shall operate a vessel other than a recreational vessel for 24 hours if the person is found by a peace officer to have an alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or more in his or her blood. The peace officer shall order the person out of service for 24 hours.
(b)
This section shall become operative on January 1, 1992.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.5. Section 655.5.
(a)
Whenever a person convicted of any violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of Section 655 is found by the court to have willfully refused the request of a peace officer to submit to chemical testing of the blood, breath, or urine pursuant to Section 655.1, the court may impose enhanced penalties either by fine or imprisonment, or both, not to exceed the maximum of the penalties prescribed in Section 668.
(b)
A willful refusal to submit to chemical testing pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be pled and proven.
(c)
This section shall become operative on January 1, 1992.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.6. Section 655.6.
(a)
It is an infraction for a person under the age of 21 years who has 0.01 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to operate any motorized vessel or manipulate water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device.
(b)
A person may be found to be in violation of subdivision (a) if the person was, at the time of operating any motorized vessel or manipulating water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device, under the age of 21 years and under the influence of, or affected by, an alcoholic beverage regardless of whether a chemical test was made to determine that person’s blood-alcohol concentration and if the trier of fact finds that the person had consumed an alcoholic beverage and was operating any motorized vessel or manipulating water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device while having a concentration of 0.01 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood.
(c)
Section 655.1 applies to violations of this section.
(d)
A violation of this section is punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100). A second violation occurring within one year of a prior violation which resulted in a conviction is punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200). A third or any subsequent conviction within a period of one year of two or more prior infractions which resulted in convictions is punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250). A person found to have committed a violation of this section shall be required to participate in an alcohol education or community service program as provided in Section 23502 of the Vehicle Code.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 655.7. Section 655.7.
(a)
A person operating a personal watercraft equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch shall attach the lanyard to themselves, their clothing, or their personal flotation device, as appropriate for the specific
vessel, while operating on plane or above displacement speed.
(b)
A person shall not operate a personal watercraft equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cut-off switch if the engine cut-off switch
or engine throttle has been altered in any way that would impede or prevent the
engine cut-off switch from operating in its intended manner.
(c)
Every personal watercraft shall, at all times, be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner. Maneuvers that unreasonably or unnecessarily endanger life, limb, or property, including, but not limited to, jumping or attempting to jump the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that other vessel, operating the personal watercraft toward any person or vessel in the water and turning sharply at close range so as to spray the vessel or person, or operating at a rate of speed and proximity to another vessel so that either operator is required to swerve at the last minute to avoid collision, is unsafe or reckless operation of a vessel.
(d)
A person shall not operate a personal watercraft at any time between the hours from sunset to sunrise. This subdivision does not apply to
marine patrol, harbor police, or emergency personnel in the performance of their duties.
(e)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a person operating a power-driven covered vessel shall not operate or authorize another person to operate the vessel on plane or above displacement speed if the engine cut-off switch or engine cut-off switch link is missing, disconnected, or not operating properly.
(2)
Paragraph (1) does not apply if either of the following criteria is met:
(A)
The main helm of the vessel is installed within an enclosed cabin.
(B)
The vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and is not required to have one pursuant to Section 4312 of Title 46 of the United States Code.
(3)
For purposes of this subdivision, “covered vessel” means a vessel that meets all of the following criteria:
(A)
Is less than 26 feet overall in length.
(B)
Is capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust.
(C)
Is either equipped with an engine cut-off switch or was built on or after December 4, 2019.
(f)
This section does not apply to a performer who is engaged in a professional exhibition or to a person who is participating in a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament, exhibition, or other event sanctioned by the United States Coast Guard or authorized by a permit issued by the local entity having jurisdiction over the area where the event is held.
(g)
Any violation of this section is an infraction.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 656. Section 656.
(a)
It is the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, so far as the operator can do so without serious danger to his or her own vessel, crew, and passengers, to render to other persons affected by the collision, accident, or other casualty that assistance that is practicable and necessary in order to save them from, or minimize any, danger caused by the collision, accident, or other casualty.
(b)
Any person who complies with subdivision (a) or Section 656.1, 656.2, or 656.3 or who gratuitously and in good faith renders assistance at the scene of a vessel collision, accident, or other casualty without objection by any person assisted, shall
not be held liable for any civil damages sought as a result of the rendering of assistance or for any act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance, if the assisting person has acted as an ordinary, reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.
(c)
(1)
An individual employee of a public entity engaged in rescue pursuant to this code shall not be a proper party defendant and shall be dismissed on motion, unless the employee has violated a statute other than a statute creating a general obligation to rescue or is guilty of oppression, fraud, malice, or the conscious disregard of the safety of others.
(2)
The public entity employing such an individual shall be liable in civil damages if the individual employee has failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would have
acted under the same or similar circumstances.
(3)
If a public entity has given a reasonable printed, electronic, or verbal warning of the danger causing the distress that created the necessity for the rescue, and there has been a reasonable opportunity for the party in distress to receive the warning, the public entity is liable only for acts or omissions of its employee that were taken in a grossly negligent manner.
(d)
The owner, operator, or other person who is on board a vessel involved in a casualty or accident shall report the casualty or accident in accordance with regulations adopted by the department. The department shall adopt regulations to maintain a uniform casualty and accident reporting system for vessels subject to this code in conformity with federal casualty and accident reporting regulations promulgated by the United States Coast Guard or any successor to those
regulations. Consistent with Public Law 92-75 and the federal regulations contained in Part 173 of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a peace officer or harbor police officer upon receiving an initial report of a casualty involving the death or disappearance of a person as a result of a boating accident, shall immediately forward the report, by quickest means available, to the department.
(1)
A public agency that is under contract with the department to receive law enforcement grant funds from the department shall, pursuant to regulations adopted by the department, complete and submit to the department a report for any boating accident to which it responds or for which it receives a report.
(2)
A public agency that has received any law enforcement grant funds from the department that does not submit an accident report as required under paragraph (1) shall be determined
by the department to be ineligible to receive future grant funds for up to five fiscal years following the date of the failure to submit a report, except upon a showing of good cause by that public agency.
(3)
The department shall use reasonable means to do both of the following:
(A)
Obtain from a public agency any complete report required to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1).
(B)
Notify a public agency of the failure to submit a report required under paragraph (1) before taking action pursuant to paragraph (2).
(e)
Neither the report required by this section nor any action taken by the department with regard to the report shall be referred to in any way, or be any evidence of negligence or due care of any party, at the trial of any action at law
to recover damages.
(f)
All required accident reports, and supplemental reports, shall be without prejudice to the individual so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the department and any peace officer actually engaged in the enforcement of this chapter, except that the department shall disclose the names and addresses of persons involved in, or witnesses to, an accident, the registration numbers and descriptions of vessels involved, and the date, time, and location of an accident to any person who may have a proper interest in that information, including the operator involved or the legal guardian of that operator, the parent of a minor operator, the authorized representative of an operator, or any person injured, and the owners of vessels or property damaged, in the accident.
(g)
This section applies to foreign vessels, military or public recreational-type
vessels, vessels owned by a state or subdivision of a state, and ship’s lifeboats otherwise exempted from this chapter pursuant to Section 650.1.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 656.1. Section 656.1.
The operator of any vessel involved in an accident in the waters of this state who knows or has reason to know that the accident resulted in damage to other property shall, if reasonable to do so under the circumstances, stop at the scene of the accident and shall do either of the following:
(a)
Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the damaged property of the name and address of the operator and owner of the vessel involved, and upon locating the owner or operator of any other vessel involved, or the owner or person in charge of any other property damaged, upon being requested, exhibit the vessel registration and furnish the current residence address of the vessel’s owner and operator to the other person.
(b)
If the owner or person in charge of the damaged property or the owner or operator of any other vessel involved cannot be located, leave, in a conspicuous place on the property damaged or other vessel involved, a written notice giving the name and address of the operator and of the owner of the vessel involved and a statement of the circumstances of the accident, and, without unnecessary delay, notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the waterway or, if unknown, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 656.2. Section 656.2.
In addition to the requirements of Section 656.1, the operator of any vessel involved in an accident in the waters of this state who knows or has reason to know that the accident resulted in injury to any person shall furnish his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vessel, and the name of the owner, to the person injured, or occupant of any other vessel involved, or shall furnish that information to any peace officer at the scene of the accident, and shall render to any injured person reasonable assistance, including transportation for medical treatment if required or requested by the injured person, so far as the operator can do so without serious danger to the vessel or passengers.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 656.3. Section 656.3.
In addition to the requirements of Sections 656.1 and 656.2, the operator of any vessel involved in an accident in the waters of this state who knows or has reason to know that the accident resulted in the death or disappearance of any person shall, after fulfilling the requirements of this division, and if there is no peace officer at the scene of the accident to whom to furnish the information required by Section 656.2, without delay, report the accident to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the waterway or, if unknown, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 656.4. Section 656.4.
The department is authorized to develop a program of public information and research in the interest of reducing loss of life and property in the operation of vessels covered by this chapter.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 657. Section 657.
In accordance with any request duly made by an authorized official or agency of the United States, any information compiled or otherwise available to the department pursuant to Section 656 shall be transmitted to said official or agency of the United States.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 658. Section 658.
(a)
No person shall operate a vessel on any waters for towing a person or persons on water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device unless there is in the vessel a person at least 12 years of age, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the persons being towed.
This subdivision does not apply to motorboats less than 16 feet in length actually operated by the person or persons being towed and so constructed as to be incapable of carrying the operator in or on the motorboat. The department may establish rules and regulations governing the operation of those watercraft, which rules and regulations shall provide the greatest possible safety of persons and vessels.
(b)
No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of this state towing a person or persons on water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device nor shall any person engage in water skiing, aquaplaning, or other similar activity at any time between the hours from sunset to sunrise, except that those hours do not apply to those waters of this state as to which prohibited hours for those activities are fixed by local ordinances, laws, or regulations enacted pursuant to this chapter.
(c)
Subdivisions (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person or persons engaged in a regatta, vessel or water ski race, or other marine event authorized pursuant to Section 268.
(d)
No person shall operate or manipulate any vessel, towrope, or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device may be affected or controlled so as to cause the water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, or any person thereon, to collide with, or strike against, any object or person. This subdivision does not apply to collisions of two or more persons on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices being towed by the same vessel.
(e)
No person shall operate water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar device so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 658.3. Section 658.3.
(a)
A person shall not use a recreational vessel unless all of the following requirements are met:
(1)
There is at least one wearable personal flotation device on board
the vessel for each person on the vessel.
(2)
Each personal flotation device is used in accordance with the requirements on its approval label.
(3)
If a personal flotation device’s approval label refers to an owner’s manual, then the personal flotation device is used in accordance with the requirements in its owner’s manual.
(b)
A person shall not use a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length unless one throwable personal flotation device is onboard in addition to the number of wearable personal flotation devices required by subdivision (a).
(c)
A person shall not operate a recreational vessel underway with a child under 13 years of age
onboard unless at least one of the following requirements is met:
(1)
The child is wearing an appropriate personal flotation device that is approved by the United States Coast Guard.
(2)
The child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
(d)
A person on board a personal watercraft or a person being towed behind a vessel on water skis, an aquaplane, or similar device, except for an underwater maneuvering device intended for use by a submerged swimmer, shall wear a United States Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device that is used in accordance with approval labels and manufacturer’s instructions. An underwater maneuvering device is a towed or self-powered apparatus that a person can pilot through diving, turning, and surfacing maneuvers that
is designed for underwater use.
(1)
This subdivision does not apply to a person aboard a personal watercraft or a person being towed behind a vessel on water skis, if that person is a performer engaged in a professional exhibition, or preparing to participate or participating with authorization pursuant to a United States Coast Guard permit or other permit granted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 268 in an official regatta, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition.
(2)
In lieu of wearing a United States Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device as described in this subdivision, a person engaged in slalom skiing on a marked course or a person engaged in barefoot, jump, or trick waterskiing may elect to wear a wetsuit designed for the activity and labeled by the manufacturer as a water ski wetsuit. A United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device as
described in this subdivision shall be carried in the tow vessel for each skier electing to wear a water ski wetsuit pursuant to this paragraph.
(e)
The requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (d) do not apply to a person 13 years of age or older operating a
recreational vessel if the vessel is engaged in an emergency rescue situation.
(f)
Subdivision (a) does not apply to a person operating a “passenger vessel,” as defined in Section 2101(31) of Title 46 of the United States Code or a “small passenger vessel,” as defined in Section
2101(47) of Title 46 of the United States Code.
(g)
For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)
“Enclosed cabin” means a space on board a vessel that is surrounded by bulkheads or canvas, and covered by a roof.
(2)
“Underway” means all times except when the motorboat, sailboat, or vessel is anchored, moored, or aground.
(h)
A violation of this section is an infraction punishable as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 668.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 658.5. Section 658.5.
(a)
Except as provided in subdivision (b), no person under 16 years of age shall operate a vessel powered by a motor of greater than 15 horsepower, except for a vessel that does not exceed 30 feet in length and is designed to use wind as its principal source of propulsion, or a dinghy used directly between a moored vessel and the shoreline or between a moored vessel and another moored vessel.
(b)
Except as provided in subdivision (a), no person 12, 13, 14, or 15 years of age shall operate a vessel powered by a motor of greater than 15 horsepower, or a vessel that exceeds 30 feet in length and is designed to use wind as its principal source of propulsion, unless the person is accompanied in the vessel by a person who is at least 18 years of age and who is attentive and supervising the operation of the vessel.
(c)
Subdivisions (a) and (b) do not apply to any of the following:
(1)
A person who operates a vessel as a performer in a professional exhibition.
(2)
A person engaged in an organized regatta, vessel race, or water ski race.
(3)
A person engaged in a marine event authorized pursuant to Section 268.
(d)
Any person who violates this section, and any person who permits any other person under 16 years of age to operate a vessel in violation of this section, is guilty of an infraction.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 658.7. Section 658.7.
(a)
Failure of the operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier to display or cause to be displayed a ski flag, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 7009 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, to indicate any of the following conditions, is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding fifteen dollars ($15):
(1)
A downed skier.
(2)
A skier in the water preparing to ski.
(3)
A ski line extended from the vessel.
(4)
A ski in the water in the vicinity of the vessel.
(b)
Subdivision (a) does not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person engaged in a regatta, vessel or water ski race or competition, or other marine event authorized pursuant to Section 268.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 659. Section 659.
The department may make rules and regulations for the uniform navigational marking of the waters of this state. Such rules and regulations shall not be in conflict with markings prescribed by the United States Coast Guard. No city, county, or person shall mark the waters of this state in any manner in conflict with the markings prescribed by the department.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 660. Section 660.
(a)
Any ordinance, law, regulation, or rule relating to vessels, which is adopted pursuant to provisions of law other than this chapter by any entity other than the department, including, but not limited to, any county, city, port authority, district, or any state agency other than the department, shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, pertain only to time-of-day restrictions, speed zones, special-use areas, and sanitation and pollution control, and the measure shall not conflict with this chapter or the regulations adopted by the department. Except as provided in subdivision (c), any measure relating to boats or vessels adopted by any governmental entity other than the department shall be submitted to the department prior to adoption and at least 30 days prior to the effective date thereof.
(b)
The department may make special rules and regulations governing the use of boats or vessels on any body of water within the territorial limits of two or more counties, cities, or other political subdivisions if no special rules or regulations exist or if the department determines that the local laws regulating the use of boats or vessels on that body of water are not uniform and that uniformity is practicable and necessary.
(c)
(1)
Any entity, including, but not limited to, any county, city, port authority, district, or state agency, otherwise authorized by law to adopt measures governing the use and equipment, and matters relating thereto, of boats or vessels, may adopt emergency rules and regulations that are not in conflict with the general laws of the state relating to boats and vessels using any waters within the jurisdiction of the entity if those emergency rules and regulations are required to ensure the safety of persons and property because of disaster or other public calamity.
(2)
The emergency rules and regulations adopted under paragraph (1) shall become effective immediately upon adoption and may remain in effect for not to exceed 60 days thereafter. The emergency rules and regulations shall be submitted to the department on or before their adoption.
(3)
After submission of emergency rules and regulations adopted pursuant to paragraph (1) to the department, the department may authorize the adopting entity to make the emergency rules and regulations effective for the period of time greater than 60 days that is necessary in view of the disaster or circumstances.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 661. Section 661.
(a)
Every owner of an undocumented vessel numbered under this code is liable and responsible for the death of or injury to person or property resulting from negligence in the operation of such vessel, in the business of the owner or otherwise, by any person using and operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of the owner, and the negligence of such person shall be imputed to the owner for all purposes of civil damage. It shall be presumed that such vessel is being operated with the knowledge and consent of the owner if at the time of the injury, death or damage it is under the control of his or her spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other immediate member of the owner’s family. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to relieve any person from any liability which he would otherwise have, but nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to authorize or permit any recovery in excess of injury or damage actually incurred.
(b)
The liability of an owner for imputed negligence imposed by this section and not arising through the relationship of principal and agent or master and servant is limited to the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the death of or injury to one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit as to one person, is limited to the amount of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for the death of or injury to more than one person in any one accident and is limited to the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for damage to property of others in any one accident.
(c)
In any action against an owner on account of imputed negligence as imposed by this section the operator of the vessel whose negligence is imputed to the owner shall be made a party defendant if personal service of process can be had upon the operator within this State. Upon recovery of judgment, recourse shall first be had against the property of the operator so served.
(d)
If there is recovery under this section against an owner based on imputed negligence, the owner is subrogated to all the rights of the person injured or whose property has been injured and may recover from the operator the total amount of any judgment and costs recovered against the owner.
(e)
If the bailee of an owner with the permission, expressed or implied, of the owner permits another to operate the vessel of the owner, then the bailee and such operator shall both be deemed operators of the vessel of the owner within the meaning of subdivisions (c) and (d) of this section.
(f)
Where two or more persons are injured or killed in one accident, the owner may settle and pay any bona fide claims for damages arising out of personal injuries or death, whether reduced to judgment or not, and the payments shall diminish to the extent thereof the owner’s total liability on account of the accident. Payments aggregating the full sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) shall extinguish all liability of the owner for death or personal injury arising out of the accident which exists by reason of imputed negligence, pursuant to this section, and did not arise through the negligence of the owner nor through the relationship of principal and agent or master and servant.
(g)
If a vessel is sold under a contract of conditional sale whereby the title to such vessel remains in the vendor, such vendor or his assignee shall not be deemed an owner within the provisions of this section relating to imputed negligence, but the vendee or his assignee shall be deemed the owner notwithstanding the terms of such contract, until the vendor or his assignee retakes possession of the vessel. A chattel mortgagee of a vessel out of possession is not an owner within the provisions of this section relating to imputed negligence.
(h)
No action based on imputed negligence under this section shall abate by reason of the death of any injured person or of any person liable or responsible under the provisions of this section. In any action for physical injury based on imputed negligence under this section by the executor, administrator, or personal representative of any deceased person, the damages recoverable shall be the same as those recoverable under Section 956 of the Civil Code.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 662. Section 662.
A copy of the ordinances or local laws adopted pursuant to this chapter, and of any amendments thereto, shall be filed in the office of the department.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 663. Section 663.
Every peace officer of this state or of any city, county, city and county, or other political subdivision of the state shall enforce this chapter and any regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter and in the exercise of that duty shall have the authority to stop and board any vessel subject to this chapter, where the peace officer has probable cause to believe that a violation of state law or regulations or local ordinance exists.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 663.1. Section 663.1.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a peace officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person who is involved in an accident in the waters of this state involving a vessel when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the person had been operating the vessel while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 663.5. Section 663.5.
Within the territorial limits of a county, city, or district, a harbor policeman regularly employed and paid as such by the county, city, or district shall also enforce the provisions of this chapter and any rules or regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter and the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 9850) of Division 3.5 of the Vehicle Code.
In the exercise of his duties, a harbor policeman shall have the authority to stop any vessel subject to this chapter and to issue written notices to appear in court pursuant to Section 664. As used in Section 664, the term “officer” shall include a harbor policeman regularly employed and paid as such by a county, city, or district.
Every harbor policeman who is on duty for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter, and the rules and regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter, shall wear a full distinctive uniform, and, if he uses a vessel, the vessel shall be painted a distinctive color and appropriately marked as specified by the department to identify it as a harbor police vessel.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 663.6. Section 663.6.
Every vessel subject to this chapter, if under way and lawfully ordered to stop and lie to by a peace officer or harbor policeman authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter who is either in a uniform of a law enforcement agency or the harbor police or in a vessel that is distinctly marked as belonging to a law enforcement agency or to the harbor police, shall stop immediately and lie to, or shall maneuver in such a way as to permit the peace officer or harbor police vessel to come alongside.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 663.7. Section 663.7.
(a)
Each county of the state is entitled to receive state financial aid for boating safety and enforcement programs on waters under its jurisdiction as provided in this section. A boating safety and enforcement program, as used in this section, includes search and rescue operations, recovery of drowned bodies, enforcement of state and local measures for regulation of boating activities, inspection of vessels, and supervision of organized water events.
(b)
A public agency within a county and the Department of Parks and Recreation are entitled to receive aid for boating safety and enforcement programs on waters under their jurisdiction through the county in which it lies, and that aid shall be counted as aid to the county; except that aid provided under subdivision (h) for boating safety and enforcement programs of the Department of Parks and Recreation for waters under its jurisdiction shall not be counted as aid to a county.
(c)
(1)
Of the funds appropriated for boating safety and enforcement programs pursuant to Section 85.2, the department shall adopt and utilize a formula that first allocates funds to counties so that no county receives less than the amount it was allocated in the 1996–97 fiscal year, unless the county’s program is reduced, or the county does not meet the eligibility requirements of this section. If the total amount of money in the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund is less than the amount available for the 1996–97 fiscal year, the funds allocated to each county shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in the overall fund relative to the 1996–97 fiscal year.
(2)
Second, from funds remaining, the department shall allocate funds to eligible counties which have submitted a grant application pursuant to subdivision (i) but which do not receive an allocation pursuant to paragraph (1).
(3)
The funds allocated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not be greater in total amount than 50 percent of the funds appropriated for boating safety programs, unless the department determines that an amount greater than 50 percent is needed to meet the minimum allocation requirements set forth in paragraph (1).
(d)
The amount of aid for which a county or a public agency within a county is eligible under this section shall not exceed the total cost of its boating safety and enforcement program. Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (c), no county shall receive an amount greater than 20 percent of the total funds appropriated to all counties for boating safety and enforcement programs in any fiscal year. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any county that receives a boating safety and enforcement allocation during the 1997–98 fiscal year as a result of a prior appropriation shall not receive an additional allocation for the 1997–98 fiscal year pursuant to this section.
(e)
The department shall not allocate funds to any county or a public agency within a county unless the department receives a resolution adopted annually by the board of supervisors authorizing the county to participate in the program and certifying that the county will expend for boating safety programs during that year not less than an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount received by the county from personal property taxes on vessels. The money allocated to a county pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be used only for boating safety and enforcement programs, as specified in subdivision (a), that are conducted in that county.
(f)
Any county that receives an allocation of funds pursuant to subdivision (c) shall submit a report to the department on or before 60 days after the end of the fiscal year that provides all of the following:
(1)
The purpose for which funds received in the immediately preceding fiscal year were spent.
(2)
The total amount expended on boating safety and enforcement programs in the immediately preceding fiscal year.
(3)
All pertinent boating safety and enforcement and accident statistics from the immediately preceding fiscal year.
(4)
All other data that may be required by the department relating to improved boating safety in California.
(g)
The department shall provide in its biennial report to the Legislature a summary of boating safety activities undertaken by the counties receiving financial aid from the department in the immediately preceding two fiscal years along with a summary of the information received pursuant to subdivision (f).
(h)
Aid for boating safety and enforcement programs shall be made available to the Department of Parks and Recreation for waters under its jurisdiction in accordance with a boat entry unit cost factor derived by dividing the most recent annual boat entry count into the maximum amount available and appropriated for those programs in the 1969–70 fiscal year. Budgets for those programs shall be estimated for each fiscal year and adjustments shall be made thereto for the previous year in accordance with the actual boat entry count as it becomes available multiplied by the boat entry unit cost factor. The amount thus determined shall be available to the Department of Parks and Recreation from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund.
(i)
Entities or agencies desiring aid under this section shall submit grant applications to the department at least six months prior to the period for which aid is required. Grant applications shall be in the form and contain the information that the department may require.
(j)
Within 60 days after the close of any period for which aid is received, the entity or agency shall submit to the department a statement of the expenditures actually incurred, in the form and containing the information that the department may require.
(k)
The department shall be responsible for the administration of this section, and may adopt rules and regulations that may be necessary to carry out its provisions. The department shall make periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of programs receiving aid under this section.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 664. Section 664.
(a)
When any person is arrested for a violation of this chapter or any regulation adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter or any ordinance or local law relating to the operation and equipment of vessels, and that person is not immediately taken before a magistrate, the arresting officer shall prepare in duplicate a written notice to appear in court, containing the name and address of that person, the offense charged, and the time and place where and when that person shall appear in court.
(b)
The time specified in the notice to appear must be at least five days after the arrest.
(c)
The place specified in the notice to appear shall be any of the following:
(1)
Before a superior court judge who is within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed and who is nearest and most accessible to the place where the arrest is made.
(2)
Upon demand of the person arrested, before a superior court judge at the county seat of the county in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.
(3)
Before an officer authorized by the county, city, or city and county, to receive a deposit of bail.
(4)
Before a superior court judge within 50 miles by the nearest road to the place of the alleged offense and whose county contains any portion of the body of water upon which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed.
(d)
The officer shall deliver one copy of the notice to appear to the arrested person and the arrested person in order to secure release must give a written promise so to appear in court by signing the duplicate notice which shall be retained by the officer. Thereupon the arresting officer shall forthwith release the person arrested from custody.
(e)
The officer shall, as soon as practicable, file the duplicate notice with the magistrate specified therein. Thereupon the magistrate shall fix the amount of bail which in the magistrate’s judgment, in accordance with the provisions of Section 1275 of the Penal Code, will be reasonable and sufficient for the appearance of the defendant and shall indorse upon the notice a statement signed by the defendant in the form set forth in Section 815a of the Penal Code. The defendant may, prior to the date upon which the defendant promised to appear in court, deposit with the magistrate the amount of bail thus set. Thereafter, at the time when the case is called for arraignment before the magistrate, if the defendant shall not appear, either in person or by counsel, the magistrate may declare the bail forfeited, and may in the magistrate’s discretion order that no further proceedings shall be had in the case.
Upon the making of any order that no further proceedings be had, all sums deposited as bail shall forthwith be paid into the county treasury for distribution pursuant to Section 1463 of the Penal Code.
(f)
No warrant shall issue on any charge for the arrest of a person who has given a written promise to appear in court, unless and until the person has violated that promise or has failed to deposit bail, to appear for arraignment, trial or judgment, or to comply with the terms and provisions of the judgment, as required by law.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 665. Section 665.
Any person willfully violating his written promise to appear in court is guilty of a misdemeanor regardless of the disposition of the charge upon which he was originally arrested.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 666. Section 666.
When a person signs a written promise to appear at the time and place specified in the written promise to appear and has not posted bail as provided in Section 664, the magistrate shall issue and have delivered for execution a warrant for his arrest within twenty (20) days after his failure to appear as promised, or if such person promises to appear before an officer authorized to accept bail other than a magistrate and fails to do so on or before the date which he promised to appear, then, within twenty (20) days after the delivery of such written promise to appear by the officer to a magistrate having jurisdiction over the offense.
When such person violates his promise to appear before an officer authorized to receive bail other than a magistrate, the officer shall immediately deliver to the magistrate having jurisdiction over the offense charged the written promise to appear and the complaint, if any, filed by the arresting officer.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 667. Section 667.
In addition to any other court which may be a proper place of trial, any superior court location where cases of that type are tried, within 50 miles by the nearest road to the place of the alleged offense, shall be a proper place of trial of any person on a charge of violation of this chapter or any regulation adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter or any ordinance or local law relating to the operation and equipment of vessels if the county in which the court is located includes any portion of the body of water upon which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 668. Section 668.
(a)
Any person who violates subdivision (c)
of Section 652, Section 654, 654.05, 654.06, 655.7, 658.3, 659, 673, 674, or 754, or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, or any regulation adopted pursuant to Section 655.3 relating to vessel equipment requirements, is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(b)
(1)
(A)
Except as provided in subdivision (a), any person who violates any regulation adopted pursuant to Section 655.3 is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than five days, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for each
violation.
(B)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), any person who violates subdivision (b) of Section 6695 of Article 5 of Chapter 1 of Division 4 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations relating to blinding lights, is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
(C)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), any person who violates Section 6600.1 of Article 5 of Chapter 1 of Division 4 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, by violating United States Coast Guard Navigation Rule 20, relating to navigation lights, is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
(2)
Any person who violates subdivision (a)
or (b)
of Section 658 is guilty of an infraction and shall be punished
by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars ($200) for each violation.
(3)
(A)
Any person who violates subdivision (d)
of Section 652, subdivision (a)
of Section 655, Section 655.05, 656, or 656.1, subdivision (d)
or (e)
of Section 658, Section 663.6 or 665, or any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (b)
or (c)
of Section 660, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for each violation.
(B)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), any person who violates subdivision (a)
of Section 655 by violating subdivision (a)
of Section 6697 of Article 5 of Chapter 1 of Division 4 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, relating to riding on the bow, gunwale, or transom of a vessel propelled by machinery is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(4)
Any person who violates Section 652.5 is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
(5)
Any person who violates Section 655.2, or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto, is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
(c)
(1)
Any person convicted of a violation of Section 656.2 or 656.3 shall be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h)
of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
(2)
In imposing the minimum fine required by this subdivision, the court shall take into consideration the defendant’s ability to pay the fine and, in the interest of justice for reasons stated in the record, may reduce the amount of that minimum fine to less than the amount otherwise required by this subdivision.
(d)
Any person convicted of a violation of Section 658.5 shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100).
(e)
Any person convicted of a first violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), or (e)
of Section 655, or of a violation of Section 655.4, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. If probation is granted, the court, as a condition of probation, may require the person to participate in, and successfully complete, an alcohol or drug education, training, or treatment program, in addition to imposing any penalties required by this code. In order to enable all persons to participate in licensed programs, every person referred to a program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code shall pay that program’s costs commensurate with that person’s ability to pay as determined by Section 11837.4 of the Health and Safety Code.
(f)
Any person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), or (e)
of Section 655 within seven years of the first conviction of any of those subdivisions or subdivision (f)
of Section 655, or any person convicted of a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), or (e)
of Section 655 within seven years of a separate conviction of subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, or a separate conviction of Section 23152 or 23153 of the Vehicle Code or Section 191.5 or subdivision (a)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, when the separate conviction resulted from the operation of a motor vehicle, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. If probation is granted, the court, as a condition of probation, may require the person to do either of the
following, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment:
(1)
Participate, for at least 18 months subsequent to the underlying conviction and in a manner satisfactory to the court, in a program licensed pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 11836) of Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, as designated by the court. In order to enable all required persons to participate, each person shall pay the program costs commensurate with the person’s ability to pay as determined pursuant to Section 11837.4 of the Health and Safety Code.
(2)
Participate, for at least 30 months subsequent to the underlying conviction and in a manner satisfactory to the court, in a program licensed pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 11836) of Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code. A person ordered to treatment pursuant to this paragraph
shall apply to the court or to a board of review, as designated by the court, at the conclusion of the program to obtain the court’s order of satisfaction. Only upon the granting of that order of satisfaction by the court may the program issue its certificate of successful completion. A failure to obtain an order of satisfaction at the conclusion of the program is a violation of probation. In order to enable all required persons to participate, each person shall pay the program costs commensurate with the person’s ability to pay as determined pursuant to Section 11837.4 of the Health and Safety Code. No condition of probation required pursuant to this paragraph is a basis for reducing any other probation requirement.
(g)
Any person convicted of a violation of subdivision (f)
of Section 655 shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h)
of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or in a county
jail for not less than 90 days or more than one year, and by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). If probation is granted, the court, as a condition of probation, may require the person to participate in, and successfully complete, a program licensed pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 11836) of Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, if available in the person’s county of residence or employment, as designated by the court. In order to enable all required persons to participate, each person shall pay the program costs commensurate with the person’s ability to pay as determined pursuant to Section 11837.4 of the Health and Safety Code.
(h)
(1)
If any person is convicted of a violation of subdivision (f)
of Section 655 within seven years of a separate conviction of a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), or
(e)
of Section 655 and is granted probation, the court shall impose as a condition of probation that the person be confined in a county jail for not less than five days or more than one year and pay a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(2)
If any person is convicted of a violation of subdivision (f)
of Section 655 within seven years of a separate conviction of a violation of subdivision (f)
of Section 655, of subdivision (a)
or (b)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, or Section 23152 or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, or Section 191.5 or subdivision (a)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, when the separate conviction resulted from the operation of a
motor vehicle, and is granted probation, the court shall impose as a condition of probation that the person be confined in a county jail for not less than 90 days or more than one year, and pay a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), and the court, as a condition of probation, may order that the person participate in a manner satisfactory to the court, in a program licensed pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 11836) of Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the Health and Safety Code, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment. In order to enable all required persons to participate, each person shall pay the program costs commensurate with the person’s ability to pay as determined pursuant to Section 11837.4 of the Health and Safety Code.
(i)
The court shall not absolve a person who is convicted of a violation of subdivision (f)
of Section
655 within seven years of a separate conviction of a violation of subdivision (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f)
of Section 655, of subdivision (a)
or (b)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, or Section 23152 or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, or Section 191.5 or subdivision (a)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, when the separate conviction resulted from the operation of a motor vehicle, from the minimum time in confinement provided in this section and a fine of at least two hundred fifty dollars ($250), except as provided in subdivision (h).
(j)
Except in unusual cases where the interests of justice demand an exception, the court shall not strike a separate conviction of an offense under subdivision (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f)
of Section 655
or of subdivision (a)
or (b)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, or Section 23152 or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, or Section 191.5 or subdivision (a)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, when the separate conviction resulted from the operation of a motor vehicle, for purposes of sentencing in order to avoid imposing, as part of the sentence or as a term of probation, the minimum time in confinement and the minimum fine, as provided in this section. When a separate conviction is stricken by the court for purposes of sentencing, the court shall specify the reason or reasons for the striking order. On appeal by the people from an order striking a separate conviction, it shall be conclusively presumed that the order was made only for the reasons specified in the order, and the order shall be reversed if there is no substantial basis in the
record for any of those reasons.
(k)
A person who flees the scene of the crime after committing a violation of subdivision (a), (b), or (c)
of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code shall be subject to subdivision (c)
of Section 20001 of the Vehicle Code.
(l)
Any person who violates Section 654.3 is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each separate violation.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 668.1. Section 668.1.
(a)
A person convicted of a violation of subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of Section 655, or of Section 655.2, 655.6, 655.7, 658, or 658.5, or of subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 681, or of Section 191.5 or subdivision (a) of Section 192.5 of the Penal Code, or of the federal rules of the road and pilot rules, not including equipment requirements, incorporated by reference in Section 6600.1 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, or found by a court to have performed any of the acts described in Section 6697 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, pertaining to a mechanically propelled vessel but not to manipulating any water skis, an aquaplane, or similar device, when the conviction resulted from the operation of a vessel, shall be ordered by the court to
complete and pass a boating safety course approved by the department pursuant to Section 668.3.
(b)
A person who has been ordered by the court to complete and pass a boating safety course pursuant to this section shall submit to the court proof of completion and passage of the course within seven months of the time of his or her conviction. The proof shall be in a form that has been approved by the department and that provides for the ability to submit the form to the court through the United States Postal Service. If the person who has been required to complete and pass a boating safety course is under 18 years of age, the court may require that the person obtain parental consent to enroll in the course. If the person does not complete and pass the boating safety course, the court may extend the period for completion or impose another penalty as prescribed by statute.
(c)
The
department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section, including approval of boating safety education courses, as specified in Section 668.3, prescribing the forms for proof of completion and passage, approval of testing to indicate appropriate mastery of the course subject matter, and setting forth any fees to be charged to course participants, which fees shall not exceed the expenses associated with providing the course.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 668.2. Section 668.2.
The department may grant funds from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund to local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities for scholarship funding relating to boating safety education, to finance the purchase of vessels and related safety equipment for use in boating safety education classes, and to provide voluntary personal watercraft education course materials developed by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 668.3 in those situations where the department determines the course would not otherwise be available to a significant number of personal watercraft operators. The department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 668.3. Section 668.3.
(a)
For the purposes of Section 668.1, the department shall approve boating safety courses that it determines provides the course taker with information that effectively educates the course taker as to the basic rules of California waterways, the proper and safe manner to operate recreational vessels, and actions that can be taken to avoid boating-related environmental pollution.
(b)
The department shall develop a personal watercraft education course that provides the course taker with information that effectively educates the course taker as to the basic rules of California waterways, the proper and safe manner to operate personal watercraft, and actions that can be taken to avoid personal watercraft-related environmental pollution. The course shall be voluntary and shall be made available to groups, individuals, and clubs. The course shall be made available on the department’s website and may be made available in other formats, as determined by the department. The department shall consult with the California State Sheriff’s Association in developing the course and making it available on the Internet.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 668.5. Section 668.5.
(a)
The interest of any registered owner of a vessel that has been used in the commission of a violation of subdivision (b) of Section 655 for which the owner was convicted and the conduct resulted in the unlawful killing of a person is subject to impoundment as provided in this section. Upon conviction, the court may order the vessel impounded at the registered owner’s expense for a period of not less than one nor more than 30 days.
(b)
For purposes of this section, the court may consider in the interest of justice factors such as whether the impoundment of the vessel would result in the loss of employment of the registered owner of the vessel who committed the violation, or
a member of the registered owner’s family, the loss of the vessel resulting from the inability to pay impoundment fees, unfair infringement upon community property rights, or other factors the court finds to be relevant.
(c)
For purposes of this section, “vessel” means every watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the waters of the state, including all boats, motorboats, personal watercraft, recreational vessels, and unregistered vehicles, except for foreign and domestic vessels engaged in interstate or foreign commerce upon the waters of the state.
(d)
A marina owner in possession of an impounded vessel pursuant to this section is not liable for damage to the vessel while the vessel is being impounded by the court, except for damage caused by the marina owner’s acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 669. Section 669.
The regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 673. Section 673.
The owner of a boat livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address of the person or persons hiring any boat or vessel subject to this code, the registered identification number of such vessel, the departure date and time, and the expected time of return. The record shall be preserved for at least six months.
Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 674. Section 674.
Neither the owner of a boat livery nor his agent or employees shall permit any vessel to be delivered to a renter unless it shall have been provided, either by the owner or renter, with the equipment required pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026