The Los Angeles Powerboat Academy offers U.S. Powerboating Certifications.
Yachts 4 Fun is a US Powerboat Certification course provider for larger twin-inboard motor yachts. We offer several USPB courses, so you can pilot and charter boats without a licensed captain.
We offer the following USPB courses:
Basic Powerboat Cruising
This “on-the-water” powerboat-handling course teaches the responsible operation of a powerboat in daylight within sight of land through theory and hands-on instruction of a twin-screw powerboat. Build your knowledge and practical skills for safe and effective boat handling in light to moderate wind and sea conditions.
International Proficiency Certification
If you desire to charter a powerboat and head to Mexico, obtain US Powerboating’s International Proficiency Certificate© to simplify the charter process and operate a vessel in compliance with international standards. In order to make it easier for cruising powerboaters from the U.S. to charter powerboats in Mexico, US Powerboating has created a simple certification program for cruisers seeking to charter powerboats in international waters. The International Proficiency Certificate© , an extension of US Powerboating’s current certification system, allows boaters who have completed the US Powerboating Inshore Powerboat Cruising course to charter without a captain in international waters. The International Proficiency Certificate© works much like a driver’s license for a car. The certificate must be presented to a charter company to rent a boat, and then carried aboard at all times while boating. In order to obtain an International Proficiency Certificate©, applicants must: be US Powerboating certified through Inshore Powerboat Cruising.
California Boater Card
On January 1, 2018, California began implementing a new law that boaters are required to carry a vessel operator card while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways, known as the California Boater Card.
What Is The California Boater Card?
The California Boater Card shows that its holder has successfully taken and passed a NASBLA/state-approved boater safety education examination. In 2018, the California Boater Card program will be phased-in by age for operators of motorized boats on state waterways.
Boaters have the option of taking online courses to obtain their boaters card, however these online courses do not provide the “hands-on” instruction required to teach boaters the national skill-based standards on how to safely operate motor vessels.
How To Obtain The California Boater Card
Note that the US Powerboating certificate does not take the place of the California Boater Card. Boaters are required to submit their US Powerboating certificate to the Department of Boating and Waterways to obtain their California Boater Card. After successful completion of your US Powerboat course, apply for the California Boater Card following this link: http://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/.
For more information, visit http://californiaboatercard.com/.
Additional information – “California law states that NO person under 16 years of age may operate a boat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower, except for a sailboat that does not exceed 30 feet in length or a dinghy used directly between a moored boat and the shore (or between two moored boats). The California law allows children 12-15 years of age to operate boats with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet if supervised on board by an adult at least 18 years of age. Violating these provisions constitutes an infraction.”