Division of Boating and Waterways
Source: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:20
Division of Boating and Waterways
Lake Tahoe
Click here to learn more
Find out more here
American River
Dana Point
Folsom Lake SRA
Mono Lake Tufa SRA
Our
Mission
To provide safe and convenient public access to California's waterways and leadership in promoting safe, enjoyable and environmentally sound recreational boating.
State Parks
Commissions
Historic Preservation
Off-Highway Vehicles
Reporting Boat Accidents
According to state law, a boat owner/operator must report their boat accident to California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) if the accident results in death, disappearance or injury to a person requiring medical attention beyond first aid, damage to a vessel or other property exceeding $500 or complete loss of a vessel, regardless of value. Boat accidents must be reported within specific time periods.
complete a
boating accident report (Form BAR)
Protect Your Boat from Non-native Mussels
In California, non-native mussels such as Golden, Quagga, and Zebra Mussels can damage your boat, leading to costly repairs by attaching to the interior and exterior surfaces of your watercraft. They can block your engine cooling systems, resulting in overheating and damage, clog other internal passages including hoses, seacocks and strainers, and jam steering equipment. Encrusted hulls increase drag, adding to the boat’s fuel consumption. Besides what they can do to your boat, they can also shut down water access.
Clean, Drain, and Dry practices are well known around the country. Here in California, boaters and anglers know that these practices are not just crucial for limiting the spread of invasive mussels but also for protecting their boats.
Get your
Mussel Free Sticker
Register your boat today
If you own a sailboat over eight feet long or a boat/vessel with a motor (no matter the size), you must register it with DMV in order to legally operate it on California waterways.
LEARN MORE
Lake Tahoe
Click here to learn more
Find out more here
American River
Dana Point
Folsom Lake SRA
Mono Lake Tufa SRA
Our
Mission
To provide safe and convenient public access to California's waterways and leadership in promoting safe, enjoyable and environmentally sound recreational boating.
State Parks
Commissions
Historic Preservation
Off-Highway Vehicles
Reporting Boat Accidents
According to state law, a boat owner/operator must report their boat accident to California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) if the accident results in death, disappearance or injury to a person requiring medical attention beyond first aid, damage to a vessel or other property exceeding $500 or complete loss of a vessel, regardless of value. Boat accidents must be reported within specific time periods.
complete a
boating accident report (Form BAR)
Protect Your Boat from Non-native Mussels
In California, non-native mussels such as Golden, Quagga, and Zebra Mussels can damage your boat, leading to costly repairs by attaching to the interior and exterior surfaces of your watercraft. They can block your engine cooling systems, resulting in overheating and damage, clog other internal passages including hoses, seacocks and strainers, and jam steering equipment. Encrusted hulls increase drag, adding to the boat’s fuel consumption. Besides what they can do to your boat, they can also shut down water access.
Clean, Drain, and Dry practices are well known around the country. Here in California, boaters and anglers know that these practices are not just crucial for limiting the spread of invasive mussels but also for protecting their boats.
Get your
Mussel Free Sticker
Register your boat today
If you own a sailboat over eight feet long or a boat/vessel with a motor (no matter the size), you must register it with DMV in order to legally operate it on California waterways.
LEARN MORE