Boating In San Diego
Boating in San Diego can be fun and relaxing, if done safely. Below are resources to ensure that you are safe and prepared on the water.
Is my boat seaworthy and safe?
A vessel safety check usually takes from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your boat.
Vessels that pass safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that informs the following that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year:
- Coast Guard / Auxiliary
- Harbor Patrol
- Sheriff's & Police
- Other boating law-enforcement & safety agency's
Best of all, every Vessel Safety Check is 100% Free of charge!
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will come to your vessel's location, either on the water or on land, even if the boat is trailered on your driveway. They will be looking for necessary safety equipment onboard, such as:
- Life Jackets
- Registration and numbering
- Navigation lights
- Ventilation
- Fire extinguishers
- Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
- Battery cover and connections
If the US Coast Guard Auxiliary finds that you are not compliant, they will advise you on how to correct the problem prior to being re-inspected.
All of these items that are safety checked are currently required by state and federal laws. If your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard while you're out on the water and any of these items are missing or non-operating, it can result in a citation and may result in a misdemeanor.
More information on how to schedule a safety inspection, please contact the US Coast Guard Axillary. http://www.cgaux.org/vsc/
Where can I launch my boat in San Diego?
San Diego Bay has four boat launching facilities located around the harbor. The boat ramps are four or more lanes wide with ample dock space nearby for boarding. Each boat ramp has an adjoining parking lot designated for vehicles with trailers only. There is no cost to launch a boat at the ramps. The Chula Vista, National City and Shelter Island ramps and the adjacent parks are operated and maintained by the Port of San Diego. The Glorietta Bay ramp is under the jurisdiction of the City of Coronado.
San Diego Bay
Kayak Launch Ramp: MAP
2869 Historic Decatur Rd,
San Diego, CA 92106
San Diego Bay
MCRD Boat House (Military Only): MAP
131 Neville Rd,
San Diego, CA 92140
San Diego Mission Bay
Dana Landing: MAP
2580 Ingraham St,
San Diego, CA 92109
San Diego Mission Bay
South Shores: MAP
S Shores Park Dy,
San Diego, CA 92109
San Diego Mission Bay
Ski Beach Boat Launch Ramp: MAP
Ingraham St & Vacation Rd,
San Diego, CA 92109
San Diego Mission Bay
Santa Clara Point: MAP
1001 Santa Clara Pl, San Diego,
CA 92109
San Diego Mission Bay
De Anza Cove Boat Launch: MAP
E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego,
CA 92109
Oceanside
Oceanside Harbor Boat Launch: MAP
1380 N Pacific St, Oceanside,
CA 92054
Planning Your Trip
The US Notice to Mariners provides timely marine safety information for your local boating area. San Diego, Arizona, Nevada and Utah are located in Zone 11. Important safety restrictions, construction zones and other important safety information are accounted through these notices. It is important to check the notice for any issues or boating restrictions in your area prior to getting on the water.
To view the notices, please follow the link and select your area: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=lnmMain
What is a float plan and when is it needed?
When planning your time on the water, it is important that somebody knows your intentions. If you are going out on the water for a few hours, let someone know where you expect to be and when you plan to return. If you are planning a longer cruise, it is important to leave a written float plan with your marina, friend or yacht club. This will allow someone on shore to have readily available information in case an emergency arises.
The float plan includes:
- a description of your boat
- a description of the safety equipment you are carrying
- who is on board
- where you expect to be
- and when you expect to be there
If an emergency arises and you do not make your intended destination within a reasonable amount of time, your designated person will be able to notify the Coast Guard or other appropriate agencies and provide them with information of your intended trip.
The USCG has a fillable float plan form that contains the relevant information needed.
USCG Auxiliary Float Plan - Fillable Form
Weather is an extremely important factor when planning your trip. At best, poor weather can ruin your trip and at worst, can put you in a very hazardous emergency situation on the water.
Always check the weather before you decide to leave the dock. It is much better to postpone a trip than to become a casualty of the weather. As the weather can change suddenly, it is important to check the weather periodically during your trip. Having a strong understanding of reading weather patterns and what they mean, is also a very valuable skill to learn as a boater.
Below are resources for checking the weather and helping you plan your trip:
- Tides & Currents NOAA (San Diego)
- National Weather Service
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)San Diego
Who do I call in an emergency?
Firstly, Don't Panic! Breakdowns happen.
- Ensure everyone is safe and your boat is not in peril.
- Set an anchor to keep you from drifting.
- Find your position using GPS.
- Use Channel 16 to communicate that you need assistance or if you are in cell phone range, call a local vessel towing/assistance company.
Below are links to Vessel Towing/Assistance Companies in San Diego:
Keeping a cool head and remaining calm will help during emergency situations. If you are ever faced with a life-threatening emergency on a boat, knowing how to use your VHF radio is imperative.
Channel 16 is the emergency channel and should only be used to communicate vital boating information. Otherwise, keep vessel to vessel communication to other channels.
The proper procedure for issuing a MAYDAY call on Channel 16 is as follows:
- Say, “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY,” three times
- Say the name of your vessel three times
- Recite the call letters of the boat once
- Repeat, “MAYDAY,” and your vessel’s name
- Name your location, or describe it as best you can
- State the nature of your emergency (“man overboard,” etc.)
- Report what kind of assistance you need
- State how many people are on board
- Describe any injuries sustained, if applicable
- Describe the vessel and its seaworthiness
- Wait for a response from the Coast Guard
- If there is none, repeat the message until you hear back
Having vital emergency equipment onboard that will put out a distress signal during your time of need will help the US Coast Guard find your vessel and respond as quickly as possible.
