Section 761 Of Article 3. For-hire Vessel Operators’ Licenses From California Harbors And Navigation Code >> Division 3. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 3.

. No for-hire vessel, while carrying passengers for hire, shall be operated or navigated on the waters of this state except by a person who holds a valid license issued by the department pursuant to the provisions of this article. This requirement, however, shall not apply to persons who operate a for-hire vessel on waters of this state which have been declared to be navigable by agencies of the federal government.