California · Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC

HNC §801: The master of a vessel shall be always on board when it is entering or leaving a port, harbor, or river unless the vessel is in charge of a mate who possesses a master’s license.

What this law says, in plain English

A vessel's master must be on board when entering or leaving a port, harbor, or river unless a licensed mate is in charge.

Read the full statutory text

The master of a vessel shall be always on board when it is entering or leaving a port, harbor, or river unless the vessel is in charge of a mate who possesses a master’s license.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.