California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 773.8

(a) A charterer or operator who organizes charter boat trips shall inform each adult passenger as soon as practicable after the passenger contracts or pays for passage or boards the charter boat, whichever occurs first, that life jackets will be provided at the adult passenger's request.  Adult and minor passengers shall be informed that life jackets are required to be worn at the direction of the operator or the operator's employee or agent.

(b) When leaving or returning to port, the operator shall use reasonable care in securing or causing to be secured objects which may cause injury to passengers.