Do you need a boaters safety course in NY?

Asked by: Alicia Ludgate

By January 1, 2025, every operator of a motorized boat in New York State must obtain a boating safety certificate in order to legally operate their boats. There are no age exceptions to this law — and, if you’re from out of state, New York will recognize your boating safety course certification.

Does New York require a boaters license?

If you are a New York resident, you will need to have a NYS boating safety certificate; if you are from out-of-state, New York recognizes the boating safety certificate issued by your home state. Persons may rent and operate a motor boat from a livery without first obtaining a boating safety certificate.

Is boater safety course required in New York State?

New York has a mandatory education law for all boaters born on or after 5/1/1996 and all PWC operators of any age. Under a new law known as Brianna’s Law, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.

Who has to take boater safety course in NY?

All operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate by January 1, 2025. Students must be at least 10 years old to take the New York boating safety course. Persons under the age of 10 are not allowed to operate a boat alone. Start the Course!

How much is the NYS boaters safety course?

Get boater certified in 3 steps.

Study and pass the $39.95 online course. Print your online course completion document.

What is required on a boat in NY?

Every vessel including canoes, kayaks and row boats operated in NYS must have on board one USCG approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard. In addition, vessels 16 feet and greater in length except canoes and kayaks are required to have a USCG approved type IV throwable flotation aid.

Can I get a NY boating license online?

Online Class Instruction

The Boating Safety Certificate course requirements can also be completed online through one of the courses listed below. Courses are available at your convenience; just click one of the links below to begin your online learning experience.

How many hours is the NYS Boaters safety course?

about 8 hours

See the NYS Parks website about this and other frequently asked questions. The classes, both in-person and online, last about 8 hours, which includes the final test.

How old do you have to be to drive a boat in NY?

least 10 years old

A person at least 10 years old may operate a recreational boat (other than a PWC) only if only if you meet the requirement to have a Boating Safety Certificate as shown in the table. If you are required to have a Boating Safety Certificate, you must carry it on board the vessel.

How often do I need a boat safety certificate?

once every four years

Boats need to be examined only once every four years and over four years the cost is similar to what car owners would have spent on MOTs. Boat owners can use an examiner recommended to them by their marina or boater friends, or they can use the Find An Examiner page to search for the best value examination locally.

Does a boat need a safety certificate?

Newly built boats

All new boats should already comply with the safety standards and have a certificate as meeting the recreational craft directive (RCD). If your boat is: fully fitted – you need to get a boat safety certificate after four years.

How long is a boat safety certificate valid for?

four years

A Boat Safety Scheme Certificate is valid for four years.

What side of the river do you boat on?

Pass “Port to Port” a vessel operating in a river or buoyed channel should with oncoming traffic keep to the starboard (right hand) side. When two vessels are approaching one another head on, they should alter course to starboard (right) and pass as if they were operating in a river or channel.

What side do you pass a red buoy?

right

The memory aid of “red, right, returning” will help you interpret the channel marker correctly. Basically, red marker buoys should be on your right (starboard) as you return from open water. Conversely, green channel markers should be on your starboard side as you head out into open water.

What do three short blasts of a horn mean on a boat?

I am operating astern propulsion

Two short blasts tell other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my right (starboard) side.” Three short blasts tell other boaters, “I am operating astern propulsion.” For some vessels, this tells other boaters, “I am backing up.”