New Boater Safety Laws for NY State - What You Need To Know
Effective Jan 1, 2020 New York State will be rolling in new boating safety laws that will require all who operate a motorized watercraft to have completed a boating safety course by 2025. The legislation called "Brianna's Law", was signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Tuesday to take effect at the start of the new year, intended for NYS boating laws to keep pace with the fast growing popularity of recreational boating in the state of New York.
The following information was NYUP and the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, who are tasked with supervising the network of boater safety courses offered in NYS.
- What are the acceptable options for taking a boater safety course in New York? Cost?
The state gives boat operators two options: Taking a regular classroom course or an online course.
- The in-classroom course option is designed as a comprehensive study of boating safety to teach the fundamentals of safe boating operation. The 8-hr course requires a structured classroom setting. Courses are available throughout the state. Find a course near you.
- Registration for a course is completed by calling the contact number provided. Course providers are responsible for any fees they may charge. Fees paid to the instructor do not cover the cost of the permanent certificate issued by NYS Parks. Individuals ages 18 and above will be charged $10. There’s no charge for those ages 10 (the minimum age to drive a motorized craft in New York) to 17. New York State only issues a boating safety certificate to persons that have successfully completed a NYS classroom course.
- Online Course Options: *Boating Safety Certificate course requirements can be completed with one of the online courseslisted below.
Please refer to the following DEC FAQ sheet for frequently asked questions regarding Online Boater Safety exams
How will this new law be phased in?
Currently, state law only required those born after May 1, 1996, to complete a boater safety course in order to drive a motor boat.
The new law expands that requirement. Under the 5-year, phase-in plan, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 must complete a safety course to operate a motor boat beginning in 2020.
Those born after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete a safety course beginning in 2022. Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 must complete a safety course beginning in 2023. Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must complete a safety course beginning in 2024.
The requirement would extend to all motor boat operators beginning in 2025, regardless of age. Failure to comply could result in a fine of between $100 and $250.
Can a boater use his or her boating safety course certificate obtained from another state to satisfy the requirements of this law?
Yes, provided it was issued from your current state of residence, and the course was approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators. Look for the NASBLA logo on your certificate.
What if someone rents a boat from a marina? Will that person need to have taken a boating safety course beforehand and have a safety certificate in their possession before going out?
No. If you are at least 18 years old, you may rent without completing a course. The livery should demonstrate how to properly use the boat before renting it, however. Persons under the age of 18 may only rent a motorboat if they hold a safety certificate.