The Launch of Boating Season

Boating Season Has Begun

Its that time of year again. Boaters with crafts of all types and sizes are getting them ready to launch. There are important reminders for all those who operate everything from a kayak or canoe to larger motorized vessels; NYS law requires anyone aboard vessels less than 21 feet in length to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) between November 1^st and May 1^st. Dressing in layers is also recommended to avoid hypothermia as water temperatures are still quite cold this early in the boating season. 

Another thing to consider before operating any motorized vessel is the need to have obtained a boating safety certificate depending upon your age. 

While all operators of motorized vessels regardless of age, will have to possess a boating safety certificate effective January 1^st 2025, here are the current requirements:

For calendar year 2023:

You must possess a boating safety certificate to operate a motor boat if you were born on or after January 1^st 1983.

For calendar year 2024:

You must possess a boating safety certificate to operate a motor boat if you were born on or after January 1^st 1978.

As stated, effective January 1^st 2025 ALL operators of motorized vessels must obtain and possess a boating safety certificate while operating that vessel.

To get a boating safety certificate, you must take The New York Safe Boating Course. According to NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation’s website, (https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx), the class “…teaches basic boating skills and encourages common sense and courtesy to all who share the water.”

Boaters can earn their certificate by taking a classroom course with certified New York State instructors or through approved online courses. Certificates issued by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, America's Boating Club, US Powerboating (These classes are also offered by Waterfront | SUNY Maritime College) and any NASBLA certified course from other states are also recognized.

With an approved online course, learning is completed online and successful completion of unit exams is required in order to advance through the course. Fees paid to the online provider include the cost of your permanent certificate issued by the provider.

Registering for a classroom course is quick and easy - follow the below links to find a course.

Registering for a classroom course is quick and easy - follow the below links to find a course.

• Aceboater
• America's Boating Club (formerly known as US Power Squadron) Spanish online course available
• Boat-ED
• Boat U.S.
• BOATERexam
• BOATsmart
• BoatTests101 Disponible en español
• iLearnToBoat

Courses are available both in person and online so that you can choose the course the best fits your needs. You must be at least 10 years old to take a safe boating course.

Classroom courses are offered around the state by our certified and experienced instructors. Classroom courses offer the opportunity for boaters of all ages, especially first time and youth boaters, to earn their certificates. Some instructors may charge an instructional fee. Fees paid to your instructor do not include the fee for a permanent certificate for students age 18 and older.

With an approved online course, learning is completed online and successful completion of unit exams is required in order to advance through the course. Fees paid to the online provider include the cost of your permanent certificate issued by the provider.

To register for a classroom course - follow the below links to find a class near you.

Boating safety certificates are required for recreational boaters using motorized vessels, including personal watercraft. 

*Operators of non-motorized boats, such as kayaks and canoes, are not required to have a boating safety certificate at this time.

Other things to know about Boating Safety Certificates

• New York recognizes the boating safety certificate issued by your home state.
• Persons may rent and operate a motorboat from a livery without first obtaining a boating safety certificate. Staff at the livery must provide basic instruction and safety information before you depart the dock.
• While operators of non-motorized boats do not need a safe boating certificate, they are encouraged to take a safe boating course as well.

For more information on boating safety and navigation laws, visit the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website

Happy boating, hunting, and fishing, until next time!