Boating
Regulations & FAQs
Navigation Law Updates
As per Brianna’s Law: All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.
How to obtain an Anchor Endorsement

Anyone successfully completing the New York Safe Boating Course may opt to have the anchor icon placed on your NYS DMV issues document. DMV will maintain a record of your having completed the boating safety course and automatically place the icon on your license each time it is renewed.
Click here for Anchor Endorsement
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID NYS BOATER SAFETY CERTIFICATE NUMBER TO COMPLETE THE ANCHOR REGISTRATION
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you teach corporate class?
Yes, we teach corporate classes. These classes can be taught at your location. Past corporate clients include: Verizon, PSEG and National Grid. Fill out the form to setup your private corporate class here.
You must hold a safety certificate if:
You operate a personal watercraft and are at least 14 years of age.
The required boating safety certificate must be carried by the minor at all times while operating the boat. An approved course of instruction includes at least 8-hours of classroom training and a proctored exam. Students must be at least 10 years old to take the course.
What topics are covered in the course?
All About Boats: choosing the right boat, classification, how to measure length, basic hull designs recreational, runabouts, cruisers, personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, sailboats and motor types.
Legal Requirements: How to register a boat or PWC (jetski), validation stickers, hull ID numbers, titling and registering a boat or PWC, required boating safety equipment, life jackets, fire extinguishers, whistles and horns, visual distress signals, light requirements.
Navigation Rules: Basic safety regulations, pollution regulations, oil discharge, minimum education and age requirements for operators, water skiing regulations, navigation rules, U.S. aid to navigation system, lateral aids, regulatory markers.
Getting Underway: Preparation, loading, boarding, homeland security, how to file a float plan, safe boat operation, knots, anchoring, emergency repairs, maintenance, trailering, towing, launching and retrieving.
Accidents: Capsizing, falls overboard, collisions, running aground, emergencies, floating for survival, treading water, using clothes to float, BUI, visual distress signals, accident reporting, fire prevention, first aid.
Special Topics: Weather and water conditions, navigation, using a compass, nautical charts, watersports, diving, water skiing, sailing, personal watercraft (jet ski) operation.
- Accidents & Emergencies
- Boat Operation
- Boating Related Activities
- Boats & Motors
- Equipment
- Fueling & Ventilation
- Marine Environment
- Navigation
- Numbering & Registration
- Personal Watercraft
- Rules of the Road
- Safe Loading & Powering
I'm visiting New York, Will my safety certificate from my home state be sufficient?
Yes. Because the New York Boating Course is NASBLA approved it is accepted in other states and Canada.
I lost my safety certificate, How can I get a replacement?
Visit ILostMyCard.com to “Find Your New York Boat Safety Certification Record.”
OR
You may request a replacement certificate by going to: Application for a replacement NY Safe Boating Certificate.
or writing:
NYS Parks
Att: Boating Safety
Empire State Plaza, Bldg 1.
Albany, NY 12238
If you are under the age of 18 there is no charge for the replacement certificate. If you are over the age of 18 you must include a check for $10, made payable to “NYS Parks”. If you lost your temporary certificate you must wait until your permanent certificate is issued. Temporary certificates cannot be replaced.
Why haven't I received my certificate yet?
There may be several reasons. Processing the vast number of certificates received is a very time consuming process, and most permanent certificates take at least 60 days for processing. If you are over the age of 18, ensure that you have sent in the yellow copy of your temporary certificate and the required $10 fee. Checks are cashed at the time the permanent certificate is issued.
I earned a state safety certificate when I was young, Does that count?
Yes, provided you still have a copy of your original certificate and you were under the age of 18 at the time. Records do not exist for courses taught prior to the early 1990’s.
What will happen if I do not have a boating safety certificate?
If convicted of a first violation you can be fined not less than $25 or no more than $100, or by imprisonment for not more than seven days, or by both fine and imprisonment. For a second violation fines and imprisonment increase.
Can I have my New York Boating Safety Certification noted on my drivers license?
Yes, Anyone completing the New York Safe Boating Course may opt to have their driver’s license indicate completion of the course. A small anchor icon will be placed on your drivers license attesting that you have earned a New York State Boating Safety Certificate. You may request an anchor icon by completing the following form: Click Here
What our Students are
Saying
chris logan
6 months ago
Matt Edgerton
6 months ago
Great instruction provided in a positive environment. Teacher was excellent
Lisa Chea
6 months ago
Fun & informative class I recommend this course for all water craft operators. Thank you Dan!
Andrew Werner
6 months ago
Excellent class! I learned a lot regarding safe operation and safety equipment to enjoy my time out on the water. The instructor was engaging and informative. Time well spent.
vincent cicio
7 months ago
Excellent course, experienced teacher, I enjoyed the trainingand recommend it highly
Denise Cattell
7 months ago
Class was excellent. Alan Alterman did a terrific job In teaching the class & had a range of students from beginner to experienced boaters . He covered all the materials In a clear matter and kept everyone’s interest throughout the day. Alan is very experienced and helpful & I believe everyone, including those that are experience, walked away learning something. Under Briana‘s law, everyone is required to take a safe boating class.It’s a worthwhile class for everyone to take including experienced, to not only brush up, but learn new material to ensure that we all stay safe out on the water.
earl summers
7 months ago
TOM CUSH
7 months ago
After having taken my previous Boating Certification over 15 years ago, and having logged many hours of safe boating experience, I found this course a very helpful refresh. Alan is very knowledgeable, thorough and engaging in his presentation. Thank you for a worthwhile day of learning and new confidence on how to continue with a fun and safe boating experience.
Steven Frank
7 months ago
Allen was a great instructor. This was my first experience about boating safety and I learned alot. It was a very no stress atmosphere.
American Patriot
7 months ago
I’ve been boating for 25 years, just when you think that you know everything you learned something new. Very informative…
Kristine Robson
7 months ago
Mitchell Demichael
7 months ago
Very informative,Allen the instructor made it interesting n painless
TCG
8 months ago
I recommend this class and instructor to anyone who has to get their certification. Incredibly informative, I’ve been visiting for 25 years and learned so much from the class. If not for yourself, take the course for your loved ones and the people you’re responsible for while boating. I strongly recommend to get your kids involved in the course as well.
Andy M
8 months ago
Great class with a lot of valuable info. Our instructor made the "long" class very interesting!
David Armstrong
8 months ago
Alan is more than just a teacher, he is an expert with impressive credentials, and keeps the class moving at an appropriate pace. I’m not an experienced boater, and feel that taking his class had way more value than taking a marginally lower priced internet course.
JoAnn Kresofsky
8 months ago
I took a boating safety class here and had an excellent experience! The instructor Alan were knowledgeable, patient, and made the material easy to understand. I feel much more confident and prepared thanks to this class. Highly recommend it to anyone new to boating or looking to refresh their knowledge!
Stan N.
8 months ago
I wanted to take a class with my 15yo kid. We found this course online (via ChatGPT) and I called to find out some details. Alan was very informative, helped me make the best decision and walked me through the process. The class itself was scheduled a week after. We showed up a a local library, with a group of other students (ages 10 through 70) and started on time. The class was well structured, Alan, who happens to be an Aux Coast Guard commender shared amazing insights and experience. He made the instruction fun and engaging. I learned a lot, and so did my son. Both of us passed the test on the first try. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to have a focused and engaging learning experience.
Sean Walsh
8 months ago
Great class I learned alot as a first time boater .. Stan was a great instructor
Ray Kober
8 months ago
Alan is a pro and my wife and I feel better prepared to begin our journey as new boaters after taking his class. Highly recommended!
Richard Popik
9 months ago
Manolo Atienza
Edited 9 months ago
Good instructor,explain every detail for boating safety,all necessary tools and coastguard requirements before you go sailing, rules of the road,navigation and seamanship
David K.
9 months ago
Alan is the quintessential professional. His class was Intresting and his humor was a nice addition to an other wise fairly boring course context presentation. I retook the course as i had taken the course when I was 12 years old and again took with power squadron at age 16 navigation and then advanced navigation in the Loran days. All in all I would recommend Alan and his course to anyone and have already Recomended it to two friends. Aces!!!
Howard Levy
9 months ago
excellent
Joshua Gillego
9 months ago
Informative and Alan makes the class engaged making it easier and fun to learn and to sit through this whole day activity worthwhile! Highly recommended for all motoring water enthusiast!
Ravi Narine
9 months ago
The instructor was very friendly and did a great job teaching
john arena
9 months ago
Bobby Clark
9 months ago
Instructor was well educated and engaging
ali kellerman
10 months ago
Went to the boating safety class with limited to no knowledge whatsoever. Came out feeling pretty confident due to the great experience I had. I highly recommend the in person course to get the most out of your learning. 10/10 experience.
Dennis Kellerman
10 months ago
Alan is the man. Anyone taking the course online is doing a disservice to themselves, the safety of their children and to the fellow boaters around them. I feel safe operating a jetski/boat after taking his class. He keeps the class light cracking a good joke here and there. Highly recommend. Go with your family you’ll enjoy the day. Thanks again Alan!
Thomas Kellerman
10 months ago
Went to the class with 4 of my family members and couldn’t recommend it high enough. Made what could be a dry topic very interesting and kept the students engaged. Blows away any online course.
Ludy Sagastume
10 months ago
The best class
Gustavo Estrada
10 months ago
The instructor is very excellent, I liked it as he explains from each chapter.
LaxmanOBNY
10 months ago
Excellent class. Doesn’t even feel like a class. More like a boating discussion where you will pick up all the safety rules, regs and procedures in a very informational and relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommend taking Alan’s class
Ignazio Selvaggio
10 months ago
The instructor and his assistant were professional . They had years of knowledge and experience . The instructor presented the material and interacted with the class . He had videos and power points and used props of Equiptment during the class . I left the class with more knowledge of boating and safety . Brianna’s law passing and making this a requirement is a blessing .
barry kessler
10 months ago
The boating safety class at croton yacht club was very good . I picked up good safety tips . Alan presented the information very well. I did enjoy the class
Sabel Federov
10 months ago
Thank you for making the day enjoyable and informative~ Sharyse
Todd Rubin
10 months ago
Course was effective for getting a NYS Boating Safety Certificate. You will likely learn some boating skills that you did not know.
Gina Cooney
10 months ago
Fruit of the Spirit 2223
10 months ago
The best teacher I'm new at boating and he made me feel very comfortable I'm glad I took the class
Lynn Harmonay
10 months ago
Superior boating safety class! Entertaining and informative at the same time. Alan is a true pro at teaching safety to all age groups.
Richard Vargus
10 months ago
Very well presented course. Instructor was well versed, and incorporated his years of experience with the lesson plan to provide an excellent learning platform.
william Pickel
10 months ago
The instructor was extremely interactive with the group. The class moved well covering all the topics. I really appreciated the emphasis placed on preparing your vessel, making sure your fuel and oil are checked, storage and or placement of safety equipment. He stressed informing the passengers as to safety equipment locations.The importance of asking your passengers if they can swim if not requesting they wear a life jacket. Things can happen quickly on the water. I would recommend the course to anyone in need well worth doing it in a group atmosphere.
Kevin Page
10 months ago
Great class - very painless. Alan makes it interesting, and has not only some great tips, but also good stories. I have been boating for 5 yrs now, but learned a great deal. Def worth it.
Leigh Diana
10 months ago
Jim Malone
10 months ago
Great day on Land to be safe on the Water!!!
Chris George
10 months ago
Alan is a great instructor. I learned a lot about the boating class Highly recommended this boat safety course from Alan
Paul Rodriguez
10 months ago
Alan's knowledge is deep and his teaching style will reach all that attend the class!!!
James McGuire
11 months ago
Had a great experience. Instructor was very knowledgeable