Boating
Regulations & FAQs
Navigation Law Updates
Effective January 1, 2020
As per Brianna’s Law, all motor boat operators…
- Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024
- All motor boat 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.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
New York State will require all motorized boaters to take a safe boating course and earn their safe boating certificate by 2025.
All operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate by January 1, 2025
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 did my instructor give me two temporary certificates?
After completing the program your instructor should have given you two sheets; a white temporary certificate that you should carry while waiting for your permanent certificate and a yellow copy as well. The yellow copy should be sent to State Parks along with your $10 fee for processing your permanent certificate. State Parks cannot issue a permanent certificate to you until we receive the yellow copy and your fee. If you are less than 18 years old, your instructor should have only given you the white temporary certificate. The instructor is responsible for mailing the yellow copies for those students under the age of 18 to State Parks. In all cases, the permanent certificate will be issued by State Parks.
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?
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
Mike Wittkowski
4 months ago
I took the course 2 Sunday's ago in East Meadow. Alan was great and he held the course even though there were just 4 of us. He is a dedicated instructor and even though I have years of experience boating, I learned a number of new things which I will be able to utilize moving forward. I highly recommend the in person course if you truly want to get something out of it beyond just getting a certificate.
John McCarthy
5 months ago
Definitely helpful for newcomers
adam ernst
6 months ago
William Hardy
6 months ago
It was a very informative class. I've been boating for over 60 years, actually took this class when I was 14, and I learned a lot. The instructor was able to share many personal experiences that reinforced the course material. As a result of this course I will never have my motor running, in neutral, when there is someone in the water anywhere near it.
Corina Falcone
6 months ago
The instructor was very knowledgeable and patient. He answered all questions and I feel I learned a lot about the "rules of the road" when on the water. I especially liked the rule the instructor's father taught him about the red and green lights...that was very helpful. Excellent class! Thank you for everything!
Yuliya Tsygankova
6 months ago
I would like to recommend this class to everyone who has a boat, or to anyone who goes out on the boat trips with friends. Your safety is your responsibility! Really, must have type of information. Great teacher. I enjoyed the class.
Lilly Mirkov
6 months ago
Great Class! I recommend this class for getting your license but also for a refresher course! The materials and videos were excellent . Alan our instructor covered everything and answered all questions !
Erica Roccario-Thorpe
6 months ago
Jack Bentley
6 months ago
Great course! I've been boating 55 yrs. and I learned things!
Alex Verardi
6 months ago
Excellent course. Learned a lot of valuable information.
Regina Ochwat
6 months ago
Alan was great. Really learned a lot.would highly recommend this course.
Paul Ferranola
6 months ago
Class was very important. Instructor had great knowledge and taught us very well. I learned alot from this class. Everyone needs to take this class so much to know about. Wonderful experience
Marat Babakhanov
7 months ago
John RANDAZZO
8 months ago
I have been a boater for over 10 years,taking this class with Alan who is a wealth of knowledge has taught me a lot of things I needed to learn 👍👍👍👏👏👏thank you Alan for teaching a great class 👏👏👏👏
JRS0418
8 months ago
Great class, very informative.
Louis DeLosSantos
8 months ago
I took my boating safety certification with NY Boating Safety. I had a blast honestly. I'm totally new to boating so I learned a ton. The instructor is top-notch. He was able to fill us in with a lot of experience in his own life. The course was worth every penny and I'd definitely recommend taking this with NY Boating Safety.
Nicole Dinis
8 months ago
Wonderful and informative class! Very thankful I was able to take the class in person to ask questions.
Bob
8 months ago
The course was very informative. Our instructor, Alan Alterman made it interesting. He is both knowledgeable and experienced. I recommend taking this course especially for NEW boaters.
Rasel Bhuyan
8 months ago
His New York safety classes for boats are top-notch. His thorough explanations not only make the exam easier but also ensure you understand crucial safety measures for navigating New York waters. I strongly recommend taking a class with him for comprehensive and effective boat safety training.
John Mendez
8 months ago
Kraig Scharn
8 months ago
Very informative
austin south
9 months ago
Didn't want to take the class due to "experience" but walked away with more knowledge. Great class for all. Please promote boat safety class to friends and family. Keep Long island water safe.
Kimberly Sullo
a year ago
The class was very informative and taught my son and I so many lifesaving lessons. Amazing class!
Yehuda Mor
a year ago
excellent instructor, great class.
Peter Nielsen
a year ago
The class was well taught. I learned the skills that are needed to be a safe Boater. I would recommend this class to anyone. 5 Star Rating from me.
Danis Claros j
a year ago
My best experience in that class it was a really nice teacher and explain everything point a to point B. Is the best place to get your your boat and JetSki license
Elnatan Chasser
a year ago
john cush
a year ago
Informative, practical, the day goes fast
Carmen Benitez
a year ago
The instructor was excellent, and I recommend this course to everyone because it can save lives. Many people need to realize the importance of following rules, so they can prevent a tragedy from occurring. Being on a boat can be a lovely experience, but take the course so you can learn the rules and safety recommendations so it can be a wonderful experience.
Rory Sadoff
a year ago
outstanding start to finish
B Khan
a year ago
10 Stars. Amazing class & Amazing instructor. So happy I went with them.
Chris Lawlor
a year ago
Kathleen Palafox
a year ago
Allan was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Stephen Cardillo
a year ago
Great Class, Very informative, Instructor was friendly, personable and communicative. Answered all my questions, I left with a lot of knowledge and safety tips for safe proper Boating, Highly recommend this class.
MDS
a year ago
Eric Petrosillo
a year ago
Flawless learning experience! Alan was an excellent teacher, the knowledge and safety practices you will learn in this class are priceless.
Frank DiMicco
a year ago
Stress free learning environment. Covered all aspects of boating concentrating on passenger and crew safety and waterway navigation .
Carl Cipriano
a year ago
Very informative & professional presentation.
Pete Vollmuth
a year ago
I took the boating safety course yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I learned and how well Alan taught the course. There was a lot of information covered that I did not know and I'm now feeling much more comfortable getting out on the bay this season. This was time well spent and the course manual is also a very good reference.