Boating Resources
Publications
The New York State Boater's Guide (pdf) - a complete reference source with all of the rules and regulations you need to know in order to boat safely and legally in New York State.
2019 Recreational Boating Report (pdf) - the Recreational Boating Report provides an overview of the boating safety programs for which State Park has responsibility, vessel registration figures for each county, a report on Marine Law Enforcement activity across the state and a detailed look at boating accidents in the previous year.
Study Guide for Public Vessel Operators License (pdf) - a Public Vessel is defined as any vessel that operates on the waters of New York not under Coast Guard jurisdiction, carrying passengers in exchange for compensation. This study guide will tell you everything you need to know to study for your operators license.
Safeguard New York (pdf)
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how you can help protect New York's coasts, rivers, bridges, tunnels, ports, ships, military bases, and waterside industries.
Cold Water Immersion (pdf) - this brochure discusses the dangers of sudden immersion into cold water.
Vessel Noise Laws (pdf) - everything you need to know to keep your vessel legal when it comes to noise level.
Vessel Equipment Guide (pdf) - a quick reference guide to the equipment you should be carrying aboard your vessel while boating in New York.
Kayak & Canoe Guide to Long Island State Parks (pdf) - a guide to state parks on Long Island offering access for canoe and kayak enthusiasts.
Recommended Practices for Rowing Clubs (pdf) - developed in association with the US Rowing Association, this simple guide offers some tips for safe and enjoyable crewing or sculling experience.
Life Jacket Fortune Teller (pdf) - An update on the classic Cruncher Fortune Teller that will test your knowledge of life jackets.
Archived Publications
- 2021 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2020 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2019 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2018 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2017 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2016 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2015 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2014 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2013 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2012 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2011 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2010 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2009 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2008 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2007 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2006 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
- 2005 Recreational Boating Report (pdf)
Databases
Boat Launch Sites - an interactive listing of the launch sites operated by New York State Parks and the Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Searchable by waterway or county, a brief description of the site is provided.
Boating Safety Course Availability - find and sort a list of boating safety courses currently registered with State Parks.
Hull Identification Number Status - find the current status of your HIN application.
Regulatory Forms
- Hull Identification Number Application (pdf)
- Floating Object Permit Application (pdf)
- Rules and Regulations for Floating Objects (pdf)
- Regatta Permit Application (pdf)
- Rules and Regulations for Regattas (pdf)
- Notification of Racing Shell Regatta (pdf)
- Guidance for Completing Vessel Accident Report Form (pdf)
- Accident Report Form (pdf)
- Application for Public Vessel Operators License (pdf)
- Apprentice Master License Application (pdf)
- Application for Certification of a Public Vessel (pdf)
- Request for Navigational Aid(s) Placement (pdf)
If you cannot open these forms, please call (518) 474-0445 and a copy will be mailed to you.
Other Boating Safety Resources
- America's Waterway Watch
- National Safe Boating Council
- National Association of Boating Law Administrators
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Canal Corporation
- The Safe Harbor - Safe Boating in the Port of NY & NJ
- United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
- United States Power Squadron
- United States Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety
