COVID-19 UPDATE: In-classroom safe boating courses may now resume in counties that are in Phase 4 re-opening. Please contact the instructor listed to confirm if the course you are interested in attending is still being offered. Students must wear face coverings during courses whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Online course options remain available. For a list of approved online providers, please visit the Boating Education Page
Brianna's Law
If you were born on or after May 1, 1996 you will need a boating safety certificate.
Under a new law known as Brianna's Law, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate
beginning in 2020.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
Those 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.
Approved courses include those offered by NYS Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power
Squadrons
or U.S.Powerboating
.
Certain allowances to this law have been made for visitors to New York, persons renting a boat from a livery and persons purchasing a new boat for the first time. Please refer
to Frequently Asked Questions for more information.