Hudson Valley On The Water: New Boater Safety Regulations In NY

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Even "old salts" in New York will soon need a boating safety certificate as a grandfather clause excepting experienced skippers is set to expire.

Boating safety courses are inarguably a good idea for anyone on the water. Until recently, most experienced sailors in New York have been encouraged, but not required to earn boating safety certification.

The number of boat owners required to pass a state-certified boating safety course is growing each year. By next year, anyone born after 1977 will require a boating safety certificate to legally operate a motorized vessel in New York waters.

By January 1, 2025, all boaters regardless of age will have to prove they passed an approved boating safety class. Fishermen and pleasure craft enthusiasts who find themselves unexpectedly off the water and back in the classroom have a few options.

The New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Bureau of Marine Services offers an in-person classroom course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The agency lists a handful of authorized classroom providers, including:

• NJ Boating College
• New York Boating Safety
• Captain's Choice
• Finger Lakes Boating Museum
• SUNY Maritime College
• Safe Boating America

Online certification courses are also available. The agency list the following approved instructors:

• BOATERexam
• Boat-ED
• Boat U.S.
• United States Power Squadrons

While there is fierce debate at marinas around the state about whether or not someone who has been safely boating on New York waterways for longer than most of the instructors have been alive actually needs legally mandated classroom instruction, there is no debating the fact that boaters knowing water safety rules saves lives. To this end, the state has released the "2021 New York State Boater's Guide: a handbook of registration, operation and safety information for the prudent boater."

The guide contains helpful information on everything from avoiding collisions with sea mammals to water skiing hand signals. The handbook even offers helpful tips on how kayakers can safely navigate lock systems.

To request (or download) a copy of the Boater's Guide or to find the nearest boating safety course, visit the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation pages here.