how old to operate a boat in ny without a saftey course

by Dr. Cathy Kautzer PhD 6 min read

14 years of age

What are the requirements to operate a boat in New York?

Will I need a course in order to rent a motorboat in New York? No. If you are at least 18 years old, you may rent without completing a course. The livery should demonstrate how to properly use the boat before renting it however. Persons under the age of 18 may only rent a motorboat if they hold a safety certificate. I lost my safety certificate.

Is has passed boating safety course approved by the New York State?

Operators may not operate a Personal Watercraft (JetSki, SeaDoo, etc.) unless they are at least 14 years of age and hold a boater safety certificate issued by State Parks, the USCG Auxiliary or the US Power Squadron for having completed a an 8-hour classroom based course of instruction. A person without a safety certificate may operate a PWC when accompanied by someone over …

How old do you have to be to operate a boat?

Jun 06, 2019 · Currently, state law only required those born after May 1, 1996, to complete a boater safety course in order to drive a motor boat. The …

What can you do with a NYS boating license?

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. If you were born on or after: You will need a boating safety certificate when operating a motorized vessel in: January 1, 1993. 2020.

How old do you have to be to drive a boat in New York?

least 10 years old
What are the age requirements to drive a boat in New York? To operate a boat in New York, you must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. To operate a personal watercraft in New York, you must complete a boating safety course and be age 14 or older.Jan 6, 2022

Is a boating license required in New York?

As of January 1, 2020, New York will begin a phase-in-by-age law that will require a new age group to become certified each year, requiring all motorized boat and PWC operators to pass a boater safety course and to carry a New York boater card by January 1, 2025.

Can a 12 year old drive a boat in NY?

Any person under the age of 12 can not operate a motor boat of more than 6 horse power. Must be 16 years of age or older and have a boating safety certificate.

Can a 10 year old drive a boat in NY?

Age and Operator Restrictions

A person at least 10 years old may operate a recreational boat (other than a PWC) only if only if you meet the requirement to have a Boating Safety Certificate as shown in the table. If you are required to have a Boating Safety Certificate, you must carry it on board the vessel.

What is required to operate a boat in New York?

If you are a New York resident, you will need to have a NYS boating safety certificate; if you are from out-of-state, New York recognizes the boating safety certificate issued by your home state. Persons may rent and operate a motor boat from a livery without first obtaining a boating safety certificate.

What do you need on a boat in NY?

Every vessel including canoes, kayaks and row boats operated in NYS must have on board one USCG approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard. In addition, vessels 16 feet and greater in length except canoes and kayaks are required to have a USCG approved type IV throwable flotation aid.

Can you rent a boat without a license in NY?

No. If you are at least 18 years old, you may rent without completing a course. The livery should demonstrate how to properly use the boat before renting it however. Persons under the age of 18 may only rent a motorboat if they hold a safety certificate.

How old must you be to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower without supervision?

16 years of age or older
Age and Operator Restrictions

California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs).

What is the minimum unsupervised age for operating a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower?

16 years of age or older
Boating Age Requirements

All boaters 16 years of age or older may operate any motor powered vessel greater than 15 horsepower without adult supervision.
Jan 1, 2018

Can you drink alcohol on a boat in New York?

Unlike driving, you actually can enjoy a drink or two while you're operating a boat in New York. However, if you become intoxicated while operating a boat, you can face legal repercussions, fines and even a possible loss of your boating license.Mar 9, 2021

What must be done before a boat can be issued a New York Certificate of Registration?

You must take an approved course in boater education and safety and receive a boating safety certificate in order to operate a motorboat in New York. All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. For more information, go to the NYS PARKS website.

What is considered reckless operation of a vessel under New York law?

New York law prohibits reckless operation of a vessel. Reckless Operation of a vessel is that which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the navigable waters of the state or unreasonably endangers any other vessel or person.

How old do you have to be to get a boating safety certificate?

Who needs a boating safety certificate? Anyone operating a Personal Watercraft (JetSki™, Wave Runner™, etc.) must have a boating safety certificate, and be at least 14 years of age or older. Born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.

Who is eligible for the Adventure License Boating Icon?

Who is eligible for the Adventure License boating icon? Anyone successfully completing the New York Safe Boating Course may opt to have their driver's license, non-driver ID, or learner's permit indicate completion of the course.

How to get all my recreational licenses and boating safety certificates on my license?

How can I get all my recreational licenses and boating safety certificate on my driver's license for only one fee? Figure out what sporting licenses you want to be indicated on your driver's license and Opt-In Later to have them apply at your next renewal. Next, wait a few days and Opt-In now for your boating safety certificate and you will receive all icons at the same time.

Why did NYS Parks go online?

Why did NYS Parks go to an online program? It was both the legislature's and governor's intention in passing the 2013 legislation that the public have access to the latest technologies in learning when meeting the State's boater education requirements. There are boaters who could not make a traditional classroom course for several reasons and the online programs can meet those boater's needs.

How many hours of class do you need to take a schoology class?

Students must be at least 10 years of age to attend the course. This course requires a minimum of 8 hours of classroom instruction. Courses are available throughout the state. You must register for a course by calling the contact number provided. An instructor may or may not charge a fee for the course.

Can you issue a replacement NYS boating certificate?

The same is true for lost Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary cards. NYS can only issue replacement certificates for the NY Safe Boating Course.

Can I exchange my boating safety certificate for a NYS boating safety certificate?

I have a US Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety certificate. Can I exchange it for a New York boating safety certificate? No. The same is true for US Power Squadron boating safety certificate. New York State can only issue a boating safety certificate to persons that have successfully completed a NYS classroom course.

How old do you have to be to operate a jet ski?

Anyone operating a Personal Watercraft (JetSki™, Wave Runner™, etc.) must have a boating safety certificate, and be at least 14 years of age or older.

When do you need a boating safety certificate?

Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.

What is iLearnToBoat?

iLearnToBoat is an online course in which users learn safe boating methods and procedures through an interactive story.

What is a New York State Adventure License?

New York State Adventure License. If you have a lifetime recreation certificate or sporting license, your New York State Driver License can now become an all-purpose boating, fishing, hunting and parks ID card.

Do you need a boating safety certificate to renew your license?

The advantage to this program is that you will no longer need to carry your boating safety certificate with you when boating, provided you have your DMV credential with you. 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.

Can you rent a boat without a safety certificate?

Renting a boat. Persons may rent and operate a motor boat from a livery without first obtaining a boating safety certificate. Operators of sailboats, kayaks, standup paddleboards, rowboats, canoes and any other watercraft without a motor are not required to have a boating safety certificate to be on the water .

Do you need a driver's license to take a boating course in New York?

Anyone successfully completing the New York Safe Boating Course or approved online boating safety course may opt to have their driver's license, non-driver ID, or learner's permit indicate completion of the course. A small anchor icon will be placed on your DMV document, attesting that you have earned a New York State boating safety certificate.

When will boating safety certificates be required in New York?

As of January 1, 2020, New York law will require all boat operators to carry the New York boating safety certificate. This law will be phased in over six years.

What is a boating safety certificate?

The State Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved boating safety course and allows you to operate on New York waters.

What is boat ed?

Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

How old do you have to be to take the e-learning course?

You must be at least 10 years old to take this online course.

Is boating safety certification the same as boating license?

Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. The State Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all of the components of an approved boating safety course and allows you to operate on New York waters.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in New York?

Potential operators need to be at least 14 years of age or older. And they must successfully complete and pass a Boating Safety Education Course before they are allowed to operate a personal watercraft in the state of New York. To pass the course, you will need a score of 76% or higher on the boater safety course.

When do you need a boating safety certificate in New York?

You are required to complete a state-approved course on boating safety and acquire the New York Boating Safety Certificate before you can operate a vehicle for water travel if you were born on or after May 1, 1996. However, regardless of age, all people must complete a Boating Safety Education Course before they can operate a personal watercraft on New York State waterways.

What is a boating safety certificate?

This certificate, often mistaken for a license, proves that its bearer has successfully completed an approved New York Safe Boating course. You are required to have the Boating Safety Certificate on you anytime you are operating a powered watercraft (also known as a PWC); otherwise, you will be obligated to pay costly fines.

How long does it take to pass the boater safety course?

To pass the course, you will need a score of 76% or higher on the boater safety course. Courses must be finished, and the final exam passed within 90 days of payment. Your access to the course will expire after the 90 days have elapsed.

What do law enforcement officers do on a boat?

Law enforcers patrol the state’s waterways to ensure that your boating experience is safe and pleasant. Be sure to cooperate with them and observe the laws and proper etiquette at all times to avoid injury.

When did the boating safety course start in New York?

The New York Boating Safety course was put in place on May 1, 2014, to cater to those who cannot take the course in person. This safety course meets all NY mandatory education requirements for operating personal watercraft or motorboats for all people born on May 1, 1996, and later.

When will motorboats be required to have a safety certificate?

Beginning in 2025, all motorboat operators will need a boating safety certificate regardless of age.

When do you need a boating safety certificate?

All motor boat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.

How much does it cost to get a boater safety certificate in New York?

A new certificate can be obtained through the New York State Parks website at a cost of $10.

When will boating safety certificates be required?

Last year a new state law took effect, mandating that all motor boat operators, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. The legislation includes a five-year, phase in plan. Both online and in-classroom boater safety courses are currently available, according to Brian Nearing, ...

Where is the Antique Boat Museum?

Amanda Dudley, director of education for the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, on the St. Lawrence River in Jefferson County, is once again offering boater safety courses in conjunction with the National Coast Guard Auxiliary. However, just like last year the courses will be all online (a Zoom format) and cost $35 to take.

Can you rent a boat in New York?

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. See the NYS Parks website about this and other frequently asked questions.

Is boater safety online?

Both online and in-classroom boater safety courses are currently available, according to Brian Nearing, a spokesman for the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which oversees the courses. Last year, the vast majority of courses taken were online. That trend will undoubtedly continue this coming year.

Mandatory Boater Education

On January 1, 2020 the Brianna’s law went into effect. It requires that anyone operating a motorboat and who was born on or after January 1, 1993 must hold a New York State-approved boating safety certificate. You need to complete an approved boating safety course to get your boating safety certificate.

Boat Registration Requirements - New York

What boats must be registered in New York? How Do I Register My Vessel? How much will it cost to register my boat in New York?