What Is the Minimum Age to Get a New York Boating License?
The minimum age to get a New York boating license (also called a New York Boating Safety Certificate) is 10 years old to operate a motorboat and 14 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) such as a Jet Ski. As of January 1, 2025, all motorized vessel operators in New York (regardless of age) are required to carry a New York Boating Safety Certificate on the water.
Under Brianna's Law, New York completed a phased rollout of this requirement between 2020 and 2025. The rule now applies to every motorized boat operator, no matter when they were born.
Keep reading to learn the minimum age requirements, who needs a certificate, and how to get one.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in New York?
New York law sets 10 as the minimum age to operate a motorboat. Children under 10 may not operate a motorized vessel under any circumstances.
Boaters ages 10 to 13 may operate a motorboat only when directly supervised onboard by an adult who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid New York Boating Safety Certificate. Boaters 14 and older may operate independently, provided they hold a valid certificate.
The minimum age to operate a PWC is 14. No one under 14 may operate a Jet Ski or WaveRunner on New York waters, even with adult supervision.
Who Needs a New York Boating License?
Do you need a New York boating license this season? As of January 1, 2025, every person who operates a motorized vessel on New York waterways must carry a New York Boating Safety Certificate. This requirement applies to all ages and is part of Brianna's Law, which fully took effect on January 1, 2025.
The certificate is issued by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and serves as proof that you have passed an approved boating safety course. Once issued, the New York Boating Safety Certificate is valid for life and does not need to be renewed.
New York Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
New York's boating regulations include age-specific requirements for different vessel types. The table below breaks down who can operate what and under what conditions.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (New York Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Under 10 | Motorboat | No | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| 10–13 | Motorboat | Yes | Must be supervised onboard by an adult 18+ with a valid New York Boating Safety Certificate |
| 14+ | Motorboat | Yes | Must carry a valid New York Boating Safety Certificate |
| Under 14 | PWC | No | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| 14+ | PWC | Yes | Must carry a valid New York Boating Safety Certificate |
| Any age | Non-motorized vessel | Yes | No certificate required |
Exemptions from the New York Boating Certificate Requirement
Certain operators are exempt from the New York Boating Safety Certificate requirement. The table below summarizes the most common exemptions. For more information, visit the NYS Parks boating education page.
New York Boating Certificate Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| Valid out-of-state card | Operators holding a boating education card from another state that meets NASBLA requirements |
| Commercial vessels | Operators of commercial vessels registered in another state or owned by a government agency |
| Non-motorized vessels | Operators of kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft |
How to Get Your New York Boating Safety Certificate
Follow these steps to get your boating license in New York.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 10 years old to take the New York boating safety course and operate a motorboat. You must be at least 14 to operate a PWC.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in a New York State Parks–approved course, such as the Boat-Ed New York course. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace on any device.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam after completing the boater safety course to earn your New York Boating Safety Certificate.
- Receive your certificate. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate valid for 90 days. Your permanent certificate will arrive by mail.
- Carry your certificate on the water. New York law requires you to have your Boating Safety Certificate with you anytime you operate a motorized vessel. Alternatively, you can have the anchor icon added to your New York DMV-issued ID through the Adventure License program.
Does New York Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes. New York recognizes boating education cards from other states and provinces, provided they meet NASBLA standards. Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOC) are also recognized.
If you hold a valid out-of-state NASBLA-compliant card, you are not required to obtain a separate New York Boating Safety Certificate to operate on New York waterways.
Start Your New York Boater Safety Course Today
Getting your New York Boating Safety Certificate is straightforward. The Boat-Ed New York course is approved by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is available entirely online on any device at your own pace.
After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary certificate and get on the water right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age to get a boating license in New York?
A: The minimum age to get a New York Boating Safety Certificate is 10 years old. You must be at least 10 to take the course and operate a motorboat. To operate a PWC, such as a Jet Ski, you must be at least 14.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in New York?
A: You must be at least 10 years old to operate a motorboat in New York. Operators ages 10 to 13 must be directly supervised onboard by an adult who is at least 18 and holds a valid New York Boating Safety Certificate. Children under 10 may not operate a motorized vessel under any circumstances.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in New York?
A: The minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), including Jet Skis and WaveRunners, in New York is 14. No one under 14 may operate a PWC under any circumstances, even with adult supervision.
Q: Can a child under 14 operate a motorboat in New York?
A: Yes, with restrictions. Boaters ages 10 to 13 may operate a motorboat only when directly supervised onboard by an adult who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid New York Boating Safety Certificate. Children under 10 may not operate a motorized vessel under any circumstances.
Q: What is Brianna's Law in New York?
A: Brianna's Law is a New York State law named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl who died in a boating accident in 2005. Signed into law in 2019, it requires all operators of motorized vessels to complete an approved boating safety course and carry a New York Boating Safety Certificate. The law was phased in by birth year between 2020 and 2025. As of January 1, 2025, it applies to all motorized vessel operators regardless of age.
Q: Do I need a New York Boating Safety Certificate if I already have a card from another state?
A: New York recognizes NASBLA-approved boating education cards from other states and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards. If your card meets those standards, you are not required to obtain a separate New York Boating Safety Certificate.
Q: How much does the New York boating safety course cost?
A: Course fees across approved providers generally range from $30 to $80. The Boat-Ed course fee is $54.95.
Q: Does the New York Boating Safety Certificate expire?
A: No. The New York Boating Safety Certificate is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
Q: Is the New York Boating Safety Certificate the same as a boating license?
A: New York does not issue a traditional boating license. The Boating Safety Certificate serves the same purpose. It is proof that you have completed an approved boating safety course and are authorized to operate a motorized vessel on New York waterways.
