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Official New York Boating Safety Course

New York State Parks logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

Take this New York–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the New York State Parks.

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Do you need New York Boating education?

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.

New York State Parks logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

How to Get your Boating Certificate in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1

Boat step 1

est. 2–3 mins

Sign Up

Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.

Step 2

Step 2 image

est. 3–4 hrs

Study & Pass at Your Own Pace

Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!

Step 3

Boat step 3

est. 1–5 mins

Print Your Temporary Certificate Immediately

After successfully passing the final exam, you're able to print a temporary boating certificate and go boating right away!

Step 4

Boat step 4

est. 0 mins

Get on the Water!

That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!

Do you need a Boater Card 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. All motorized boat operators born on or after January 1, 1993, will be required to carry the New York boater card by January 1, 2020.

New York State Parks Requirements

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

You do not have to be a resident of New York to take this online course.

What to Expect From the Boaters Safety Course

Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos

Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.

Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.

Comprehensive Instruction in New York boaters Safety Course

This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by New York. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

Pages from a boat handbook

Learn Your Way on Any Device

Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Boat course displayed on various devices
Course outline displaying progress

Saved Progress

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.

New York Approved

New York State Parks
Marine Services Bureau Albany, NY 12238

Made in the U.S.A.

This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.

Is it the Boating safety 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. The New York Adventure License program lets you choose to have your certification noted, as an anchor icon, on your New York driver’s license or other identification document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You can get the State Boating Safety Certificate by taking this boat safety course at Boat Ed. Find out if you need the card.

Did you lose your card? Replace it here.

Do you need a Boating Certification to drive a boat in New York?

Brianna’s Law will expand the requirements for boating safety certificates in New York. The law requires that all operators of motorized vessels hold a boating safety certificate. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2020, and the requirements will be phased in over six years.

Get Certified
New York State Parks logo

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New York Boating FAQs

Price and Payment

How much does the New York Boat Ed Course cost?

The New York Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.

Taking the Course

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in New York?

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

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

Do I have to be a resident to take the New York Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of New York to take this online course.

Course Approval and Acceptance

Is the New York Boat Ed Course approved by the New York State Parks?

The New York Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the New York State Parks.

Is my New York State Boating Safety Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Quizzes and/or Exams

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the Certification Exam to pass. You have 2 attempts to pass the Certification Exam. If you do not pass the exam in the 2 attempts given, you will be required to repeat the entire course. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.

About Your Certification

What is the proof of online New York Boat Ed Course completion?

Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Safety Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boating Safety Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion.

What is the permanent New York State Boating Safety Certificate?

The State Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The State Boating Safety Certificate will arrive within 3-4 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents

How do I replace my State Boating Safety Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged State Boating Safety Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com/.

We’re people, not robots.

Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!

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