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Course Outline

According to a new law passed in New York, these requirements apply to persons operating a recreational boat (other than a PWC) in New York.

  • If you are under 10 years of age:
    • You may not take a boating safety course and…
    • You must be accompanied on board by a person 18 years of age or older who either has a Boating Safety Certificate on board or is not required to have a certificate.
  • If you are 10 years of age or older, you may operate a boat legally 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.
    • All persons operating a motorized vessel must have a Boating Safety Certificate by January 1, 2025.

    The following table shows when a person operating a vessel other than a PWC is required to have a Boating Safety Certificate.

    If you were born on or after: You will need a Boating Safety Certificate when operating a motorized vessel in:
    January 1, 1993 2020
    January 1, 1988 2022
    January 1, 1983 2023
    January 1, 1978 2024

    All operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, will need a Boating Safety Certificate by January 1, 2025.

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