New York Boating Laws and Regulations

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.
• All persons operating a motorized vessel must have a Boating Safety Certificate by January 1, 2025.

A person at least 14 years old may operate a PWC only if he or she:

• Has passed a boating safety course approved by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and…
• Carries the State Boating Safety Certificate on board the PWC.

No person under the age of 14 may operate a PWC.

Brianna's Law in New York

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

If you were born after:	You will need boating safety certification when operating a motorized vessel in:
Jan. 1, 1993	2020
Jan. 1, 1988	2022
Jan. 1, 1983	2023
Jan. 1, 1978	2024

New York State Parks Adventure License Program

After successfully completing this course, you can choose to have your certification noted, as an anchor icon, on your NY driver’s license or other identification document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The advantage is that you will no longer need to carry your boating safety certificate with you when boating, as long as you have your driver’s license with you. For more information, go to New York’s Adventure License webpage.

Enforcement

New York law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.

Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.

Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.

Reciprocity

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.”)