BOATsmart! New York Boating Safety Certificate: What You Need to Know

We have all of the info you need about your New York Boating Safety Certificate (New York Boating License), from reasons to get it and the process to obtain it to age requirements and the phase-in schedule.

There’s nothing quite as relaxing and fun as being on the New York waters with the feeling of the water spray on your face. There is something quintessentially New York when it comes to the blue water and spending the day on your boat, which is why it’s important to be properly educated and certified when operating a motorized boat in New York State. 

New York boating safety has been top of mind since last year when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Brianna’s Law into action for New York State boaters. The law — named after 11-year old Brianna Lieneck, who died in a boating accident in 2005 — was signed into place to ensure boater safety and know-how on New York waters. With NY State Senate Bill S5685 in place, there is a phased-in schedule on who is required to be certified to operate a motorized vessel in New York.

Why do I need a New York Boater Safety Certificate?

The law phases in a required New York Boating Safety Certificate by age over the next five years. 

• By January 2020, persons born after January 1, 1993.
• By January 2022, persons born after January 1, 1988.
• By January 2023, persons born after January 1, 1983.
• By January 2024, persons born after January 1, 1978.
• By January 2025, all persons of all ages.

If you’re caught operating a watercraft on New York waters without your New York Boating License, you can be fined up to $250.

How do you get your boater certification in New York?

It’s easy to get your New York Boater Safety Certification (commonly called a New York Boating License) when you use BOATsmart! in just three simple steps: 

1. Take the BOATsmart! New York Boating Safety Course online.
2. Pass your online New York Boating Safety Test.
3. Print your temporary certificate immediately.

What does it cost to take a New York boating safety education course?

Boater safety education courses can vary in cost, but BOATsmart!’s New York Boating Safety Education Course costs just $29.95 for lifetime access.

Why BOATsmart!?

We love nothing more than spending days out on the water with friends and family, and we’re all about doing it as safely as possible. With clear lessons that are animated, narrated and perfect for all ages, BOATsmart! courses are the best choice for a boating safety education.

Learn more about New York boating laws

Make sure you’re up-to-date on everything related to boating in New York with our comprehensive guide to boating in NY. You’ll find everything you need to know when it comes to safety, from current legal requirements and phase-in schedules to steps for obtaining a new card and exemption rules.