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90 Day Course Access

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  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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$29.95

Lifetime Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Live In-Course Chat Support
  • Phone Support
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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OTHER PROVIDER 2

$29.95

90 Day Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries

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90 Day Course Access

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BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8136 ratings and reviews.
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Buy More, Save More

Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official New York Boating Safety Certificate.

Buy For One

1 Boater

Per Boater

Total Savings

Crew Pack Discount

“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”

– Jesse L, Albany, NY

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FREE PADDLERSMART! COURSE WITH PURCHASE

The PADDLERsmart! course is perfect for anyone participating in paddle sports including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’ve been paddling for years or just getting started, you’ll learn everything you need to stay safe on the water. 

$24.95 value. Get it free when you purchase your BOATsmart! Course.

439
The average number of drownings in the United States was 439 in 2019
30%
Of all drowning-related fatalities in the United States, 30% involved paddle activities like canoeing, kayaking or SUP.
100%
With the proper knowledge and understanding of risks, 100% of all watercraft-related drownings are preventable.
Free PADDLERsmart course tablet and certificate
BOATsmart! courseware on a tablet.

Watch, Listen & Learn

From anywhere, on any device at any time.

Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.

BOATsmart! multiple choice practice test

Pass the official test

Take the New York Boating Safety Test online

Take the official New York Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.

New York State Boating Safety Certificate

Get Your Official Boating Safety Certificate

Print your Temporary Card immediately

Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. BOATsmart! will mail your permanent card within 4 weeks. 

Boating In New York

LOST OR DAMAGED BOATER CERTIFICATE?

Official New York Boating Safety Certificate Replacements

Lost? Damaged? Need some back-ups? Don’t sweat it! If you need to replace your New York Boating Safety Certificate or want back-up copies for the tackle box, cabin or boat we’ve got you covered.

 

New York State Boating Safety Certificate

ONE CARD

$

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

Lost New York Boater Safety Certificate 3 Pack Bundle

3 CARD BUNDLE

$ EACH

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT

The BOATsmart! course on a laptop The BOATsmart! course on a laptop

FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST

Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the New York boating safety practice test now.

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New York State Boating Safety Certificate

NEW YORK BOATER EDUCATION CARD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a New York Boating Safety Certificate?

The New York Boating Safety Certificate is proof that a boater has successfully passed the New York Boating Safety Test. As of January 1st, 2020 all boat operators in New York who were born on or after January 1, 1993 are required to obtain a Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorized boat or PWC. The new law is being phased in over 6 years, with all boat operators requiring certificate as of January 1st, 2025.

Is the New York Boating Safety Certificate the same as a Boating License?

The State of New York required boat operators to obtain a safety certificate in order to legally operate a motorized boat. It is commonly referred to as a ‘boating license’ however, unlike a driver’s license a boating safety certificate is good for life, and does not require renewal. 

Who needs a New York Boating Safety Certificate?

All boat operators in New York who were born on or after January 1st, 1993 are required to get certified. The Boating Safety Education law in New york will continue to be phased in over the next 6 years: 

If you were born after: 

You will be required to obtain a New York Boating Safety Certificate as of: 

January 1, 1993

January 2020

January 1, 1988

January 2022

January 1, 1983

January 2023

January 1, 1978

January 2024

All ages

January 2025

 

Who is exempt from having to obtain a New York Boating Safety Certificate?

  • State certified instructors
  • Instructors who are certified with the USCG or the US Power Squadrons
  • Licensed Canadian and US Commercial boat operators
  • Police or peace officers, firefighter, emergency rescue personnel or lifeguards acting within the scope of their official duties
  • Non-residents who have obtained boating safety certification from another state

What is the fine for not having the Card?

Boaters caught without a New York Boating Safety Certificate may be fined up to $250.

How do I get a New York Boater Education Certificate?

You can obtain your official Boating Safety Certificate from BOATsmart! in three steps:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! New York Boating Safety Course online. 
  2. Pass the New York Boating Safety Test online.
  3. Print a Temporary Certificate immediately.

How do I prepare for the New York Boating Safety Test?

Boaters can prepare for the official New York Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour New York Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the New York Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The BOATsmart! New York Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your New York Boating Safety Certificate.

Will my New York Boating Safety Certificate ever expire?

No. Your New York Boating Education Certificate is good for life. However, you will always have access to your BOATsmart! Course, and can check-back any time to brush up on your boating safety knowledge, and explore free refresher lessons. 

How do I replace my New York Boating Safety Certificate?

You can easily purchase a replacement New York Boating Safety Certificate by contacting BOATsmart! at 1-877-655-7778 or by logging in to your BOATsmart! Account online.  

Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in New York?

No. The state of New York does not require that boat operators possess a valid driver’s license. However, they are required to obtain a New York Boating Safety Certificate to legally operate a motorized boat or PWC within the state, if they were born on or after January 1st, 1993.  

Do I need a Boating Safety Certificate for all types of boats?

Boat operators in the state of New York, who require boating safety certification, must obtain a New York Boating Safety Certificate to legally operate any motorized boat or PWC within the state.

How long does the New York Boating Safety Course take?

The state of New York requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! New York Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access. 

Is my New York Boating Safety Certificate valid in other states?

Yes. The New York Boating Safety Certificate is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.

Who is BOATsmart!?

BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the New York Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, to deliver the official New York Boater Education and Boating Safety Test.

 

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New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

625 Broadway
Albany, NY, 12208
https://parks.ny.gov/

Trusted from coast-to-coast, New York approved

The official BOATsmart! New York Boating Safety Course is approved by the New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.

BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.

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US Coast Guard logo.