Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Brianna’s Law, named after 19-year-old Brianna Salerno who died in a 2012 boating accident, made boating safety education mandatory for boat operators in New York. As of January 1, 2025, anyone operating a motorized vessel must possess a valid New York Safe Boating Certificate. This requirement significantly impacts all recreational boaters in the state.
For comprehensive information about New York boating requirements, visit the New York boating guide New York boating guide.
Brianna’s Law, named after 19-year-old Brianna Salerno who died in a 2012 boating accident, made boating safety education mandatory for boat operators in New York. As of January 1, 2025, anyone operating a motorized vessel must possess a valid New York Safe Boating Certificate. This law represents a significant shift in New York’s approach to boating safety, moving from voluntary education to mandatory certification for all operators.
The law was implemented in response to the tragic death of Brianna Salerno, a college student who drowned in a boating accident on Canandaigua Lake. Her death inspired her family and boating safety advocates to push for stronger safety requirements. The result is Brianna’s Law, which applies to all motorized vessels operating in New York waters.
Brianna’s Law applies to anyone operating a motorized vessel in New York waters. This includes recreational boaters, rental boat operators, jet ski riders, and anyone else in control of a motorized watercraft. The law is broad in scope and covers all powerboats, personal watercraft, sailboats with auxiliary motors, and any other vessel propelled by a motor.
Age restrictions historically allowed younger operators to avoid the requirement, but Brianna’s Law eliminates these exemptions. All operators, regardless of age, must have valid certification to legally operate a motorized vessel in New York.
The New York Safe Boating Certificate can be obtained through state-approved courses, either online or in-person. Online courses typically require 3-4 hours to complete and cover boating safety, rules of the road, required equipment, navigation basics, and emergency procedures.
In-person courses may be longer, often 4-6 hours, but provide hands-on instruction and the opportunity to ask questions in real time. Both formats cover the same essential safety topics and result in the same certification upon completion.
Multiple state-approved providers offer boating safety courses in New York:
– New York Parks (official state program)
– BoatUS Foundation (free online)
– Local boating clubs and marinas
– Community colleges and recreation departments
– Commercial boating education providers
Online courses offer the most flexibility and many are free or low-cost. In-person courses, often offered by local boating clubs and parks departments, provide interactive instruction.
Limited exemptions exist to Brianna’s Law. Commercial fishing vessel operators who hold a captain’s license may be exempt, though they should verify current requirements with NY Parks. Operators of non-motorized vessels (canoes, kayaks, sailboats without motors) are not covered by the law.
Some exemptions for out-of-state residents have sunset provisions—visitors to New York had initial grace periods but must now comply with the law or face penalties. Check current regulations to confirm your exemption status.
Operating a motorized vessel in New York without a valid Safe Boating Certificate can result in:
– Fines up to $250 for first offense
– Higher fines and potential jail time for repeat violations
– Vessel impoundment in serious cases
– Criminal charges if the violation contributed to an accident
Law enforcement has increased patrols and checkpoints to ensure compliance with Brianna’s Law. Boating safety officers conduct random inspections and will request proof of certification.
Since its implementation, Brianna’s Law has fundamentally changed boating safety in New York. More operators are taking safety courses, leading to better-informed boaters and reduced accident rates. The mandatory nature of the requirement eliminates the gap of untrained operators who previously believed they didn’t need certification.
The law has also increased awareness of boating safety issues and the importance of life jackets, proper equipment maintenance, and responsible vessel operation. Community organizations report increased enrollment in boating safety courses as operators seek compliance and genuine safety knowledge.
