Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Yes—if you operate a motorized boat in New York, you need a New York Safe Boating Certificate (often called a “boating license”). Under Brianna’s Law, as of January 1, 2025, a safe boating certificate is required for all motorized boat operators, regardless of age. The requirement is administered through New York State Parks’ boating safety program.
In New York, the “boating license” people refer to is the New York Safe Boating Certificate (or an accepted equivalent). As of January 1, 2025, you are required to have a safe boating certificate if you:
Operators of non-motorized boats (like kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddleboards) are not required to hold a boating safety certificate at this time, though taking a course is strongly encouraged for safety.
New York’s boating rules combine age, supervision, and education requirements. Key age-related points include:
Because PWCs and motorboats can have additional operating restrictions depending on local conditions, waterways, and the type of craft, always confirm any site-specific rules before you launch.
You need a safe boating certificate in New York to operate motorized vessels, including:
You do not generally need a boating safety certificate solely to paddle or sail a non-motorized craft (such as a kayak, canoe, rowboat, paddleboard, or sailboat without motor power), though safety training is recommended.
New York recognizes certain equivalent credentials as exemptions from carrying a New York boating safety certificate. Common examples include:
If you are relying on an exemption, you should carry the qualifying document (or proof of it) and be prepared to present it if requested by law enforcement.
To get a New York Safe Boating Certificate, you must complete a state-approved boating safety course. New York State Parks offers and lists approved options, including:
If you want a streamlined option that meets New York’s requirements, take an approved course here: https://recademics.com/boating/new-york/
While details can vary slightly depending on the approved provider, the process generally looks like this:
Important: When operating a motorized boat in New York, you must have the required proof of certification available (for example, your physical certificate or other accepted proof).
Online courses are typically self-paced and completed remotely. They generally include knowledge checks and a final exam, and you must meet New York’s completion requirements to earn your certificate.
In-person classroom courses are instructor-led and follow New York’s approved curriculum. They’re a good fit if you prefer a live teaching environment and the ability to ask questions in real time.
Both formats can qualify you for a New York Safe Boating Certificate as long as the provider/course is approved by New York State.
Course time depends on the approved format and provider, but New York’s safe boating education is designed to cover a full set of safety, navigation, legal, and operating fundamentals.
Often, yes. New York recognizes safe boating certificates issued by your home state. In general, your out-of-state card should be accepted if it is a legitimate boater education credential from your state of residence and meets accepted standards.
If you’re unsure whether your credential qualifies, confirm before you operate—especially if you’re renting or operating a higher-risk craft like a PWC.
If you complete a New York-approved course, you may receive a temporary certificate as proof of successful completion while your permanent documentation is processed (depending on the course format and provider). Temporary certificates are time-limited, so be sure you understand what your provider issues and how long it is valid.
Visitors should be aware of these practical rules that commonly affect tourists:
Operating a motorized vessel in New York without the required boating safety certificate can lead to enforcement action. Under Brianna’s Law, penalties can include:
Penalties and outcomes can vary based on the situation, prior violations, and enforcement agency policies.
Both operators and rental businesses have responsibilities:
Even when a rental is allowed, the operator can still be held accountable for violations and unsafe operation.
Boating rules in New York may be enforced by multiple agencies, including:
In New York, a “boating license” typically refers to your boater education credential, such as a:
New York also offers an optional convenience feature through the DMV: eligible boaters can add an anchor icon to a New York driver license or non-driver ID to show they’ve earned a boating safety certificate. This is not required, but it can be helpful as proof.
It depends on your age and what you’re renting. New York allows certain adults to rent and operate a motorboat from a rental business in specific situations without first obtaining a boating safety certificate (with required safety instruction provided by the rental operator). However:
PWCs are covered by the boater education requirement and have additional restrictions. In New York:
Usually, yes—if it’s valid and issued by your home state. New York recognizes safe boating certificates from a boater’s state of residence. If you’re visiting New York to boat, bring your card with you and ensure it’s current and clearly identifies you as the credential holder.
