Boating Laws in New York

1. Registration & Titling

• Required: All motorized boats, including personal watercraft (PWCs), must be registered with the NY DMV—even the smallest motor counts.
• Exemptions: Lifeboats, race boats, documented federal vessels, and out-of-state boats used in NY for fewer than 90 days.
• Certificate: Registration or title must be on board. Display the hull number (e.g., “NY 1234 AB”) in 3″ block letters on both sides of the bow, with validation stickers placed 3″ behind them.
• Renewal: Registrations are valid for 3 years. Titles are issued for boats 14 ft or longer and model year 1987 or newer.

2. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations

• Clean.Drain.Dry: Required at all DEC launch sites to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Adirondack Region: Vessels launching within the Adirondack Park or Blue Line must be certified as clean and may be inspected by DEC stewards.

3. Boater Education & Age Requirements

• Safe Boating Certificate:
  • Operators born on or after Jan 1, 1978 must carry a boating safety certificate.
  • All operators, regardless of age, must have a certificate starting Jan 1, 2025.
  • PWC operators must be at least 14 and hold a certificate.
  • Non-motorized vessels are exempt, though education is still encouraged.
• Minimum Ages:
  • Motorboat operators must be at least 10 years old and hold a certificate.
  • PWC operators must be at least 14 and certified.
• Adventure License Option: You can display your boating certification on your NYS driver’s license via the NY Adventure License program.

4. Safety Equipment & Life Jackets (PFDs)

• PFDs Required: One USCG-approved life jacket per person on board.
• Mandatory Wear Period: Between November 1 and May 1, all persons on boats less than 21 feet must wear a life jacket.
• Children Under 12: Must wear a life jacket on boats under 65 feet unless in a fully enclosed cabin.
• Towed Persons: All water skiers and tubers must wear a life jacket.
• Additional Gear: Boats must carry a throwable Type IV PFD, a sound-producing device, and a fire extinguisher where required.

5. Operating Rules & Safety

• Speed Limits: No more than 5 mph within 100 feet of shore, docks, swimmers, or anchored boats (unless otherwise posted).
• Wake Responsibility: You are responsible for any damage caused by your boat’s wake.
• Overloading: Never exceed your vessel’s passenger or weight capacity.
• Towing Restrictions: Towing is prohibited between sunset and sunrise. All towed persons must wear PFDs. Follow proper navigation and lookout rules while towing.

6. Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)

• Illegal BAC: Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal.
• Refusal to Test: May result in suspension and fines.
• Underage Operators: Zero tolerance rules apply for those under 21 years old.

7. Accident Reporting

• Required: Accidents involving injury, death, disappearance, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported in writing to NYS Parks within 5 days.

8. Additional Laws & Licensing

• Special Permits: Required for regattas, floating objects, and public vessels.
• Noise Limits: Excessive noise may be restricted in certain areas.
• Federal Compliance: You must follow U.S. Coast Guard navigation rules in federal waters.

Quick Reference Table

Stay Compliant: Boating Responsibly in New York

To safely enjoy New York’s lakes, rivers, and coastline, boaters must register their vessels, follow all safety requirements, and complete mandatory boater education. Always carry the right equipment, avoid alcohol while operating a vessel, and protect New York’s waterways by following AIS prevention laws. For more information or to begin your boater education course, visit the official NYS Parks or DMV websites.