Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Boater Safety Training Now Required for All

ALL operators of motorized vessels regardless of age, must possess an accredited boating safety certificate effective January 1st 2025.

 Certified boater safety training is now mandatory for anyone who operates a motorized vessel in New York. That’s right, commencing January 1st 2025, even if you are a member of the Greatest Generation, born well before WW2, you must take an approved boating safety course and possess a boating safety card that proves you’ve been certified in safe boat handling. 

 If you’re surprised by this you’re not alone. There’s been a lot of confusion over what age group needs to be certified when. For the past decade or so, dates have been flying around saying things like, “If you were born on or after such and such date, you must take a boating safety class,” etc. Even now, if you look at page 25 of the current 2024-2025 Hunting and Trapping Guide, you’ll find an ad for a boating safety training company with information stating if you were born after 1993 you need a boater safety certificate. That statement is incorrect and misleading as no matter what your age, EVERY operator of a motorized vessel in NY now needs to take an accredited class. So, if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to get certified. 

 While boating safety certificates are required for all recreational boaters using motorized vessels, including personal watercraft, operators of non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes, are not required to have a boating safety certificate.

 Completing the New York Safe Boating Course is something you can do at home online or at a location that offers in-person classes. Take your class now so you are ready for the start of the 2025 boating season. There’s no time like the present to get that class out of the way, especially as winter drags on. 

 To get a boating safety certificate, you must take a certified New York Safe Boating Course. 

A good source for information about the class is available on the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation’s (ORPH) website, https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx. If you visit this site, you can type in your zip code to find an in-person class near you plus a number of online options. 

ORPH needs to start getting the word out on the upcoming requirement. When I spoke with state parks officials in charge of the program, they said they have a heavy presence on social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). This is especially true for the much older demographic now required to take the class. While some seniors are tech savvy, online, and on social media, many are not. Unsuspecting boaters can get a ticket as ignorance of the law is not a defense. Classes can avoid being overwhelmed if more boaters are made aware of the requirement sooner. 

Courses are available both in-person and online. Classroom courses are given around the state by NYS certified instructors. They offer boaters of all ages as young as 10, the opportunity to get their own certificate. Some instructors charge a fee for the class. Fees paid to an instructor do not include the fee for a permanent certificate for attendees age 18 and older. Fees paid to the online provider should include the cost of your permanent certificate issued by the provider. 

 I found the online course offered by Boat U.S. to be a good, cost-effective option. There’s no instruction fee and the only thing you have to pay for is the mandatory $10.00 fee for your NYS certificate, and a $15.00 fee to receive your boating safety pocket card.

For those that prefer in-person instruction, or don’t have access to online options, registering for an in-person classroom is the way to go. You can search for them online similar to searching for hunter safety classes. You can use the following link/website/URL to find a course offered near you: https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx.

 Unfortunately, for those not online, you will have to get assistance from someone who is. You can also try a visit to your local public library to see if they can assist you in registering for a class. The telephone contact for getting information about boating safety courses is 518-474-0445. Option three should get you to a live person to ask if they can assist in finding an in-person class. You may have to leave a message, but staff should return your call promptly. 

 NYS Parks and Recreation Marine Services Bureau, Director, Alexi Howland, said, “We encourage folks to send an email to boating@parks.ny.gov or to give us a call at the number you listed below.” (518-474-0445). Regarding the importance of delivering quality boating safety training, Director Howland stated, “Brianna’s Law isn’t just about meeting a legal requirement – it’s about saving lives. Boating can be a fun and relaxing activity, but it comes with real responsibilities that if ignored, impact not only yourself but those around you. By taking this course, you are protecting yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else that is looking to share the waterway with you.” 

Brianna's Law is a New York State law that requires all motorized watercraft operators to complete a state-approved boating safety course. The law was named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl who died in a boating accident in 2005. 

For further online course options, the following offer NYS accredited instruction:

• Aceboater

• America's Boating Club (formerly known as US Power Squadron)  Spanish online course available

• Boat-ED

• Boat U.S.

• BOATERexam

• BOATsmart

• BoatTests101  Disponible en español

• iLearnToBoat

Boaters can also earn their certificate by taking an approved online course with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary , America's Boating Club , US Powerboating ,   Waterfront | SUNY Maritime College ). Plus, any NASBLA certified course from other states is also recognized.

Things to know about Boating Safety Certificates

• New York recognizes boating safety certificates issued by other states.

• Persons may rent and operate a motorboat from a livery without first obtaining a boating safety certificate. Staff at the livery must provide basic instruction and safety information before you depart the dock.

• While operators of non-motorized boats do not need a safe boating certificate, they are encouraged to take a safe boating course as well.

• To take an in-person class, go to the following website:  https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx 

 For more information on boating safety and navigation laws, visit the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website then click on “Recreation” then “Boating Education” to view links to both online and in-person classes. You can also try visiting

https://www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/252-new-york-safe-boating-course

News and Notes

Childrens Ice Fishing Derby February 23rd at Tannersville Lake

The Catskill Mountain Fish & Game Club in conjunction with the Stony Clove Rod and Gun Club is hosting their Annual Children’s Ice Fishing Derby at Rip Van Winkle/Tannersville Lake on Sunday, February 23rd. Registration begins at 9:00 am. Kids up to 16 years of age can compete in two divisions for prizes. Live bait, refreshments, and a few tips ups will be available. For more information, call Bob Monteleone at 518-488-0240.

Save the Date for the Ducks Unlimited Greene County Chapter Banquet on March 8th  

The Greene County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is holding its annual banquet, dinner and auction on Saturday, March 8th at Anthony’s Banquet Hall located at 746 County Route 23B in Leeds. Doors open at 3:30 pm with buffet dinner starting at 5:00 pm, followed by a live auction. Tickets are available online at www.ducks.org/newyork/events. For more information you can call Dana Hanusik at 518-821-1773 or Jeff Holiday at 965-6105. 

Remember to report poaching violations by calling the 24-hour ECO Dispatch at: 

1-844-DEC-ECOS.