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Boating requirements · New York
Boating license requirements in New York
Yes. Under Brianna’s Law, every motorboat operator in New York must have a boating safety certificate as of 2025, regardless of age. The requirement was phased…
Last verified: June 10, 2026Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Yes. Under Brianna’s Law, every motorboat operator in New York must have a boating safety certificate as of 2025, regardless of age. The requirement was phased in by birth year from 2020 through 2024 and now applies to all motorized vessel operators.
New York boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | As of January 1, 2025, all operators of motorized vessels (including PWC), regardless of age (Brianna's Law, fully in effect). Non-motorized craft are exempt. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | No one under 14 may operate a PWC. Minimum age to take the course is 10. Operators under 18 may operate a motorboat but must hold a certificate. |
| Typical course cost | $10 permanent-certificate fee for operators 18+ (no certificate fee under 18), plus a course fee (free online options exist). Roughly $10–$45+. |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
| Card validity | Valid for life; carry the original physical certificate aboard. |
Do you need a boating license in New York?
Yes. Under Brianna’s Law, every motorboat operator in New York must have a boating safety certificate as of 2025, regardless of age. The requirement was phased in by birth year from 2020 through 2024 and now applies to all motorized vessel operators.
Brianna’s Law phased in the boating safety certificate requirement by age: operators born on or after January 1, 1993 beginning in 2020; on or after January 1, 1988 in 2022; on or after January 1, 1983 in 2023; on or after January 1, 1978 in 2024; and all motorboat operators regardless of age beginning in 2025.
Limited allowances apply for visitors to New York, people renting a boat from a livery, and first-time new-boat purchasers. An individual over 18 may rent and operate a motorboat from a livery without first obtaining a certificate.
What boating courses are accepted in New York?
New York accepts boating safety courses offered by NYS Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, and U.S. Powerboating, including approved online courses.
What are the penalties for boating without a card in New York?
Penalties for operating without a required boater education certificate in New York are set by state statute and enforced by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. For current fine amounts, check the official agency page.
Who regulates boating in New York?
Recreational boating in New York is overseen by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the authoritative source for current requirements. BoatingClasses.com is an independent directory — not a government or certifying body. Boating laws change, so always confirm current requirements with the official agency before operating a vessel.
Where can New York boaters take a course?
Providers serving New York — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in New York before you enroll.
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BoatUS Foundation
FeaturedA free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
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The state-contracted online boater safety course (by Kalkomey) that earns the official boater education card in nearly every state.
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Online USCG captain's license courses (OUPV through Master/Mate 200 Ton) with self-paced study and a proctored online exam.
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A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
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A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
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The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
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New York boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in New York?
- New York requires a boating safety certificate rather than a license. Under Brianna’s Law, all motorboat operators must have the certificate as of 2025, regardless of age.
- What is Brianna’s Law in New York?
- Brianna’s Law is the statute that phased in mandatory boating safety education for motorboat operators. It expanded by birth year from 2020 to 2024 and now requires all motorboat operators to be certified, regardless of age.
- Does the New York requirement apply to all ages now?
- Yes. Since 2025, every person who operates a motorboat in New York must hold a boating safety certificate, completing the phase-in that began in 2020.
- Can I rent a boat in New York without a certificate?
- Yes, in limited cases. A person over 18 may rent and operate a motorboat from a livery without first obtaining a certificate, and allowances also exist for visitors and first-time new-boat buyers.
- Which boating courses does New York accept?
- New York accepts courses from NYS Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, and U.S. Powerboating, including approved online courses.
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