Beginning November 1, 2009, Section 40, Subdivision 1 of the Navigation Law shall be amended by adding new paragraph (e), which reads as follows:
No owner or operator of a pleasure vessel less than twenty-one feet, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks shall permit its operation, between November first and May first, unless each person on board such vessel is wearing a securely fastened United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device of an appropriate size when such vessel is underway.
Failure to wear a lifejacket on such vessels will be considered a violation under Section 73-c if the Navigation Law and is punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100, applicable to either the operator and/or the owner of the vessel.
NASSAU, SUFFOLK, BROOKLYN, QUEENS & WESTCHESTER *PRIVATE CLASSES AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCATION*
Legal Requirements - Persons Required to Complete a Safety Course
You must hold a safety certificate if: You operate a personal watercraft and are at least 14 years of age. Anyone may operate a personal watercraft if someone at least 18 years old is on the craft and they hold a safety certificate.
In order to operate a boat in NYS without adult supervision individuals must be at least 18 years of age or have successfully complete a safe boating course and be between the ages of 10 and 18 years of age. Individuals less than 18 years of age who have not successfully completed a boating safety course may only operate a vessel while under the direct supervision of an individual who is 18 years of age or older. The required boating safety certificate must be carried by the minor at all times while operating the boat.
Can I take an on-line safety course? No. Only certificates issued by New York State, the USCG Auxiliary or the US Power Squadrons are acceptable. State law requires that the New York State Boating Safety Program includes at least eight hours of classroom instruction, and a proctored exam.
I'm visiting New York, Will my safety certificate from my home state be sufficient? Yes. Because the New York Boating Course is NASBLA approved it is accepted in other states and Canada.
I lost my safety certificate, How can I get a replacement? What if I lost my temporary certificate? You may request a replacement certificate by going to: Application for a replacement NY Safe Boating Certificate. or writing: NYS Parks Att: Boating Safety Empire State Plaza, Bldg 1. Albany, NY 12238
If you are under the age of 18 there is no charge for the replacement certificate. If you are over the age of 18 you must include a check for $10, made payable to "NYS Parks". If you lost your temporary certificate you must wait until your permanent certificate is issued. Temporary certificates cannot be replaced.
Why did my instructor give me two temporary certificates? After completing the program your instructor should have given you two sheets; a white temporary certificate that you should carry while waiting for your permanent certificate and a yellow copy as well. The yellow copy should be sent to State Parks along with your $10 fee for processing your permanent certificate. State Parks cannot issue a permanent certificate to you until we receive the yellow copy and your fee. If you are less than 18 years old, your instructor should have only given you the white temporary certificate. The instructor is responsible for mailing the yellow copies for those students under the age of 18 to State Parks. In all cases, the permanent certificate will be issued by State Parks.
Why haven't I received my certificate yet? There may be several reasons. Processing the vast number of certificates received is a very time consuming process, and most permanent certificates take at least 60 days for processing. If you are over the age of 18, ensure that you have sent in the yellow copy of your temporary certificate and the required $10 fee. Checks are cashed at the time the permanent certificate is issued.
I earned a state safety certificate when I was young, Does that count? Yes, provided you still have a copy of your original certificate and you were under the age of 18 at the time. Records do not exist for courses taught prior to the early 1990's.
What will happen if I do not have a boating safety certificate? If convicted of a first violation you can be fined not less than $25 or no more than $100, or by imprisonment for not more than seven days, or by both fine and imprisonment. For a second violation fines and imprisonment increase.