By Peter Lyons Hall
In 2020, a new law came into effect requiring recreational boaters to take a boating safety course and obtain a boating card before operating a motorized vessel. The requirement, called Brianna’s Law, was being phased in gradually by age, but now it is a requirement as of January 2025.
You’ll need to study the New York Safe Boating Course offered at the Greenwood Lake Courthouse, 47 Waterstone Road before taking the exam. Once you’ve finished the course, you’ll have to complete the final boater exam. Classes will be offered on April 2 and 3, 2024, from 6-10PM. The cost of the two-night course is $35 with and additional $10 fee for the State of New York for the completion of the course. New York State offers recreational certificate holders the option of adding the credential to their driver’s license to avoid the hassle of carrying multiple certificates. The boating safety certificate is represented on the driver’s license as an anchor icon, and can be obtained from the DMV.
To reserve your seat, bring a check with you payable to the Village of Greenwood Lake, to the Police Department, 16 Church St., Greenwood Lake, NY 10925. Here is a summary of some of the critical questions:
- All personal watercraft operators must have a Safe Boating Certificate as of January 2025
- Are boating licenses from other states valid in New York? Yes! New York State recognizes NASBLA-approved boater education cards and Transport Canada-approved Pleasure Craft Operator Cards held by boaters visiting the state. Note that the boating license must be issued from your current state of residence.
- Do you need a boating license to rent a boat in New York? No! Individuals who rent a motorized vessel from a rental facility are not required to have a boating license unless they are under 18 years of age. However, the rental facility must provide basic instructions and safety information before renting out the boat.
- Does a New York boating license expire? No! Once you have taken the course, passed the exam and earned your boating safety certificate, it is good for life.
- Are there any age restrictions for boating in New York? You must be at least 10 years old to operate a motorized recreational vessel in New York State, and at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft (PWC). You need to carry your boating safety certificate with you at all time when out on the water.
For additional information, please call 845-477-9211 or click GWLNY.org.
Source: DriveaboatUSA.com/new-york and Greenwood Lake Police Department
