New Boater Requirements Take Effect In New York

A new law takes effect today that requires boaters born after May 1st, 1996 to obtain a Boater Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat in New York State.

To obtain a certificate, boaters must complete an approved eight-hour course

Courses can be taken through the New York State Office of Parks, the U.S. Power Squadron or the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

A list of approved courses is available on the State Parks website.