Re: Do I need a boat license or cert in NEW YORK STATE???
Not if you are 18 or older, or are not operating a PWC.
This is from the NYS Boater's Guide, put out by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation:
Age of legal operation:
In order to operate a boat in NYS without adult supervision
individuals must be at least 18 years of age or have successfully
completed a safe boating course and be between the ages of 10 and 18. 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.
Although not mandatory, except of PWC operation, adult
boating education is strongly recommended. Courses are
available from many different organizations, usually at a
nominal fee. You may contact the Boat/US Foundation at
1-800-336-BOAT for the location of a course near you, or
visit our website.
For PWC's:
New York requires that anyone operating a personal
watercraft complete an approved course in boating safety or
otherwise be accompanied, on board, by someone 18 years of
age or older who is the holder of an approved boating safety
certificate. Certificates are required to be carried at all times
when operating the personal watercraft.
An approved course of instruction includes an 8-hour
classroom session and a proctored examination. Certificates
issued by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power
Squadron are acceptable alternative certification under state
law. Previously issued young boater safety certificates, issued
by the State of New York, are also acceptable.
An operator who is the resident of another state or country
and is the holder of a valid boating safety certificate issued
pursuant to the laws of the operator?s resident state or country
isexemptfromtheNYScertificationrequirementhoweverthey
must have the certificate with them when operating.
The following individuals are exempt from the personal
watercraft educational requirements: both U.S. and Canadian
licensed commercial vessel operators, NYS certified boating
instructors, certified instructorsof the U.S. Coast Guard and the
U.S. Power Squadrons, peace/police officers, fire/rescue per-
sonnel and lifeguards acting pursuant to their assigned duties