Free New York State Boating Safety Course
The BoatUS Foundation’s Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the state of New York to meet mandatory education requirement for boaters who are required to complete a NASBLA approved boating safety course. Upon completion, you will have the opportunity to purchase a NY safe boating card or submit for the NY Adventure license.
State Approved
About the Course
What is the course about and why do I need it?
This free online course teaches you everything you need to operate a boat safely and legally in New York including navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies, and protecting the environment.
2-4
Hours to Complete
5
Lessons
60
Final Exam Questions
37
Approved States
learn online at your own pace
What is the format of the course?
You’ll learn through interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes, then pass a final exam to earn your state-approved boating safety certificate.
Complete the course at your own pace and gain the skills and confidence to get out on the water.
State Education Requirements
How do I get a New York boating safety education certificate?
After completing the course you will be awarded a temporary certificate (90 days) that you can print free of charge but you will also need to purchase a permanent boating education card for $15 or apply for the the New York Adventure License as described below.
Print your free temporary card to get out on the water right away and order your permanent card for $15 or apply for your Adventure License!
1
Enroll
2
Take Course
3
Pass Exam
4
Print Certificate
Purchasing a permanent boating education card from the BoatUS Foundation:
For $15.00 you may purchase a permanent plastic boating education card from the BoatUS Foundation (or read below for information about the New York Adventure License Program). To order your card, log in at courses.boatus.org and click on “My Courses” on the top menu bar. Under the calendar on the left side of the My Account screen click the print link next to your New York certificate to open the certificate options window. Click “Get Boating Card” and fill in the requested payment information to place your order. Please allow 2-3 weeks from date of purchase to receive your permanent boating education card.
New York Adventure License Program:
After successful completion of this course, you can choose to have your certification noted, as an anchor icon, on your NY Driver’s License or other identification document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The advantage is that you will no longer need to carry your boating safety certificate with you when boating, provided you have your driver’s license with you. The New York State Adventure License costs $13.50
For more information click on the link below to be taken to New York’s Adventure license page.
Age Requirements:
New York has a mandatory education law for all boaters born on or after 5/1/1996 and all PWC operators of any age.
Under a new law known as Brianna’s Law, all motor boat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
All motor boat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.
Boat Operation (excluding PWCs):
- Children under 10 may not operate.
- Boaters born on or after 5/1/1996 may only operate if they have successfully completed an approved boating safety course such as the BoatUS Foundation’s Free Online Boating Safety Course.
PWC Operation:
Education is Mandatory for All PWC Operators.
- All personal watercraft operators must successfully complete an approved boating safety course before they can operate a PWC on any waters of New York.
- All PWC operators must be a minimum of 14 years old – no one under the age of 14 may operate a PWC.
- No one under the age of 16 may rent a personal watercraft. Those under 18 years of age wishing to rent a personal watercraft must possess a boating safety education certificate.
Suffolk County Boaters:
New York’s Boater Education Law, signed by the governor in 2013, will supersede Suffolk County’s previously enacted boater education requirement as of May 1, 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
For all questions about your state’s Free Boating Safety Course, visit our Support Center.