New York City will soon make boating safety courses mandatory for everyone.

This is the fourth and final year of the phased-in passage of Brianna’s Law, which requires all boaters to take a safety course.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1978 must take a state-approved boating safety course to operate a powerboat in New York this year. By January 1, 2025, people of all ages must pass a safety class. Failure to comply may result in a fine ranging from $100 to $250 for a first offense.

Brianna’s Law went into effect on January 1, 2020. It is named after 11-year-old Brianna Linek, who was from downstate Deer Park and died in a boat accident in 2005.

It is not easy to require all boaters to take a safety class. According to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), there were 438,974 registered vessels in the state in 2022, of which 436,565 were for recreational purposes. That year, the state recorded 28 deaths, 10 more than the year before. However, the number of incidents (187) and injuries (66) in 2022 decreased compared to the previous year.

It’s important to note that people who use kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards do not need to take a mandatory safety course, but it is still beneficial to receive the education. Ten of the deaths in 2022 involved rowers.

“The law was written for recreational boaters,” said Rosaria DiSanto, OPRHP education specialist.

DiSanto noted that both in-person and online courses are available at parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx. Only those sanctioned on the State Parks website will be eligible for a permanent boating safety certificate.

A fee may apply to take the course. Students must be at least 10 years old. The full-time course is designed for a minimum of eight hours of training. All students 18 years of age and older will be required to pay the state $10 for a permanent boating safety certificate. There is a $10 fee to replace a lost certificate. It can also be added to your driver’s license for an additional fee.

One of the sanctioned courses, which can be taken online for free, is offered by the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, an affiliate of the Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS), the nation’s largest advocacy, service and safety group for American boaters. lovers. . The course can be found at boatus.org/newyork/.

“These courses are also a good refresher for experienced boaters,” said Ted Sensenbrenner, director of development for the foundation. “It will inform you about new laws that have been passed recently and remind you what the rules on the water are regarding navigation.”

According to Sensenbrenner:

• On April 1, 2021, legislation was passed that requires the use of a helm, dangle cord, or wireless engine switch (ECOS) on certain vessels less than 26 feet in length when operating in aircraft or at speeds exceeding displacement.
• From 20 April 2022, new regulations regarding fire extinguishers will apply. They must be replaced after 12 years from the date of manufacture. Vessels less than 26 feet in length built in the 2017 model year or older may continue to carry old, dated or undated BI or B-II disposable fire extinguishers. However, if they are no longer serviceable or are 12 years old from manufacture, they must be replaced with newer Class 5-B or higher fire extinguishers. Boats less than 26 feet in length and 2018 or newer models must have an unexpired 5-B, 10-B or 20-B fire extinguisher. The presence of types BI and B-II does not meet the new transport requirements.

There are several exceptions listed by DiSanto to the safety course requirement. First, if you are an active US Coast Guard captain or a Canadian Coast Guard charter captain during the term of your license. However, you must carry your credentials with you on your vessel. Another exception applies to people employed by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary who are boating safety instructors (instead of a boating safety certificate) or first responders in the performance of their duties.

Another exception is if you are renting a boat. However, not all rents are created equal. The rental must be through a livery boat and that person must have a safety certificate. Livery staff must provide basic instructions and safety information before you leave the dock. The rental period cannot exceed 30 days and online rentals are not eligible. Just because a boat is included in your home rental package does not exempt you from the requirements of safe boating.

There are more than 500 certified instructors throughout the state, DiSanto said. There are volunteer instructors, and there are commercial instructors. Commercial instructors will continue to receive all materials through the state at no cost. To apply for an instructor position, visit the State Parks website.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Energy Squadron, and U.S. Boating offer approved courses and have their own certifications to meet state park requirements. The site also has a list of approved online courses.

Boating safety certificates can be used in New York from all states as long as they are approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, but not everyone is required to take a boating safety class in their state. If you do not have a boating safety certificate in your state and would like to come to New York, you must obtain one before you can operate a powerboat on New York waters.

For personal watercraft, such as jet skis, they are considered motorized vessels in New York and are subject to special regulations.

All operators, regardless of age, must have a water safety certificate. Operating a personal watercraft at night is illegal, and the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft is 14 years. Some municipalities prohibit the use of these watercraft, and some may have operating restrictions, so check the regulations. Operators must always wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device that is correctly sized and in good condition.

For general information about boating safety courses, email [email protected] or call 518-474-0445. The boating section of the State Parks website is parks.ny.gov/boating/.

“If you take a boating safety course, you are less likely to get into an accident or die,” said Scott Croft, vice president of public affairs for BoatUS.