In NY what is required to be installed on a recreational use boat

There are few spots in the country as versatile (and as beautiful) for boaters than the waters of New York State. Depending on where you are in the state, you’ll have access to the Atlantic, the Long Island Sound, the Hudson and St. Lawrence rivers, the Adirondack lakes, the Finger Lakes, the Great Lakes and so much more — making it absolutely ideal for boaters. But do you need a license to drive a boat in New York?

When it comes to the sparkling waters of the Empire State, you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared to stay safe and legal in order to maximize your days on the water. The first step? Making sure you’re properly certified to operate that boat of yours. Here’s what you need to know about boating safely and legally on New York waters.

Do I need a license to drive a boat in New York?

In New York, you don’t need a boating license to drive most boats. However, most boaters are, in fact, required to obtain a boating safety certificate in order to operate a boat legally. The only boat operators required to hold a license are those operating boats for commercial reasons, such as ferry operators or tugboat operators.

While New York boaters have not always been required to obtain a boating safety certificate, Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed Brianna’s Law into action. Named after 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck, who died in a 2005 boating accident, the law helps to ensure that everyone operating a boat in New York State is competent enough to do so. By January 1, 2025, every motorized boat operator in New York State will be required to hold a boating safety certificate.

What are the age requirements to drive a boat in New York?

To operate a boat in New York, you must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. To operate a personal watercraft in New York, you must complete a boating safety course and be age 14 or older. The new age requirements for obtaining a boating safety certificate in accordance with Brianna’s Law are as follows:

  • Persons born after January 1, 1993, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2020
  • Persons born after January 1, 1988, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2022
  • Persons born after January 1, 1983, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2023
  • Persons born after January 1, 1978, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2024
  • Persons of all ages will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2025
In NY what is required to be installed on a recreational use boat

What are the fines/penalties for driving a boat without a license in New York?

Not complying with the boating safety education requirements in New York State can result in a fine up to $250.

What types of boats need a licensed driver in New York?

In New York State, the parameters under Brianna’s Law account for operators of any motorized boat, including personal watercraft. This includes jet skis, fishing boats, pontoon boats, racing boats and everything in between. The general rule of thumb? If the boat is powered by any type of motor, it likely requires a certified operator.

If you’re operating a sailboat, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, rowboat or any other unmotorized vessel, you’re not required to obtain a boating safety certificate — however, we’d always recommend it.

How do I get a boating license in New York?

While there are no boating licenses for personal boats in New York, there are boating safety education certificate requirements. Luckily, BOATsmart! makes it easy to obtain your boating safety education certificate in just three simple steps with our engaging, narrated and animated boating safety course. Your job?

In NY what is required to be installed on a recreational use boat

Are there any exceptions to needing a boating license in New York?

By January 1, 2025, every operator of a motorized boat in New York State must obtain a boating safety certificate in order to legally operate their boats. There are no age exceptions to this law — and, if you’re from out of state, New York will recognize your boating safety course certification.

At BOATsmart!, we’re huge fans of boating in New York — and we know you will be, too. With our narrated and animated boating safety course, you’ll be prepped and ready for as many lake and ocean boat days as you can fit into your season, so log on now! We’ll get you certified and ready to go in no time.

Our reservoirs offer excellent recreational opportunities by boat. All boaters must obtain a free DEP Access Permit and all boats must be steam cleaned by a DEP certified steam cleaning vendor before being placed on a resevoir.

If you are interested in fishing on our reservoirs by boat, please visit Boating for Anglers and Fishing. For answers to frequently asked questions about angler boat tags, please visit Angler Boat Tag FAQs.

Recreational boating (boating for non-anglers) is allowed on Cannonsville, Pepacton, Neversink and Schoharie Reservoirs during the summer.

Recreational Boating Maps & Launch Sites

Visit the Catskill Watershed Corporation for brochures that contain reservoir specific launch site, steam cleaning and rental boat vendor contact information.

Launch sites are coordinated with the New York State Department of Conservation to prevent conflict with nesting eagles and with the New York State Department of Transportation for public safety. Signs are installed along the road to help identify recreational boating launch areas.

Download an Example of a Launch Site Sign

DEP Access Permits for Recreational Boaters

Recreational boaters are required to obtain a free DEP Access Permit. You can apply for a permit online through the DEP Access Permit System or in-person at a participating steam cleaning vendor. For answers to commonly asked questions about DEP Access Permits, please visit DEP Access Permit FAQs.

Access the Permit System

The boat rental program allows recreational boaters to rent pre-cleaned and registered kayaks and canoes from 10 launch sites on Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton, and Schoharie reservoirs. Rental boats are stored on 30 racks alongside the reservoirs to promote easier access for visitors to the region and those who don’t own a boat.

Learn more about the Boat Rental Program with the Catskill Watershed Corporation.

Steam Cleaning and Recreational Boat Tags

If you own a vessel, you must have it and all oars and paddles steam cleaned by a DEP approved steam cleaning vendor before placing it on a reservoir. You will be asked to show your DEP Access Permit when you have your boat steam cleaned. You must also complete and submit a DEP Recreational Boat Tag application to the steam cleaning vendor at the time of your visit.

After your boat is steam cleaned, you will receive your choice of a Temporary or Seasonal Recreational Boat Tag. A Temporary Recreational Boating Tag is valid for one to seven days from issuance, while the Seasonal Recreational Boating Tag is valid from the day of issuance until sunset on October 31, which the end of the Recreational Boating season.

This tag must remain on your boat while on the reservoir. Please remember that if your boat leaves the reservoir property, it must be steam cleaned again before returning.

In NY what is required to be installed on a recreational use boat

Full Season Recreational Boat Tag

In NY what is required to be installed on a recreational use boat

Temporary Recreational Boat Tag

Steam cleaning helps protect against invasive plants, animals, and microorganisms that can harm water quality and fisheries. We continuously test water quality to ensure that none of the recreational activities has an adverse effect on New York City’s drinking water supply.

Non-motorized kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and sculls with the the appropriate recreational boat tags may be used. All recreational boats except kayaks must be at least eleven feet five inches (11′5″) in length. Kayaks must be at least nine feet (9′) in length.

Sailboat Rule Change

Sailboats are no longer permitted in the Recreational Boating Program.

Personal Flotation Devices

Recreational boaters are required to have a wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on the boat. Children under the age of 12 must wear them. For your own safety, we highly encourage you to wear your US Coast Guard approved PFD. Floating seat cushions do not satisfy the “wearable PFD” requirement.