Boating License Requirements in New York
As of January 1, 2025, New York State requires all motorized-vessel operators to complete a boating safety education course, regardless of age. This mandate, known as Brianna's Law, applies to anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft in the state. The required credential is the New York State Boating Safety Certificate, which is NASBLA-approved. Operators aged 10 to 18 may operate a motorboat only under adult supervision unless they hold the certificate; personal watercraft operators must be at least 14 and must possess the certificate.
New York recognizes boating safety certificates from other states that meet NASBLA standards. Boaters should verify the current requirements through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Marine Services Bureau, as regulations may be subject to change. This information is provided as a factual overview and does not constitute legal advice.
| Detail | As the state publishes it |
|---|---|
| Education card required? | Education card required |
| Who needs it | all motorized-vessel operators regardless of age (Brianna's Law fully phased in as of Jan 1, 2025) |
| Minimum operating age | 10 (motorboat, with adult supervision until 18 unless certified); PWC operators must be at least 14 and hold a certificate |
| Accepted credential | New York State Boating Safety Certificate (NASBLA-approved course) |
| Reciprocity (other states' cards) | yes |
| Rental / livery rule | Renters 18+ may rent and operate without a certificate (livery gives basic safety instruction); renters under 18 must hold a certificate |
| Fees | no state certificate fee; provider courses ~$35-60 (BoatUS free option) |
| Administering agency | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Marine Services Bureau |
Confirm before you operate. This is informational only, not legal advice. The official state boating-law agency page is the authoritative source for who needs a card and how to get it.
What a boater-education card proves
A boater-education card shows you’ve passed a NASBLA-approved safety course covering navigation rules, required equipment and emergencies — it is not a driver’s-license-style test of skill. Most states accept an approved card from any state, but who must carry one, and from what age, is set state by state. Check the rule below, then confirm it on the official state agency page before you head out.
Full requirements for New York → · Course & fees → · How to get licensed →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Marine Services Bureau page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.