Boating Safety Courses
The Stats are
in for 2006, don't find yourself among these numbers! Take a Safe Boating
Course!
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| This person did NOT take a safe boating
course! |
One of the major functions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is to educate the boating
public in the safe operation of watercraft. This is accomplished through our Public
Education mission in which classes approved by the Coast Guard on boating safety
topics are taught by trained auxiliarists.
- America's Boating Course is an 8 hour program. This is a vital course for any
boater that covers boat handling, trailering, navigation rules, VHF radio, and safe
boating practices. Successful completion of this course satisfies NYS education
requirements for Personal Watercraft (jet ski) operation and may qualify for boating
insurance discounts.
- Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S)
course is a comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater.
The course consists of 6 required two-hour lessons plus elective modules, providing up-to-date
knowledge for handling boats in all conditions.
There is no age limit for taking these courses. The student should be old enough to
comprehend the materials, be comfortable in a classroom environment for several hours and be
able to take the exam.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts on boat insurance to individuals who successfully complete these course.
Individuals who successfully complete the course and exam are awarded certificates and cards.
There is a fee of around $50 for taking these courses. A text book will be provided.
Boating Safety course schedule for 2008
Boating Skills and Seamanship Course
6 Mar. to 17 Apr. 7 - 9 PM
Selden Library Annex
Middle Country Rd., Selden
Contact: Hank Fasano (631)732-3562
Boating Skills and Seamanship Course
15 Apr. to 27 May 8 - 10 PM
Stony Brook YC
Shore Rd., Stony Brook
Contact: Ken Gustafson (631)821-9248
America's Boating Course
08 May to 22 May 7 - 10 PM
Nissequogue River State Park
Kings Park
Contact: NSRP office (631)269-4927 (Grace or Vance)
This course is primarily for the boaters who have slips in their marinas.
America's Boating Course
10 Jun. to 24 Jun. 7 - 10 PM
Stony Brook YC
Shore Rd., Stony Brook
Contact: Ken Gustafson (631)821-9248
NYS Parks, Recreation & Historical
Preservation
You must hold a safety certificate if:
- You operate a personal watercraft, regardless of your age,
in New York State.
- You wish to operate a motorboat (including personal
watercraft) and you are at least 10 years old and less than 18
years old.
- If you are less than 10 years old you may operate a motorboat
(non-PWC) only if someone over 18 or someone between the ages
of 10 and 18 who holds a safety certificate, is on board with
you. Anyone may operate a personal watercraft if someone at
least 18 years old is riding on the craft and they hold a
safety certificate.
Personal Watercraft - Minimum Age of
Operation
On July 28, 2005 Governor Pataki signed a law amending
Section 49, Subdivision 1-a of the Navigation Law raising the
minimum age of operators of personal watercraft (PWC) to
fourteen (14). This new law took effect January 1, 2006.
However, in order to minimize the impact on riders currently under the age of
fourteen (14) certain allowances have been made to phase in this new law.
Until January 1, 2009, those operators age ten (10) through
thirteen (13) that have a boating safety certificate may
continue to operate a PWC if they are accompanied by:
- someone over 18 years of age and
- within 500 feet on another personal watercraft or vessel
and
- within sight of the personal watercraft and
- holding a safety certificate of their own.
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| Neither did this group! |
A Boating Safety Certificate is a certificate issued by the
Commissioner, the United States Power Squadron, United States
Coast Guard Auxiliary, or in the case of a non-resident his/her
home state or country, as a result of completing a boating
safety course.
This law only affects the operation of PWC's. Anyone over
the age of ten (10) who holds a boating safety certificate can
still operate a motor boat alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take an on-line safety course?
No. Only certificates issued by New York State, the USCG
Auxiliary or the US Power Squadron are acceptable. State law
requires that the New York Safe Boating Program includes at
least eight hours of classroom instruction, and a proctored
exam. Any certificate issued by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or
Power Squadron is acceptable.
What will happen if I do not have a boating safety
certificate?
If convicted of a first violation you can be fined not less
than $25 or no more than $100, or by imprisonment for not more
than seven days, or by both fine and imprisonment. For a second
conviction, fines and imprisonment terms increase.
