Revised legislation (Brianna’s Law – S.5685/A.4853.A) requiring all operators of motorized watercraft to complete a state approved boating safety course was signed into law on August 9, 2019 and takes effect this year. It expands an earlier law signed by Governor Cuomo that requires boaters born after May 1, 1996 to complete a safety course before operating a motorized watercraft. Under the phase-in, operators of a motor boat born on or after:
- 1/1/1993 must have completed a safety course beginning in 2020
- 1/1/1988 must have completed a safety course beginning in 2022
- 1/1/1983 must have completed a safety course beginning in 2023
- 1/1/1978 must have completed a safety course beginning in 2024
All motor boat operators regardless of age beginning in 2025. Failure to comply could result in a fine of between $100 and $250. The law does not apply to operators of sailboats under sail, kayaks, standup paddleboards, rowboats or canoes. Also excluded are boating safety instructors; members of the United States Power Squadrons; members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary; holders of public vessel licenses; those licensed to operate vessels by the United States Coast Guard or the Canadian Coast Guard; police officers, peace officers, fire personnel, rescue personnel or lifeguards when any such person is acting pursuant to assigned duties.
