The United States Power Squadrons will present “America’s Boating Course®” (ABC), beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8 in a special two part online virtual program. ABC is approved by National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and NY State. It meets the requirements for boaters to comply with the NY state boater education law, as it provides essential information for new boaters or a great brush up for experienced boaters. The United States Power Squadrons, America’s Boating Club is the only organization approved by NASBLA and NY State to offer the required boating class on line.
The two sessions (continues 8/15) will cover boating law, safety equipment, safe boating practices, navigation, boating emergencies, personal watercraft, charts, GPS, trailering and much more. Attendees can choose to receive the 244-page America’s Boating Course manual in advance or download the eBook. After passing an exam, students will receive a completion certificate indicating that you are in compliance with the NY education requirement. Many insurance companies offer discounts to boaters who earn their completion certificate.
A link to the on line class site will be provided after registration. The $60 fee covers the cost of the manual or eBook and students must be at least 10 years of age on or before 15 August 2020. Register on line at www.PBPS.us/education/schedule before 8/1/20 or call Larry Hynes at 631-740-0710 to learn more. This course is presented locally by Peconic Bay Power Squadron, Eastern Long Island’s local unit of the United States Power Squadrons.
On 9 August 2019 Governor Cuomo signed legislation S.5685/A.4853.A – Brianna’s Law, to phase in requirements that all operators of motorized watercraft must complete a state-approved boating safety course. The law is named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Island girl who was killed in a 2005 boating accident. 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.
