Under New York State law, anyone operating a personal watercraft (e.g. jet ski) must be at least 14 years of age or older and have a boating safety certificate. In addition, under Brianna’s Law, all motor boat operators must obtain a boating safety certificate. The following is the schedule:
Born on or after Year safety certificate required
January 1, 1993 2020
January 1, 1988 2022
January 1, 1983 2023
January 1, 1978 2024
All motor boat operators, regardless of age, need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. The certificate is obtained after completing eight hours of a state-approved classroom or online course. Upcoming local classes providing instruction in one or more sessions:
Wednesday, February 26
America’s Boating Course
North Shore High School, Glen Head
7:30 pm
516-333-6297
Saturday, February 29
About Boating Safely
Joyce Fitzpatrick Senior Center, Islip
9:00 am
631-647-0298
boatingclass@islipflotilla.com
Monday, March 2
About Boating Safely
Northport High School
7:00 pm
631-754-5607
Wednesday, March 4
America’s Boating Course
Syosset High School
7:30 pm
516-987-9715
Saturday, March 7
About Boating Safely
Cold Spring Harbor Library
9:30 am
516-223-3887
About Boating Safely
Fort Totten, Bayside
8:45 am
516-830-0024
America’s Boating Course
East Islip Public Library
9:30 am to 12:30pm
631-269-7169
Monday, March 9
About Boating Safely
Joyce Fitzpatrick Senior Center, Islip
7:00 pm
631-647-0298
boatingclass@islipflotilla.com
Tuesday, March 10
America’s Boating Course
Hauppauge High School
7:30 pm
631-265-6561
Sunday, March 15
About Boating Safely
Fort Totten, Bayside
8:45
516-830-0024
Saturday, March 21
About Boating Safely
Joyce Fitzpatrick Senior Center, Islip
9:00 am
631-647-0298
boatingclass@islipflotilla.com
Monday, March 16
Boating Skills & Seamanship
Stony Brook Yacht Club
7:00 pm
516-315-0656
Monday, March 23
Suffolk Police Boating Safety Course
Suffolk County Police Academy, Brentwood
6:00 to 10 pm
Enroll at 631-854-8382
Saturday, April 18
About Boating Safely
Cold Spring Harbor Library
9:30 am
516-223-3887
Monday, April 20
About Boating Safely
Northport High School
7:00 pm
631-754-5607
Tuesday, April 21
America’s Boating Course
St Johns Lutheran Church, Sayville
7:00 pm
516-429-3439
Saturday, April 25
About Boating Safely
Joyce Fitzpatrick Senior Center, Islip
7:00 pm
631-647-0298
boatingclass@islipflotilla.com
Monday, April 27
Suffolk Police Boating Safety Course
Suffolk County Police Academy, Brentwood
6:00 to 10 pm
Enroll at 631-854-8382
More info and links to classroom and online educators
