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.
Can I use my NY
safety certificate in other states?
Yes. Because the New York Safe Boating
Course is NASBLA approved it is accepted in other states
and Canada.
I lost my
safety certificate. How can I get a replacement? What if
I lost my temporary certificate?
If
you are under the age of eighteen there is no charge for
the replacement certificate. If you are over the age of
eighteen you must include a check for $10, made payable
to "NYS Parks". If you lost your temporary certificate
you will have to wait until your permanent certificate
is issued. Temporary certificates cannot be replaced.
Application for Replacement NY Safe Boating Certificate
(pdf)
Why did my
instructor give me two temporary certificates?
After completing the program your
instructor should have given you two sheets; a white
temporary certificate that you
should carry while
waiting for your permanent certificate and a yellow copy
as well. The yellow copy should be sent to State Parks
along with your $10 fee for processing your permanent
certificate. State Parks cannot issue a permanent
certificate to you until we receive the yellow copy and
your fee. If you are less than 18 years old, your
instructor should have only given you the white
temporary certificate. The instructor is responsible for
mailing the yellow copies for those students under the
age of 18 to State Parks. In all cases, the permanent
certificate will be issued by State Parks.
If I fail the exam, can I take it
again?
Retesting of the exam may be done at the discretion
of your instructor. It is strongly encouraged that
you review the course material that you did not
understand and ask questions to clarify any issues you
may have. Your re-test will be the same test you
had the first time out.
Why haven't I received my safety
certificate yet?
There may be
several reasons. Processing the vast number of
certificates received is a very time consuming process,
and most permanent certificates take at least 60 days
for processing. If you are over the age of eighteen,
ensure that you have sent in the yellow copy of your
temporary certificate and the requisite $10 fee. Checks
are cashed at the time the permanent certificate is
issued.
Approximately how long
will it take to get my permanent certificate in the
mail?
Once you pass the final
exam, your instructor will issue you a temporary
certificate valid for the next 90 days. During
peak season it takes anywhere from 10-12 weeks for a
student to get their permanent certificate. Your
check will not be cashed until your certificate is
actually issued (Note: Certificates will be
processed in the order they were received.)
I earned a state safety
certificate when I was young. Does that count?
Yes, provided you
still have a copy of your original certificate, and you
were under the age of 18 at the time. Records do not
exist for courses taught prior to the early 1990's.
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.
Legal Requirements - New York State Law
All New York Personal
Watercraft Operators must complete a proctored Safe
Boating Course in order to operate a PWC. All Boat and
PWC operators between the age of 10 and 18 must complete
a Safe Boating Class.
You must hold a safety
certificate if:
-
You
operate a personal watercraft and are at least 14
years of age.
-
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.
Register Today
Phone: (516) 713-1099 -
Email: info@EmpireBoatingSafety.com
- Online: Click Here
