For Additional Information Contact: Email Ellen DaSilva or call (631) 754-5607

New York State Law

As of 1/1/2004 Anyone Operating a PWC is
Required to Complete a Safe Boating Course

The information provided here was taken from the New York State Safe Boating course published by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. For additional information or answers to questions regarding these laws please contact the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The changes are as follows:

For the most part, the laws that apply to all boats will also apply to personal watercraft. There are some restrictions placed on PWC however, they do not apply to other boats.

• Operation of a PWC is prohibited from sunset to sunrise.
• A personal flotation device (life jacket) must be worn by the operator and all passengers. A Type III PFD is recommended.
• If equipped, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator.
• Visual distress signals and a sound signaling device (horn or whistle) must be carried.
• Personal watercraft are not allowed within 500 feet of a marked swim area.
• Reckless operation, defined as wake jumping, playing "chicken" and weaving in and out of congested traffic is forbidden, and constitutes a misdemeanor.

Mandatory Education

All operators of personal watercraft will be required to earn a safety certificate before they may operate, according to the phase in schedule below. In addition to teaching the particulars of handling a PWC, this course will also be beneficial for any boater wishing to learn more about the rules of the road, reading bouys, boat handling, and other boating safety related topics.

The Phase in Schedule

• As of year 2003, the age requirement jumps to 31 years old and younger
• As of year 2004, all PWC operators must have taken the required course

No one under the age of 16 may rent a PWC. Until January 4th, 2004, under certain restrictions persons 18 years of age or older who would not otherwise be able to operate a PWC without a safety certificate, may rent a PWC without a certificate.

The required course mentioned above is offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.