An approved course of instruction includes at least 8-hours of classroom training and a proctored examination. Students must be at least 10 years of age to take a course. Age and education requirements for personal watercraft operators remain unchanged.

Motor Boat Education Requirements:

• Any operator under 18 without a safety certificate must be accompanied on the vessel by someone at least 18 who holds a certificate if required by age, or someone at least 18 who is not required to hold a certificate.
• An operator 18 or older who is required to hold a certificate but does not, may operate a motorboat if accompanied by someone else over 18 who holds a safety certificate.
• The owner of a recently purchased motor boat, if legally required to hold a boating safety certificate, may operate such vessel without the required certificate for a period of time not to exceed 120 days from purchase.
• Persons 18 years of age or older may rent a vessel without holding a safety certificate, provided the operator of the livery holds a certificate, demonstrates the use of the vessel, and the person renting the vessel demonstrates their understanding of the vessels operation in return. Those under the age of 18 must have a safety certificate in order to rent a vessel.

Motor Boat Operators Exempted From Having To Hold A Boating Safety Certificate:

• Persons born before May 1, 1996
• Certified New York Safe Boating Instructors
• Members of the USCG Auxiliary or US Power Squadron
• Persons licensed by NYS Parks, the United States Coast Guard or Canadian Coast Guard to operate commercial vessels
• Police officers, peace officers, fire and rescue personnel, and life guards when acting pursuant to assigned duties
• A resident of another state or country who is the holder of a valid boating safety certificate issued according to the laws of their home state or country

Livingston County:

May 2  May course

June 20  June course

july 25   July course

Ontario County:

Ontario County