Boater safety course

[sammygee]

Getting conflicting info on whether Pennsylvania boat owners need to complete the boaters safety course and who will enforce the law  

[Grey Wolfe]

In PA, the Fish Commission does check on safety inspections. 

[sammygee]

What about a Pa boater operating in NY waters ???

[Grey Wolfe]

I would think you can be requested to provide your card,

 the Pa Boating Course is US Coast Guard approved course.

[tyler.woodard04]

It was my understanding out of state and renters would not need it.  but do not use that as the law

[Sean Youngblood]

https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx    Only exemptions I see is if you are renting a boat or have a certificate from your home state.

[AnglingAddict]

If your PA registered boat remains in NY for 90 consecutive days it is supposed to be registered with NY state in which case you would need to hold a valid boaters certificate - if you just keep it registered in PA you can probably get away without needing a certificate but technically you are breaking the law - probably will never be an issue unless you are involved in some kind of  accident that involves an investigation.    

[littlemack01]

Check  out the other string on the boater safety course . Lots of good info . i took the boat usa course for ny for free and at 69 I still had a good enough memory to pass . it's also free . Beats a $150 ticket at the launch .

[marinecrafts]

A quick check on Google says:  YES!  ALL boaters in our state must have passed some form of safety boating class in their state to pilot a boat in NY waters.

[Bad Habit]

All boaters in New York must complete a course approved by National Association of Boating Law Administrators and can be issued by any state. If you are renting a boat and over the age of 18 no boating certificate is required. 

[LongLine]

Boating Frequently Asked Questions - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

 

Persons over 18 and renting a boat don't need it.  Persons under 18 renting one do need it.

 

As to enforcement: Any law enforcement in your boating area can enforce it.  At the Genny this includes the RPD, MCSD, State Police, NYSDEC, USCG & Border Patrol. 

[Sundaze]

My understanding is yes but it can be the PA Boater safety course.  

[Long time fisherman]

Does anyone offer an online coarse?

[Bad Habit]

Boat US. Offers an online course for free. For $13 you can get an anchor symbol on your drivers license that indicates you completed the course.

[sammygee]

 

Boat USA offers a free course.

 

Took it over the last few days.  Took about 3 hrs.  Not rocket science. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Long time fisherman]

  On 3/28/2025 at 12:57 AM, Bad Habit said:

Boat US. Offers an online course for free. For $13 you can get an anchor symbol on your drivers license that indicates you completed the course.

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