New York State Boater Safety Course

For 2023, Brianna's Law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1983 to complete a safety course prior to operating any motorized vessel or watercraft.

This in-person, two-day course is led by instructors with Watercraft Network, along with Sean Silvernail, Department Head, Information Technology at the Guilderland Public Library.   The 8-hour course is an introduction to the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. Topics covered include rules of the nautical road, required safety equipment, special boating-related activities, and much more. Students successfully completing this course will earn a safe-boating certificate.  All boaters should note that Brianna's law requires certification for future years as well (see below.) Get certified now!

Under a new law, known as Brianna's Law, all motor boat operators:

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023
• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024
• ALL motor boat operators, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025

Important Notes:

• NYS Parks and Recreation Fee of $10 is required for the completed certification
• Attendance both days is required
• Must be at least 10 years old to participate

Registration is limited.  Click here to register for the two-part series.  Stop by the Library's Adult Information desk at any time to pick up a copy of the manual that will be used throughout the course, "New York Safe Boating."