Age restrictions for boaters in New York
Who can drive a boat in NY?
To operate a motorboat in New York, you must be at least 10 years old.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 14 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).
Do adults need a boating license in NY?
On January 1, 2020 the Brianna’s law went into effect. It requires that, according to your date of birth, anyone operating a motorboat eventually must hold a New York State-approved boating safety certificate. For now, if you were born on or after January 1, 1978, you need a boating safety certificate when operating a motorized vessel. You need to complete an approved boating safety course to get your boating safety certificate.
All operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate by January 1, 2025.
