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Official New York State
Boating Safety Course

Free first chapter

New York State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
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Official NYS boating license

More boaters, more savings

We want to facilitate access to our boating safety course for groups and families. The more you are, the less you pay!

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A complete 3-hour course… well organized in 7 chapters

Available 24/7
Online Support
On all your devices
  • Study at your pace
  • The card is valid for life
  • Exam retries are free
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New York State Boater Education Card requirements

New York State Boating License

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 card by January 1, 2025.

Anyone operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC) must have a boating safety certificate, and be at least 14 years of age or older.

1

Study at your own pace

  • Enter an email to start the course for free.

  • Interactive boating course with more than 45 HD videos.

  • Multi-device online course.

  • Access 24/7.

  • Live customer support.

Simplicity
Well Designed
Customer Support
Accredited
Chapter 1

Boating safety course introduction

  • Mandatory boater education
  • Boating terminology
  • Registration & Titling
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Chapter 2

Boating Equipment

  • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
  • Navigation light equipment
  • Other recommended equipment
Chapter 3

Trip Planning and Preparation

  • Pre-departure checklist
  • Launching & Retrieving a boat from the water
  • Boat preventive maintenance
Chapter 4

Safe Boat Operation

  • Operator responsibilities
  • Navigation rules
  • Meeting situations
Chapter 5

Getting Underway

  • U.S. Aids to navigation system
  • Docking & Undocking
  • Procedures for Anchoring
Chapter 6

Emergency Preparedness

  • Boating accidents
  • Surviving in cold water
  • Rendering assistance - Accident report
Chapter 7

Other Water Activities

  • Water skiing & towed devices
  • Water-Jet Propelled Watercraft (PWC)
  • Marine environment

Crystal clear. Our team works hard to develop intuitive and effective training. No endless reading, interactive learning is the key to success!

2

Take the final test

  • NASBLA official boating safety test.

  • The boater exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

  • Open-book final test.

  • Free exam retries - risk free!

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3

Print your certificate

  • Print your certificate and start boating now!

  • Your certificate is good for life.

  • You'll receive a wallet-sized boat card within 6-8 weeks.

We are so sure that you'll like it that we give you the opportunity to register for free!

First chapter is on us!✌️

Start the boater safety course for free, satisfaction guaranteed. Then pay $ 39.95 and complete the online course and the final test. You'll be certified for life!

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I loved how easy and simple the steps where to achieve the online course. I felt very prepared for the boating exam.... I love AceBoater and recommend it to anyone looking to get their boating license. 😍
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AceBoater was both inexpensive and informative. I learned what I needed about navigating. Thanks AceBoater!
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Excellent experience! Simple, fun and relevant. I feel confident and well equipped. I recommend!!

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AceBoater is the best way to get your boating license and to have the freedom to go boating when you want, by yourself or with friends and family!

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Aceboater.com Team
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Made by passionate people

We wanted to create the most interactive and user-friendly online pleasure craft training platform for you. Our goal: to provide a clear, comprehensive and fun boater safety course, so that you can get on with the theory and go boating... NOW!

Aceboater.com Team

FAQ - Boating Safety Course
New York State

Do I need a boating safety education certificate to operate a watercraft in New York?

PWC operators must hold New York State boating safety certificates and be at least 14 years old.

In 2024, if you are operating any other type of motorized boat, you will need a safety certificate if you were born January 1, 1978 or later. 

All boat operators, regardless of age, will need New York State boating safety certificates by January 1, 2025.

What are the age restrictions to operate a motor boat in New York?

You must be at least 10 years old to operate a powerboat, and at least 14 years old to operate a PWC Personal Watercraft in the state of New York.

Who is exempt from holding a boater card in New York?

  • Anyone born before January 1, 1983 (however, many boaters complete the course in order to be eligible for discounted boat or Personal Watercraft PWC insurance)

  • Residents of other states who hold and are carrying a Boating Safety Certificate for a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved course in his or her state of residence

What form(s) of identification does an operator have to carry on board?

Anyone subject to the mandatory education requirements must carry a Boating Safety Certificate.

Is the New York boating safety certificate similar to the NYS Adventure License?

All New York State residents MUST pass the Boating Safety Education Course in order to get their New York boating safety certificate which allows them to operate a power boat on New York State Parks waters. 

The NYS Adventure License is an all-purpose driver's license which allows a person to boat, hunt, or fish in New York State and also serves as a parks ID card.

This NYS Adventure License lets you embark on your New York State outdoor adventure, and makes life that much easier for you!

I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the New York boating safety education certificate?

You are not required to hold a state driver's license in order to obtain a boater card.

Is New York boating education certificate accepted in other states?

Yes. All states that require boater education certification will recognize the New York Boat Operator's Certificate, due to NASBLA-approved course reciprocity for non-residents. Boating Safety certificates issued in other states are valid.

Why should I choose ACEBOATER.com?
  • We have hundreds of illustrations that will help you to better understand the content
  • Our online course is available 24/7
  • You can access our online support by phone, email or chat
  • We offer multi-platform training
  • Get licensed in 3 hours
  • Our policy has always been, "Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back"!
  • One of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.
How long are education certificates valid in the state of New York?

Forever - they do not expire.

How can I get a replacement boating education card if I've lost it?

Before we can replace your boating card we must be sure that we originally issued it to you. Check with us by calling our toll-free number at 1 877 661-1938 to talk to an agent, or send us an email including your date of birth and we will contact you by email within 24 hours, during our office hours.

If you are certain that you took your online course with AceBoater.com, please log into your dashboard and click on "Order Replacement Cards".

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Boating safety course and boating exam accredited by NASBLA & New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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