New York State requires anyone operating a motorized vessel to complete a boating safety course. All motorboat operators—regardless of age—must hold an approved NYS boating license to operate legally, helping ensure safer, more responsible boating on state waters.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) - NYS
In New York State, wearing the right personal flotation device (PFD) is essential for every boater’s safety. State law requires approved, properly fitted life jackets on all pleasure vessels, with additional rules for children, PWCs, and towed activities to ensure everyone stays protected on the water.
To begin, all pleasure vessels—powered or non-powered—may only be operated on New York State waters if they carry at least one wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD for every person on board. These PFDs, commonly referred to as life jackets, must be in good condition, the correct size for the intended wearer, designed for the appropriate activity, and readily accessible in case of an emergency. A life jacket that is buried under gear, damaged, or not properly fitted does not meet legal requirements and may not protect the wearer when needed.
In addition to simply carrying the proper equipment, New York State law also requires everyone on board any pleasure vessel under 21 feet in length to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway. This rule applies to both powered and non-powered vessels, including small sailboats, paddlecraft, fishing boats, rowboats, and other compact recreational craft. Smaller vessels are generally more prone to capsizing, sudden movements, and unexpected falls overboard, which makes the use of life jackets especially critical.
For vessels measuring 16 feet or more in length, operators must also carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable PFD in addition to the required wearable devices. A throwable device—often a Type IV cushion or ring buoy—is designed to be quickly tossed to someone who has fallen into the water. While these devices do not replace wearable life jackets, they provide an additional layer of safety and are essential during rescue situations, especially on larger or more heavily used vessels.
Special rules also apply to high-speed or high-risk activities. Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft (PWC), such as a Jet Ski®, Sea-Doo®, or WaveRunner®, must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times. PWCs are fast, highly maneuverable, and more likely to cause riders to fall into the water, making a secure life jacket absolutely essential. The same requirement applies to anyone being towed behind a vessel—whether on water skis, a wakeboard, an inflatable tube, or any similar device. Towed participants must wear a properly fitted USCG-approved PFD because they are frequently exposed to sudden acceleration, falls, and impacts with the water.
While several types of PFDs are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, inflatable life jackets come with additional restrictions. These devices, which rely on manual or automatic inflation, are not permitted for people under the age of 16, nor may they be worn by anyone operating or riding on a PWC or by anyone being towed behind a boat. Inflatable PFDs are also considered unsuitable for non-swimmers because they offer little buoyancy before inflation and require the wearer to activate or manage the device in the water. While inflatables can be comfortable and effective for adult boaters in certain situations, they are not appropriate for activities with a high likelihood of falling into the water or losing consciousness.
Children are subject to additional safety measures. All children under 12 years of age must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (Type I, II, or III) whenever the vessel is underway. This requirement applies to both powered and non-powered vessels. The only exceptions occur when the child is inside a fully enclosed cabin or when the vessel exceeds 65 feet in length. Larger vessels offer additional stability and enclosed areas that provide a safer environment, which is why the regulation distinguishes between small pleasure craft and larger boats.
These rules are designed with one goal in mind: reducing preventable injuries and fatalities on New York's waterways. Most boating-related drownings occur when victims were not wearing life jackets. By requiring PFDs to be properly fitted, in good condition, and worn in situations where the risk of entering the water is high, New York State aims to create a safer boating culture where accidents are less likely to become tragedies.
