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NY Boating License: Brianna's Law Guide for East End Boaters
By Scott Blaine Hoffman · November 10, 2026 · 5 min read
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Ask around any East End fuel dock and you'll hear people talk about getting their "New York boating license." Strictly speaking, New York doesn't issue a boating license. What it requires is a Boating Safety Certificate, and since January 1, 2025, every operator of a motorized boat in the state needs one, whatever their age. Here's what that means if you keep a boat in Montauk, Greenport, Sag Harbor or anywhere in between, and why the off-season is the best time to take care of it.
What Brianna's Law requires
Brianna's Law is named for Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old from St. James who was killed in a 2005 boat collision while coming home from Fire Island. Her mother pushed for years for mandatory boater education, and the law was signed in 2019.
It was phased in by birth year starting in 2020. The last group, everyone born before 1978, was added on January 1, 2025. Today the rule is simple: if you drive a motorized vessel in New York waters, including a personal watercraft (PWC) or a small outboard skiff, you need a state-approved safe boating certificate.
| Who | Certificate needed? |
|---|---|
| Anyone operating a motorboat or PWC they own or borrow | Yes |
| Adults 18+ renting a motorboat or PWC from a livery | No; the livery must give basic instruction before you leave the dock |
| Under 18 renting a motorboat | Yes |
| Holder of a U.S. Coast Guard license | No; carry a copy of the license when boating recreationally |
| Kayak, canoe, paddleboard or other non-motorized craft | Not required (but the course is strongly encouraged) |
| Visitor with a certificate from their home state | Accepted if issued by your current state of residence and NASBLA-approved |
How to get your certificate
NY State Parks approves two routes, and both end with the same lifetime certificate.
Classroom course
In-person courses run at least eight hours and are taught by state-certified instructors, including volunteer boating groups and local agencies. You find and register for them through the "New York Safe Boating Course" listings on register-ed.com, which State Parks links to from its boating education page. Some instructors charge a fee and some volunteer-led classes have no charge; the listing says which. Adults who take a classroom course then buy the permanent card separately at ilostmycard.com.
Online course
Several providers offer state-approved online courses, listed on the NY State Parks boating education page. You work through the material at your own pace and pass exams to move through the course. The online fee includes your permanent certificate from the provider. Students must be at least 10 years old.
Carrying it on board
The certificate is good for life, but you must have the original on you or on board while operating. Marine law enforcement officers can ask to see it, and not having a required certificate can bring a fine reported at $100 to $250.
Two ways to make that easier:
- Adventure License: New York can add an anchor icon to your driver's license. With the icon, your license stands in for the paper card. It costs $12.50 for an immediate new license, or no charge if you add it at your next scheduled renewal.
- Waterproof holder: if you'd rather carry the card, keep it in a waterproof document pouch with your registration.
Lost your card? Classroom graduates can order a replacement for $10 at ilostmycard.com. Online graduates contact the provider that issued it.
What this means at East End marinas
With every operator now covered, it's worth having your card squared away before you sign next season's paperwork or lend the boat to a friend, who will need their own certificate too. If you're shopping for a slip for next season on our slip and mooring board, it's one less thing to sort out in spring.
The rule applies everywhere in New York waters, from the creeks of Moriches and Westhampton to the busy harbors of the Southold, Greenport and Orient area. Visiting boaters from Connecticut or Rhode Island who cross the Sound to dock at places like Safe Harbor Greenport or Sag Harbor Village Marina are covered if they hold a NASBLA-approved card from their home state.
Beyond the certificate
The course covers the basics, but local waters add their own challenges. Shinnecock, Moriches and Montauk inlets can be rough when wind opposes the tide, and much of the Peconic Bay system is a no-discharge zone. Use the course as a foundation, then learn your home waters with someone experienced. Before the season, check that your required safety gear is current; flares expire, and life jackets need to be the right size and in good condition. West Marine carries the standard Coast Guard-required kit.
If you need pump-out locations, see our pump-out stations list, and launch your trailer boat from one of the East End launch ramps.
FAQ
Is there a New York boating license?
Not as such. New York requires a Boating Safety Certificate for motorboat and PWC operators, earned by passing a state-approved course. People often call it a boating license.
Do I need a certificate if I was born before 1978?
Yes. Since January 1, 2025, the requirement applies to every motorboat operator regardless of age. The only common exceptions are adults renting from a livery and holders of a U.S. Coast Guard license.
Does my certificate ever expire?
No. The New York certificate is valid for life. You just need to carry it, or have the anchor icon on your driver's license, whenever you operate.
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