New York

New York State Personal Watercraft (PWC) Laws and Regulations

November 28, 2022

Personal watercraft (PWCs) are motorized vessels under 16 ft in length that are powered by waterjet propulsion. They are usually designed to hold two or three people, who stand, kneel or sit on the craft rather than inside it. PWCs are often called by their brand names, which include Jet Ski, Sea-Doo and WaveRunner.   … Read more ›

New York State Life Jacket Laws & Requirements

According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, 82% of victims who drowned in New York between 2005 and 2021 were not wearing a life jacket. Considering the major role PFDs play in saving lives on the water, they should ideally be worn at all times while boating. However, the … Read more ›

Boating Under the Influence Laws in New York State

While recreational boaters and passengers over the age of 21 are permitted to drink while boating in New York, operating a vessel under the effects of alcohol can have serious consequences. Not only are there strict legal limits that carry severe penalties when contravened, but intoxication can seriously impair your ability to operate a vessel … Read more ›

Do You Need a Boating License in New York State? Age Requirements & Info

Technically, there is no boating license for pleasure boaters in New York. However, there is a boating safety certificate that is required for most recreational boating in the state. Discover which situations require a boating certificate in New York State and how to obtain one! Types of vessels that require a boating safety certificate in … Read more ›

New York Boating Accident Report Laws

Driving a boat is a delightful pastime, but it is one that comes with serious obligations. These include taking responsibility when involved in an accident and stopping to help other boaters in distress. Boating can be dangerous, and there are laws in place to ensure that help can be obtained in an emergency and that … Read more ›

How to Register a Boat in New York State

The administrative aspect of getting a new boat can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to ensure that you are in compliance with state law before getting out on the water. To help demystify the process, Drive a Boat USA has created this handy guide to registering a boat in New York. New York boat registration … Read more ›