Boating Certificate

NYS Safe

The NYS Safe Boating Certificate is an 8-hour course that will help you develop basic boating skills. It also teaches you how to respect others on the water. You will learn about navigation, the use of GPS devices, man overboard procedures, and safety equipment.

New York

You can take the New York State Safe Boating Course in person or online. Both methods are available to people of all ages.

Course

In order to take the course, you must be at least 10 years old. You must also be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older.

Costs

The course costs $10. You will need your birth date, name, and Conservation ID number before completing the course.

Certification

You must pass the certification exam to receive your certificate. If you fail, you will need to repeat the course.

Completion

Upon completion of the course, you will receive a temporary boating safety certificate. You must show the certificate to an enforcement officer.

The certificate is not required for non-motorized vessels.

Fined Up

If you fail to do so, you will be fined up to $250. You will also need to carry the certificate with you when you operate a motorized vessel.

State Boating

The New York State Boating Safety Certificate is recognized in all U.S. states and Canada. You can find a course near you by visiting the NYS Parks website.

National Safe

During National Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will give away free boating safety education.

Certification

This certification is not only good for a few pages of your paperback book, but it’s also recognized in other states that have mandatory education requirements.

Boating cCourse

This consists of a boating course and a boating safety certificate. This PFBC course will teach you about the rules of the water and how to avoid a collision.

It's also a good idea to carry a life jacket. The Commission recommends using a safety kill switch to shut off the engine in case you run into trouble. It's also a good idea to not operate a boat under the influence.
While the Commission does not require a course, it does offer a free course in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Boat Show. The course is held at the Monroeville Convention Center. The course is a two-day affair.

Offers

The Commission also offers a home study, video-based distance learning course. The course covers safety equipment, navigation rules, and boating safety regulations.

Pennsylvania Fish

During National Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will also provide boating safety tips and education.

Operating

These include using a life jacket, not operating under the influence, and knowing how to recognize a hazardous dam.

Good Idea

It is a good idea to enroll in this course before you take your boat out on the water. The course is free and will be held during the week of the Pittsburgh Boat Show.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has three approved Internet-based boating courses, including one home-study video-based course.