New York boating laws
What you need before you launch in New York: boater education, age limits, life jackets, safety gear and registration.
Boater education
All operators of motorized vessels must complete a boating safety course, regardless of age (Brianna's Law, fully in effect 2025). Official course info
Who can drive a boat
Check with the New York boating agency for age limits.
Life jackets
Children under 12 must wear a life jacket. Everyone on pleasure boats under 21 ft must wear one Nov 1 to May 1.
Required safety gear
Federal U.S. Coast Guard minimums apply:
- A wearable life jacket for each person aboard, plus a throwable cushion or ring on boats 16 feet and longer
- A fire extinguisher on most motorboats with an enclosed engine or fuel tank
- A whistle or horn
- Navigation lights if you are out between sunset and sunrise or in poor visibility
- Visual distress signals (flares or a flag) on coastal waters and the Great Lakes
Registration
Motorboats must be registered.
Boating under the influence
It is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 (0.04 for commercial vessels) or higher.
Before you launch in New York
🧼 Trailered boats must be inspected at a regional inspection station before launching on Lake George.
Links go to official New York agency pages.
Summary checked 2026-10-27. Rules change, so confirm with the official New York source before you go. This is not legal advice.