Mandated New York State Boater Safety Course Now in Effect!
Normally, I wouldn’t write about this – but I’ve had a couple questions from clients about it. “Brianna’s Law” is NY State legislation that mandates that ALL boaters operating in NY – need to complete an approved boater safety course beginning in 2025. So whether you live in NY or drive up here from PA, Connecticut, NJ, Ohio, Virginia or wherever, you need to take the class. There are a lot of online classes. I took mine last year and it took me around 4 to 5 hours or more. Boat U.S. offers a “free” online course but they ask for a donation “to keep it free.” I realize that that doesn’t make any sense, but whatever. If you’re renting a boat, you are exempted, since the state assumes that you’ll be given safety instructions by the rental company. Ok….
I was told by a source or two that Public Vessel operators (like myself) would be exempt, but at the Rochester Boat Show, law enforcement told me that they hadn’t heard that. So I just decided to take the class online to avoid confusion. You can find more about this online. I just wanted to get the message out, so anglers don’t get tickets this year while out fishing.