Exemptions
Compiled text through Sep 15, 2021
Register checked through Jul 29, 2026
No later Register activity identified in this check.
Dates and status
- Compiling agency
- Executive Department
- Text status
- Source receipt
- Compiled text through
- Sep 15, 2021
- Register checked through
- July 29, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 30 (2026-07-29)
- Activity status
- No later Register activity identified in this check.
- Source snapshot
- Jun 6, 2026
(a)A person is exempt from carrying a boating safety certificate or taking the course if they hold at least one of the following valid certifications, licenses, memberships or status. A copy of that certification, license, membership or status information must be carried by the operator and produced upon request of a law enforcement or judicial officer. A law enforcement or judicial officer may require the operator to produce the original certification, license, membership or status document within a reasonable time period:
(1)safe boating instructor certification issued by the agency;
(2)membership in good standing of the United States Power Squadron or a safe boating certification issued by the United States Power Squadron;
(3)membership in good standing of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or a safe boating certification issued by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary;
(4)valid license issued under section 64 of the Navigation Law;
(5)valid operator’s license issued by the United States Coast Guard or the Canadian Coast Guard;
(6)police officer, peace officer, firefighter, emergency rescue personnel or lifeguard acting within the scope of their official duties; or
(7)non-resident or New York resident who has received comparable safe boating instruction and is holding a valid comparable certificate issued by the state or country where they presently reside or recently resided;
(i)however, a New York resident holding a valid comparable certificate issued by a former state or country of residence must apply for a boating safety certificate and complete the course within a one-year grace period after moving into the State;
(ii)the agency retains the discretion to review any out-of-state instruction to determine whether it is equivalent to the New York course. If the agency finds the out-of-state course is not equivalent it may require a non-resident to apply for a boating safety certificate and complete the course requirements, or may require a new resident of New York to apply for the boating safety certificate and complete the course requirements prior to expiration of the one-year grace period.