Required Safety Course

[Thomas_U]

I have a question. Probably most states now have requirement to take a Boating Safety Education Course. Some of us may keep a second boat in another state for use on vacations, etc. For example, my residence is in Florida, and I have a FL Registered boat here. But I also have a summer camp in upstate New York and keep another boat there which is registered in NYS. A few years ago I went to the local FL Power Squadron and took the Safety Course and received a Florida Boating Safety Education Card.
Now I read in the NY newspaper that, effective last month, all powerboat operators, regardless of age, must take an 8-hour safety course and receive a New York certification. Violators will be subject to a hefty fine.
My question is: whether each state will grant reciprocity to another state's boating certificate?
I have unsuccessfully attempted to contact Boat/US (of which I am a member) on several occasions, so I decided to check with the learned IBoat Forum members.
Thanks,
Tom U.

 

[KD4UPL]

I have a VA boat license. I've operated my boat in 7 states. I remember looking it up many years ago and I was good with the VA license. I was just visiting of course with a VA registered boat. Being a resident might be different.

 

[Pmt133]

Most states recognize other states boating safety certificate. However since the boat is registered in NY I am unsure how that would work. It's fine for a rental. You aren't a resident. So I'd think it's fine still.

The only place I had an issue with was Connecticut...

doing a little digging, if your certificate is NASBLA accredited, you're good to go.

 

[rolmops]

If your residency is Florida, then as far as NY State is concerned you are from out of state. The law in NYS says that the boater safety certificate is not required for out of state boaters. It does not address boat ownership, only residency

 

[airshot]

Hmmm....in my 60 plus years of operating power boats in a variety of states here in the midwest, never been ask about a boating safety course or any type of safety course. Been pulled over many times for boat inspections and fishing license checks but never ask about any type of safety course. Guess I look to old, or mabey the fact that I wasn't doing anything stupid might have helped. My grandkids were required to take a safety course in order to operate my boat, so when they took the course, I took it with them.
Actually learned a couple things and also taught the instructors a couple things. Grandkids are grown adults now and have operated other peoples boats on ocassion, never been ask about a safety course by any authority.
It make me wonder if people are challenged because they are doing something they shouldn't be ??

 

[rolmops]

Hmmm....in my 60 plus years of operating power boats in a variety of states here in the midwest, never been ask about a boating safety course or any type of safety course. Been pulled over many times for boat inspections and fishing license checks but never ask about any type of safety course. Guess I look to old, or mabey the fact that I wasn't doing anything stupid might have helped. My grandkids were required to take a safety course in order to operate my boat, so when they took the course, I took it with them.
Actually learned a couple things and also taught the instructors a couple things. Grandkids are grown adults now and have operated other peoples boats on ocassion, never been ask about a safety course by any authority.
It make me wonder if people are challenged because they are doing something they shouldn't be ??

There are a lot of states where the license is required and other states where it is not. NYS has been requiring a boating certificate for different age groups for a few years now. This year is the first that it is required for all ages. There are some funny exceptions. If you rent a boat or if you are out of state, you are not required to have the boating "license". I guess the commercial tourism business has a strong lobby. This way only NYS resident boat owners are required to have the license. I believe that if the law as it is written is challenged in court it will be blown out of the water. On the other hand. A lot of people are in dire need of learning the rules of the water.

 

[dingbat]

Actually learned a couple things and also taught the instructors a couple things. Grandkids are grown adults now and have operated other peoples boats on ocassion, never been ask about a safety course by any authority.
It make me wonder if people are challenged because they are doing something they shouldn't be ??

If you ever boat down here, make sure you have your paperwork and equipment in good order before leaving the dock.

Between DNR, USCG, Marine Police and Homeland Security, it’s not if, it’s when you will be boarded for inspection.

The only way (mostly) to avoid scrutiny is to display a valid USCG inspection sticker available through the USCG Auxiliary.

 

[southkogs]

I run boats (mine, rentals or someone else's) in Tennessee, Michigan and Florida. I had to get a boater's safety certificate when I was under 16 in Michigan, but after I had a driver's license I was legal. Both Michigan and Tennessee added requirements for boater's safety education for operators after my kids were born, but they didn't require it over a certain age - LOL ... I was almost literally "grandfathered" in.

I've not had an issue in any three of the states when being inspected. Nor have any of my kids who run the boats.

 

[racerone]

Boats are so different.----From a 12' cartopper to a 40' power or sail.---Have operated both types.----About 40,000 miles in open water on sailboats.--Yet the same certificate covers them.-----Authorities just want to make sure operators have some level of training.----But if you look at some of the videos from Florida you wonder.

 

[rolmops]

Boats are so different.----From a 12' cartopper to a 40' power or sail.---Have operated both types.----About 40,000 miles in open water on sailboats.--Yet the same certificate covers them.-----Authorities just want to make sure operators have some level of training.----But if you look at some of the videos from Florida you wonder.

In the NY certificate course you are taught the rules of the road from personal water vehicle to commercial shipping. It mostly teaches you to know all the signs and the right of way rules.
It does not teach you to become a good boater. Only hands on teaching with an experienced coach will help you on that front

 

[airshot]

If you ever boat down here, make sure you have your paperwork and equipment in good order before leaving the dock.

Between DNR, USCG, Marine Police and Homeland Security, it’s not if, it’s when you will be boarded for inspection.

The only way (mostly) to avoid scrutiny is to display a valid USCG inspection sticker available through the USCG Auxiliary.

My boat has always been fitted with correct requirements, never failed a safety inspection in my 60 plus years. When I change boats, one of the first things I do is look for a safety inspection. In my area they are generally around, especially on weekends. The Aux typically posts the launch ramps they will be at for safety inspections thru out the season. Not sure why folks are so scared about the safety inspections, once done and you get your sticker, they won't bother you unless you do something stupid. Also treat these folks with respect, they have a job to do for your own safety. My interactions with these folks have always been great, treat them how you want to be treated and you might just enjoy your safety inspection......

 

[Pmt133]

I've actually had the waverunner inspected by the coastguard several times too. They're always very happy about the extra equipment I keep on board.

Only time I was hassled during an inspection was on my lifevests on the boat. They said they were too old at the time... (they were purchased ~ a year prior new) if I recall he notched the strap with a blade slightly then ripped it and said it was too dry rotted to be safe.... I passed but I did replace the life jackets. Speaking of which I'll probably be replacing them again this season as they are probably 15 years old now.

 

[dingbat]

Only time I was hassled during an inspection was on my lifevests on the boat. They said they were too old at the time...

I got flagged on that at one time was well.

Can't count the number of times I've been reminded that my Type IV throwable can't be stowed in the cabin.........must be within reach at all times.

 

[Pmt133]

I got flagged on that at one time was well.

Can't count the number of times I've been reminded that my Type IV throwable can't be stowed in the cabin.........must be within reach at all times.

I've started keeping it in the side boxes. They don't even like it under the seat but visible.

 

[Chris1956]

The current Boating Safety course in NJ is almost word for word the USCG safety course I took in 1967. I would therefore expect states would accept Boating Safety Certs. from other states, except of course, they don't have to.

 

[rolmops]

These boaters licenses are all very similar because nation wide, the rules of the water and the boating traffic signs are all very similar. I think that boating licenses will go the way of drivers licenses. Probably a tiny bit different in each state but the states will all recognize each other's licenses.

 

[aspeck]

I was "grandfathered in" in PA. However, because of the FD Rescue Boat, one of our requirements to be on it or run it is to have a boater's license. So, since I helped craft the rules, I thought it prudent for me to take the class. Good class. Thoroughly recommend it.

 

[Mc Tool]

You guys have it tough .
Here in NZ anyone can buy a boat , dont need a license ,dont need to register it ( do have to register the trailer if its used on the road ) no ID on boat except any personal name you wish ( and Ive seen some I couldnt post here )
There are rules re life jackets must have enough for everyone on board and if boat is under 6m they must be worn at all times . And your not allowed to get pi55ed if your the captain ( this has been an issue ) You can be charged with manslaughter if your found negligent ( manslaughter is when you kill someone accidently or cause their death whilst breaking the law )
There are coast guard courses available ( you may get a discount on insurance ).
And in the same theme .... we get a lot of peeps getting killed doing stupid things and out of ignorance . There seems to be a bit of the " wont happen to me " attitude .
Its a damn shame when peeps get wiped out just having fun , doing the family thing .

 

[airshot]

According to a DNR officer I became friends with, of those that have taken the boating safety course in our area, most do not remember anything they were taught after 30 days ! Only took the course to get the papers for their insurance discount.

 

[Chris1956]

Airshot, Here in NJ, we do not get a discount (that I am aware of) for the boating safety course. However, I have seen a large difference in behavior after the boating safety course was mandated, especially in wave runner riders. Most people now drive their boats and wave runners fairly safely, which is a big change.

As an example, before the safety course was mandated, I was cruising down the creek in my 18 footer. Ahead of me was an 18-19 foot boat and a wave runner. I thought to myself, what are the odds the boat will turn across my line of travel, w/o looking? I thought it low. I then thought what are the odds that the wave runner will turn across my line of travel, w/o looking? I thought it a virtual certainty, which is exactly what happened.

Those days are mercifully gone, at least here in NJ.

It may be related, but we do not have many rental wave runners in our area.