Public Courses

Why Take a Boating Course

You must hold a safety certificate if:

• You operate a personal watercraft, regardless of your age, in New York State.
• You wish to operate a motorboat (including personal watercraft) and you are at least 10 years old and less than 18 years old.
• If you are less than 10 years old you may operate a motorboat (non-PWC) only if someone over 18 or someone between the ages of 10 and 18 who holds a safety certificate, is on board with you. Anyone may operate a personal watercraft if someone at least 18 years old is riding on the craft and they hold a safety certificate.
• Many insurance companies will offer discounts on boat insurance to individuals who successfully complete these courses.

We offer the following courses:

Check calendar on left for dates and location:

• About Boating Safely is an 8 hour program. This is a vital course for any boater that covers boat handling, trailering, navigation rules, VHF radio, and safe boating practices. Successful completion of this course satisfies NYS education requirements for Personal Watercraft (jet ski) operation and may qualify for boating insurance discounts. This course meets Suffolk County requirements.
• Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S) course is a comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater. The course consists of 6 required two-hour lessons plus elective modules, providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions. This course meets Suffolk County requirements.
• The New York State Safe Boating Course A safety certificate may be obtained by completing the New York Safe Boating Course, sponsored by the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. The course is designed as a comprehensive boating course, teaching the fundamentals of safe boating operation. Approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, the course requires a minimum of eight hours of classroom instruction.
• The Weekend Navigator The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Weekend Navigation Course is a comprehensive course designed for both experienced and novice powerboat and sailboat operators. The course is divided into two major parts designed to educate the boating enthusiast in skills required for a safe voyage on a variety of waters and boating conditions. This course can be taught as a whole or as separate modules.. 
• SUDDENLY IN COMMAND (SIC)The captain becomes incapacitated or falls overboard; you purchase a new boat and step aboard for the first time. You are Suddenly In Command.  This 4-hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the helm, and will help you to “be prepared” with the basics in case of an emergency.
• Other Boating Safety Courses

Students must be at least 10 years old to attend classes. The student should be able to comprehend the materials, be comfortable in a classroom environment for several hours and be able to take the exam.