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To Obtain a Boater Safety Certificate
Public Education Course “Boat America”
Offered by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Flotilla 42, Rochester, NY

" Boat America" is a boating certificate class which offers an in-depth boating safety course to provide knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate. Some insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course. New York State Certification requires 8 hours of instruction followed by an exam. Students who successfully complete the course/exam will be issued their boating certificate and card.

Brianna’s Law, new in New York State, requires those who were born on or after 1 January 1983, need a safety certificate beginning January 2023 in order to operate any motorized vessel, including PWCs/jet skis. This course meets that requirement.

Topics include the following:

  • Introduction to Boating – Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddle boats, powering boats, and engine types.
  • Boating Law – Boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, Federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents.
  • Safety Equipment– Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment.
  • Safe Operation and Navigation – Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water.
  • Boating Emergencies – Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather.
  • Trailering – Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer.
  • Sports and Boating – Water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips.