Power Boat Operation

Power Boat Operation

Several recent laws and regulations affect operators of power boats using Cayuga Lake, including sail boats operating under power. 

Speed

In New York State, vessel speed is generally limited to 5 mph when within 100 feet of the shore, a dock, pier, raft, float, or anchored boat. On some specific bodies of water, the 5-mph limit has been extended to 200 feet, and there may also be a 45-mph daytime and 25-mph nighttime speed limit. Local ordinances may further regulate the speed of boats operated within specific areas, check with authorities regarding local regulations. 

Speed may also be regulated more stringently during high-water periods to minimize boat wakes that can be destructive of shorelines. Such damage is not only deleterious to shoreline properties but also has deleterious environmental effects such as releasing runoff and affecting wildlife.

Personal Watercraft

Life Jackets-must be worn by each person on or towed behind (strength tested models recommended). Fully inflatable life jackets are not approved for water sports.  

For more information see:  https://parks.ny.gov/documents/recreation/boating/2017NYSBoatersGuide.pdf

Brianna’s Law

On August 6, 2019 Governor Cuomo signed Brianna’s Law. A comprehensive boater education law requiring all power boaters (including those operating sailing vessels with auxiliary power) to complete a boater safety course.

Brianna’s Law enhances the current requirements as follows;

Applies to all powerboat operators:

  • Those born on or after 1/1/1993 currently need a safety certificate
  • Those born on or after 1/1/1988 need a safety certificate beginning January 2022.
  • Those born on or after 1/1/1983 need a safety certificate beginning January 2023.
  • Those born on or after 1/1/1978 need a safety certificate beginning January 2024.
  • All power boat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in January 2025.

If you’ve taken an 8hr boating safety course in the past, you’re all set. All NYS courses offered and listed at the link below are NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation courses and enable the student to have an anchor endorsement on their NYS Drivers License in addition to receiving a boater safety certificate.

Boating Education, NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation — boater education requirements and resources

For more information on Brianna’s Law see:  http://www.briannaslaw.com/

Helpful Links

Boating and Paddling, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation — general requirments, invasive species, resources

Clean Boating — steps boaters can take to protect water quality 

 

 

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