What Is Brianna's Law? New York Boating Rules Explained

Posted by Safe Boating America on 6th Jun 2026

What Is Brianna’s Law? New York Boating Rules Explained

Boater reading boating safety certificate on dock

Brianna’s Law is defined as a New York State law requiring every operator of a motorized vessel to complete a state-approved boating safety course and carry a valid Safe Boating Certificate while on the water. The law was enacted after the death of Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl killed in a 2005 boating accident, making it one of the most significant boating safety mandates in New York history. As of January 1, 2025, the law applies to all motorized vessel operators regardless of age, closing the age-based exemptions that had existed during the law’s phased rollout. If you operate a motorboat, Jet Ski, or WaveRunner on New York waters, this law applies to you directly.

What is Brianna’s Law and who does it cover?

Brianna’s Law requires all motorized vessel operators in New York State to complete a state-approved safe boating course and carry a valid Safe Boating Certificate. This covers a wider range of watercraft than many boaters initially expect. The law applies to motorboats of all sizes, personal watercraft including Jet Skis and WaveRunners, and any specialty motorized craft operated on New York waters. The certificate is valid across all motorized vessel types covered under the law, so one certificate covers you whether you switch from a motorboat to a personal watercraft.

Boating safety course outdoors with instructor and students

Non-motorized vessels such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are not currently subject to the mandatory certification requirement. That said, non-motorized boat operators are strongly encouraged to complete a safe boating course because the knowledge directly improves safety for everyone on the water.

The vessels and operators covered under Brianna’s Law include:

All motorboats regardless of engine size or vessel length
Personal watercraft including Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos
Specialty motorized craft such as airboats and motorized inflatable vessels
All operators regardless of age as of January 1, 2025
Both New York residents and out-of-state operators using NY waters

Pro Tip: If you operate both a motorboat and a personal watercraft, you only need one Safe Boating Certificate. The same certificate satisfies the requirement for all covered motorized vessel types under Brianna’s Law.

How to meet the boating safety education requirements

Infographic showing steps to meet boating safety education

Meeting the education requirement under Brianna’s Law is a straightforward process. New York State offers course formats in both online and in-person classroom settings through state-approved providers, giving boaters flexibility in how they complete their training. The minimum age to enroll is 10 years old, and once earned, the Safe Boating Certificate is valid for life.

Here is how to get certified and stay compliant:

Confirm eligibility. You must be at least 10 years old to enroll in the New York Safe Boating Course.
Choose a course format. Select an online course or an in-person classroom session through a New York State-approved provider such as Safe Boating America.
Complete the course. The curriculum covers navigation rules, emergency procedures, required safety equipment, accident prevention, and New York boating laws.
Receive your Safe Boating Certificate. Upon passing the course exam, you receive your certificate. It is valid for life with no renewal required.
Carry the certificate while boating. You must have the physical certificate on your person or on board whenever you operate a motorized vessel. Digital copies alone are not accepted as sufficient proof under state guidelines.
Consider the NY DMV boating endorsement. The NY DMV offers an anchor icon option on eligible driver’s licenses to indicate boating certification, removing the need to carry a separate paper certificate.

Pro Tip: Adding the boating endorsement to your NYS driver’s license is the most practical long-term solution. You carry your driver’s license everywhere already. Visit the NYS boating endorsement guide to understand the exact steps for updating your license through the DMV.

The NY DMV anchor icon integration is particularly useful because it reduces the risk of misplacing your paper certificate before a boating trip. The endorsement requires completing an approved course first, then submitting the update through the DMV. Once added, the icon on your license serves as legal proof of certification during any on-water enforcement check.

What are the exceptions and special cases under Brianna’s Law?

Brianna’s Law includes several specific exemptions that affect renters, out-of-state boaters, and certain professionals. Understanding these exceptions prevents unnecessary confusion, especially for boaters who rent watercraft or visit New York from other states.

The key exceptions and special cases are:

Renters over age 18. Adults renting a motorboat or personal watercraft from a licensed livery are exempt from the Safe Boating Certificate requirement. However, rental staff must provide basic safety instructions to the renter before departure. This safety briefing is a legal obligation for the livery, not optional guidance.
Renters under age 18. Anyone under 18 renting a motorboat must possess a valid Safe Boating Certificate. The rental exemption does not apply to minors.
Out-of-state boaters. New York State recognizes valid certificates from other states approved by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators). If your home state issued a NASBLA-approved certificate, it satisfies the New York requirement.
Law enforcement and rescue personnel. Officers and emergency responders operating vessels in an official capacity may have separate training requirements or exemptions under their agency protocols.
Commercial vessel operators. Operators of vessels used for hire may be subject to separate USCG licensing requirements that satisfy or overlap with the state certificate mandate.

The rental exemption for adults over 18 deserves particular attention. Renters should treat the mandatory safety briefing from livery employees as a genuine safety resource, not a formality. The briefing covers the specific vessel’s controls, emergency equipment locations, and local water hazards. That information is directly relevant to preventing accidents.

What are the consequences and compliance tips for boaters?

Operating a motorized vessel in New York without a valid Safe Boating Certificate carries a direct financial penalty. Fines range from $100 to $250 for violations of Brianna’s Law. Beyond the fine, enforcement officers can require you to stop operating the vessel until a certified operator takes the helm.

Practical compliance tips for every boater:

Always carry the physical Safe Boating Certificate on your person or on board. A photo on your phone does not satisfy the requirement.
If you have added the anchor endorsement to your NYS driver’s license, carry that license on every trip.
Confirm that any rental livery provides a documented safety briefing before you depart. If staff skip this step, ask for it directly.
If you hold a NASBLA-approved certificate from another state, carry it when boating in New York.
Even if you only operate non-motorized vessels, completing a safe boating course improves your situational awareness and reduces risk for everyone sharing the water.

Pro Tip: Store a laminated copy of your Safe Boating Certificate in your vessel’s dry storage compartment as a permanent backup. Keep the original in your wallet or with your boating gear so you always have both accessible.

The 2025 universal requirement removed all prior age-based exemptions, which means enforcement is now consistent across all operator age groups. Officers no longer need to verify birth year before issuing a citation. Compliance is straightforward: complete an approved course, get certified, and carry your proof.

Key takeaways

Brianna’s Law requires every motorized vessel operator in New York to hold a lifetime Safe Boating Certificate, with full universal enforcement in effect since January 1, 2025.

Point	Details
Universal coverage since 2025	All motorized vessel operators in New York must hold a Safe Boating Certificate regardless of age.
Certificate is valid for life	Complete the course once and the certificate never expires, but you must carry it physically while boating.
Personal watercraft included	Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos require the same certificate as motorboats under the law.
Rental exemption for adults	Renters over 18 are exempt from certification but must receive a safety briefing from livery staff before departure.
NY DMV endorsement option	Adding the anchor icon to your NYS driver’s license eliminates the need to carry a separate paper certificate.

Why Brianna’s Law matters more than most boaters realize

Most boaters I speak with understand the basic requirement: take a course, get a certificate, carry it on the water. What they underestimate is how much the course itself changes their behavior on the water, not just their legal standing.

The Safe Boating Certificate requirement standardizes a baseline of boating competency statewide. Before 2025, a significant portion of older operators had never completed any formal boating education. They learned by doing, which works until it doesn’t. The 2025 universal rollout closed that gap in a meaningful way.

The most common misconception I encounter is that experienced boaters don’t need the course because they already know how to operate a vessel. Operating a vessel and understanding navigation rules, right-of-way protocols, and emergency signaling are different skill sets. The course covers both. Veteran boaters consistently report learning at least a few things they did not know before completing it.

My practical advice: do not treat the certificate as a box to check. Use the course as a genuine refresher on New York-specific regulations, especially if you boat in high-traffic areas like Long Island Sound, the Hudson River, or Lake George. The rules around personal watercraft operation, no-wake zones, and required safety equipment are updated periodically, and the course reflects current law.

For anyone who rents watercraft occasionally, the rental exemption for adults over 18 is real, but it creates a knowledge gap. Getting certified anyway is the smarter choice. The course takes one day and the certificate lasts a lifetime.

— Richard

Get certified for Brianna’s Law with Safe Boating America

Safe Boating America offers New York State-approved boating safety courses that fully satisfy the Brianna’s Law certification requirement. Courses are available in multiple formats to fit your schedule.

Safe Boating America provides NY boat and Jet Ski certification courses taught by State Certified Instructors and USCG-Licensed Captains using NASBLA-approved materials. In-person classes are scheduled throughout Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Buffalo, and Blue Point. Online and live Zoom options are also available for boaters who prefer remote learning. Students who complete the course receive their official Safe Boating Certificate and can add the boating endorsement to their NYS driver’s license. Visit Safe Boating America to view current class schedules and register for the format that works best for you.

FAQ

What is Brianna’s Law in New York?

Brianna’s Law is a New York State law requiring all motorized vessel operators to complete a state-approved safe boating course and carry a valid Safe Boating Certificate. The law has applied universally to all operators regardless of age since January 1, 2025.

Does Brianna’s Law apply to Jet Skis and personal watercraft?

Yes. Brianna’s Law covers all motorized vessels including Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos. The same Safe Boating Certificate required for motorboat operators satisfies the requirement for personal watercraft operators.

How long is the Safe Boating Certificate valid?

The Safe Boating Certificate is valid for life and does not require renewal. You must carry the physical certificate on your person or on board whenever you operate a motorized vessel in New York.

Can I use a boating certificate from another state in New York?

Yes. New York recognizes valid boating safety certificates issued by other states that are approved by NASBLA. If your certificate was issued by a NASBLA-approved state program, it satisfies the New York requirement.

What is the fine for violating Brianna’s Law?

Fines for operating a motorized vessel without a valid Safe Boating Certificate range from $100 to $250. Enforcement officers can also require you to stop operating the vessel until a certified operator takes over.

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