New York Boaters Now Must Take Safety Course

PSA from Rockland Sheriff’s Dept.

Sheriff Louis Falco III & the Rockland County Sheriff’s Marine Unit remind boaters that a new law is in effect as of May 1, 2014. All individuals born on or after 5/1/96 are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. Approved courses include those offered by NYS Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. Certain allowances to this law have been made for visitors to New York, persons renting a boat from a livery and persons purchasing a new boat for the first time. See more at: www.Parks.NY.gov

Boater safety courses teach the fundamentals of safe boating operation, laws, regulations & basic boat maintenance. The US Coast Guard is offering a safety course at the Greenbush Auditorium, 20 Greenbush Road off Rt. 303 on Sunday May 4, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration fee is $50 ($55 for non-residents) payable by cash or check made out to the Town of Orangetown. Contact Jim Barnard 352-516-9635 for details.

As the 2014 boating season is set to get underway, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Marine Unit encourages all boaters to make sure that their safety equipment is adequate and up to date. The Marine Unit offers courtesy dockside safety inspections to boaters who want to make sure that their boats meet state requirements. These safety checks are meant to be educational and will help boaters avoid getting equipment related citations and reduce safety related accidents. Vessels that pass the safety inspections will be issued a 2014 NYS Parks Vessel Safety Inspection sticker.

When on duty, the Sheriff’s Marine Unit monitors VHF Channel 16 and is available for emergencies 24 hours, seven days a week by calling 845-638-5401 or 911.