New York State Boating License

Anyone who has ever owned a boat, or has just been on one, knows that there are many boaters out there who lack the basic seamanship skills required to operate their craft safely. Why is this the case, and what can be done to solve it?

The fact is, anyone who lives in New York with a checkbook can buy a boat and sail off into the sunset without so much as a how-to pamphlet. This is not the case, however, in Connecticut and New Jersey as both states require mandatory education for all potential boaters. The question we then have to ask ourselves is...

Will a New York State Boating License be required anytime soon?

The majority of boaters think so, and apparently the Coast Guard does too. In a recent interview with Rear Admiral David P. Pekoske, Assistant Commandant for Operations, United States Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Pekoske indicated that "The Coast Guard's latest proposal on the issue now includes:

A form of government-issued photo identification which can be a photo identification card issued by a state (such as a motor vehicle driver¹s license). We do not propose issuing a federal boater identification card.

AND

Satisfactory completion of a NASBLA-approved boat operator course or written equivalency examination that meets certain minimum national standards of boat operator education.

Is it enough? Well, it's a start. As many know, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has pretty much set the minimum standards when it comes to Boating Education. However, are these standards too low to qualify a new boater? As one local Captain put it "In depth and hands on education is a must for boaters if we are going to maintain the safety of our waterways." That sentiment was echoed by several Boating Safety Instructors in various States and of the members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons that we interviewed. All believe that some type of on-water training is needed and is the best way to qualify the competency of a new boater.

If you need to pass a written / road test in order to drive a car, why shouldn't the same be expected of someone wishing to pilot a boat? The safety of our families and fellow boaters depend on the proficiency of our fellow boaters. What do you think? Let us know.