Laws for Youthful Operation

Personal Watercraft - Minimum Age of Operation
On July 28, 2005 Governor Pataki signed a law amending Section 49, Subdivision 1-a of the Navigation Law raising the minimum age of operators of personal watercraft (PWC) to fourteen (14). This new law will take effect January 1, 2006.

However, in order to minimize the impact on riders currently under the age of fourteen (14) certain allowances have been to phase in this new law.

Until January 1, 2009, those operators age ten (10) through thirteen (13) that have a boating safety certificate may continue to operate a PWC if they are accompanied by:
someone over 18 years of age and within 500 feet on another personal watercraft or vessel and within sight of the personal watercraft and holding a safety certificate of their own.

A Boating Safety Certificate is a certificate issued by the Commissioner, the United States Power Squadron, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, or in the case of a non-resident his/her home state or country, as a result of completing a boating safety course.

This law only affects the operation of PWC's. Anyone over the age of ten (10) that holds a boating safety certificate can still operate a motor boat alone.

Laws for PWC Operation

As of 1/1/2004 anyone operating a PWC will need to complete a boating safety course.

For the most part, the laws that apply to all boats will also apply to personal watercraft. There are some restrictions placed on PWC however, that do not apply to other boats.

Operation of a PWC is prohibited from sunset to sunrise.

A personal flotation device (life jacket) must be worn by the operator and all passengers. A Type III PFD is recommended.

If equipped, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator.

Visual distress signals and a sound signaling device (horn or whistle) must be carried.

Personal watercraft are not allowed within 500 feet of a marked swim area.

Reckless operation, defined as wake jumping, playing "chicken" and weaving in and out of congested traffic is forbidden, and constitutes a misdemeanor.

Mandatory Education

All operators of personal watercraft will be required to earn a safety certificate before they may operate, according to the phase in schedule below. In addition to teaching the particulars of handling a PWC, this course will also be beneficial for any boater wishing to learn more about the rules of the road, reading buoys, boat handling, and other boating safety related topics. A listing of available state courses may be accessed through the link at the top of this page.

As of 1/1/2003 you will need a course if your birthday is after 1/1/72.
As of 1/1/2004 anyone operating a PWC will need to complete the course.

Water Skiing & Other Towed Activities

Water skiing, tubing and para-sailing are quickly growing in popularity on New York's waterways. Classified in the Navigation Law as 'Towing of Persons', these sporting activities have a few simple rules that must be followed to remain legal, and more importantly, safe!

Three people are required as a minimum for these activities: operator, observer and skier.
Operator - responsible for handling the vessel, avoiding other boats, and providing a smooth, steady ride for the skier or tuber.
Observer - must be at least 10-years-old, and is responsible for watching the skier and relaying the status of the skier to the operator.
Skier - responsible for his or her own well being, skiers should know the proper hand signals used to convey their status to the observer

No towing activities are permitted between sunset and sunrise.

All people being towed behind a vessel (excluding those being towed on another vessel) are required to wear a securely fastened USCG approved life jacket. Type III jackets are considered the best for these activities. To learn more, please see the section on Personal Flotation Devices.

A boat engaged in towing receives no special consideration under the Rules of the Road. They must give way to other vessels, or stand on as the circumstances require. Check out the Rules of the Road to review these circumstances.

Stay well clear of shore, docks, swimmers and other vessels. Intentionaly engaging in dangerous maneuvers may be considered to be 'Careless/Reckless' and constitutes a misdemeanor.
The operator should always give skiers and tubers a smooth easy ride. Let the skier signal what they want to do, rather than try to think for them. Avoid sharp, sudden turns and keep the skier well away from potential hazards. If a skier has fallen, circle slowly around them, trying to position the towline for another run. If they plan on getting into the boat, make certain that the motor is stopped, and that the propellor isn't turning before helping the skier aboard.

Improper fueling practices are the cause of most fires aboard boats. Since gasoline vapor is heaver than air it will always seek the lowest location in the boat, the bilge. Since the bilge area usually runs through the engine space, the risk of explosion is ever present. This risk however can be greatly reduced by taking the following precaution when fueling the boat:

Moor the boat securely to the dock.

Remove all passengers.

Extinguish all galley fires or smoking materials.

Shut off engines and electrical equipment.

Close all hatches and ports

Fill portable tanks on the dock, not in the boat

Keep fuel nozzle in contact with fill opening

Replace fuel fill cap tightly

Wipe up any spilled gasoline, check bilges for leakage

After fueling, open up all hatches and run the blower for at least 4 minutes to rid the vessel of stray vapors

Before starting the engine, give the engine space a sniff to ensure that explosive vapors are no longer present

Secure portable fuel tanks before leaving the dock, and never in an interior compartment.
Note: Be aware that some alcohol blended fuels have been found to accelerate the deterioration of fuel hoses within the fuel system. Some blends have been known to make hoses brittle and thus subject to cracking, while others can make hoses soft and spongy allowing vapors to permeate the hose. Boats that sit for long periods of time are most prone to these conditions. Contact your dealer/manufacturer concerning possible problems regarding alcohol blended gasoline.

Fuel Tanks
Vessels with foamed in aluminum fuel tanks have been known to rust, crack and even leak. Since many fuel tanks are not easily accessed on today's recreational boats, operators should be certain that leaks have not developed over the years. If you suspect a leak, have it checked out with a professional. Leaking fuel into your bilge is an explosion waiting to happen. You should avoid

Source: http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/