Chapter Two: New York Laws and Safety Requirements

Practice safe and legal boating every time you are on the water. Boating is a highly regulated recreational activity, and there may be occasions when a law enforcement officer will inspect your boat for compliance with equipment and legal conformity. The boat operator has the responsibility of ensuring the safety of all passengers and this includes making certain all required safety equipment is onboard the boat and ready to use.

For definitions and terminology used in this chapter, please click here.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

• New York State (NYS) - Responsible for enforcement on the navigable waters of New York State and tidewaters bordering on or lying within the boundaries of Nassau and Suffolk counties.
• US Coast Guard - Responsible for federal boating regulation and enforcement on federal navigable waters.
• Local marine patrol officers (peace or police officer, harbormasters, or Bay Constables) - responsible for enforcement within the geographical boundaries of a particular County or City.
• State marine patrols manned by New York State Police, NYS Environmental Conservation Officers, or New York State Park Police.

If stopped by a law enforcement or marine patrol officer, slow down and bring your boat to a stop if it is safe to do so. Once stopped, wait for further directions from the officer. Generally, the officer will maneuver the patrol boat to you.

No person operating a vessel upon the navigable waters of NYS or on the tidewaters bordering on and lying within the boundaries of Nassau or Suffolk county shall fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer or peace officer acting pursuant to his or her special duties.

Siren and Blue Lights

A siren whistle may only be attached to a vessel operated by a police department, fire department or public utility company, and used only on emergency calls.

A revolving blue light may only be carried or exhibited on enforcement vessels owned or operated by the state of New York or a political subdivision.

Life Jackets

Starting Nov. 1, anyone out on the waters of New York in a craft less than 21 feet long must be wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

The rule, in effect through May 1, applies to kayaks, canoes and motorboats on lakes, waterways and the ocean.

Fine for not wearing a life jacket can be anywhere from $100 to $250.