The New York Senate and Assembly are considering legislation, SB 9092 and AB 9806a, that would require all boat operators in the Empire State to complete a boating safety course within one year. Currently only those born after May 1996 must meet this requirement. While Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) firmly supports boater education, these bills will have an adverse impact on boating in New York.WHY: With our experience as a leading advocate of boating safety for more than 50 years, BoatUS recognizes the bills’ proposed expansion to require education for all New York boaters within such a short time period would be nearly impossible to meet. With a limited number of approved instructors, expansion of classes to meet demand will be a challenge. And for those taking paid courses, the costs will undoubtedly increase. As the state’s only authorized provider of a free New York online boating safety course, it is our assessment that SB 9092 and AB 9806a are a step backward in making boating safety education more accessible for all New York boaters, anglers and sailors.
HOW: Please contact your state representatives now to ask them to oppose these bills and urge them to work with BoatUS and others in the recreational boating safety community to develop smart improvements to the state’s boating safety laws.
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WHO: BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety organization with more than 33,000 dues-paying members in New York and more than a half million nationwide. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, helps ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and when boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program gives boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. BoatUS also helps keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the member-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.