New New York State boating law

[Salmonidstalker]

Effective May 1st, boat operators in NY need to take an approve boater education course. Not sure yet whether or not this applies to CDN boaters who frequent the Niagara River, but definitely something to look into if anyone is looking to drift the NY side of the river.

 

http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/education.aspx

 

Is anyone aware if our pleasure raft operators card is a NASBLA approved course?

[mike rousseau]

I'd imagine we will be fine

 

That's like saying you need to get a NY drivers license to take a trip to NY city...

[BillM]

Q. Is the CPS Pleasure Craft Operator Card any different from the others? A. Yes. The CPS PCOC courses are the only ones approved by Transport Canada (see note) and accredited by the US National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The NASBLA accreditation makes the CPS PCOC recognized by the United States Coast Guard. As such the CPS PCOC Card is the only one officially recognized in both the US and Canada. US States may choose to recognize other PCO Cards but they are not obliged to do so unless they have received individual NASBLA approval.

 

So Canadians fishing on the US side are good with our PCOC.

Edited September 24, 2014 by BillM

[mike rousseau]

Article states visitors and non resident can use their home licenses

[Mister G]

I have family there and knew about this for some time, however if you are born before 5/1/96 it is not required.

 

Edited to add: NYS also requires most boaters (I believe it's any boat under 26') to wear a approved PFD while the boat is under power (and that could mean your trolling motor) from Nov 1st to May 1st.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Mister G