This 8-hr classroom course provides strong foundational knowledge for safe boating. Taught by experienced and certified instructors, this course focuses on information that will keep you safe and legally compliant on the water. Dockside demonstrations are used to enhance the learning process.

Topis covered: Safety equipment & procedures; safe boat operation; rules of the road; basic navigation; emergency procedures & rendering assistance; fueling, launching & trailering; personal watercraft; the marine environment; and, much more!

Certifications: NY State Boating Safety Certificate (sometimes mistakenly referred to as a “boating license.”) This is a NY State and NASBLA approved course.

Prerequisite: None

Skill level: All levels

Ages: 10 years old and up

Who should take this course: Anyone looking to gain theoretical knowledge on safe boating. If you were born before May 1, 1996, this course is not required to operate a boat (but we think you’ll agree, it is a really good idea!) Insurance companies often offer discounts to boat owners who hold this certification.

If you were born on or after May 1, 1996: A NY State Safe Boating Certificate is required to operate any powerboat.

If you are between 10-18 years of age: a NY State Safe Boating Certificate is required to operate a powerboat without adult supervision.

Personal Water Craft (PWC) – e.g., Jet Ski: A NY State Safe Boating Certificate is required for all ages to operate a Personal Water Craft. You must be at least 14 years old to operate a PWC in NY.

Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic we are unable to open up registration at this time. We hope to get back on the water ASAP. If you’d like to register, please add yourself to the waitlist. As soon as we confirm your selected course will run, we will contact you to take payment and finalize your registration. Registrations will be confirmed in order of your placement on the waitlist; we anticipate there will be an increased demand for powerboat courses this spring, so we do encourage you to sign up. There is no fee to register on the waitlist.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 8-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who will be using powerboats to perform safety and rescue functions. It is designed for sailing instructors and coaches, regatta personnel, marine patrols, police and fire rescue personnel, park rangers.

TOPICS & SKILLS COVERED: VHF radio communications, assisted capsize recovery, person in water rescue, towing, maintaining position, use of bearings and GPS, search patterns. 

CERTIFICATIONS GRANTED: US Powerboating Safety and Rescue Certification

PREREQUISITE: US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification (can be achieved through either the full 2-day course or 1-day Accelerated course.)

SKILL LEVELS: Intermediate to advanced small boat operators with the minimum certification in Safe Powerboat Handling

AGES: 16 and up

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: Ideal for on-the-water personnel who may perform safety, search and/or rescue duties, including: sailing instructors/coaches, regatta personnel, waterfront staff. This is a hands-on driving course.

SCHEDULE: 1-day, 8-hr course; weekend and custom-scheduled courses available.

*Please contact waterfront@sunymaritime.edu if you’d like to set up a custom course at your location or ours!*

COURSE MATERIALS: Bring your own US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling textbook and logbook.

Please email us at waterfront@sunymaritime.edu or call (718) 409-2447 to schedule your private lesson before registering.

Your instructor will tailor your lesson for your ability, interest and needs. Lessons are taugh on our 17' center console Boston Whalers outfitted with 70HP engines.

Schedule: At your convenience, based on availability

Fee: 3-hrs up to 3 people; add on additional hours for $100/hr