There is a mounting need for educated boat operators on our waterways. Boating accidents are on the rise nationally, many of which have resulted in injuries and fatalities. There have been tragic deaths, including those of children, in recent years both on the Hudson River and in the Long Island Sound. Many New York boat operators lack boating safety knowledge (including basic navigation tools) since there is no requirement that boat operators over 18 years old possess a boating safety certificate as is required for personal watercraft (jet skis).

I have been building support for my boating safety legislation, which would require a person operating a mechanically-propelled vessel to have a boating safety certificate. This requirement would be enacted gradually, starting with those who are 18-years-old. If you would like to support this bill, please sign the petition I have started online by clicking here or sign your name on the line below, mail it back to my District Office, and I will add your name to my petition list. I hope 2013 will be the year New York State adopts a boating safety certificate requirement to reduce needless accidents from occurring on our waterways.