Heading to the 1000 ISL NY, Do I need a NY state boaters license?

[shaggy]

Gonna be visiting my parents in July in Clayton from CO.  They have a mariner 32 Ketch up there and we are going to finally spend a couple weeks up there.  I have been driving boats since I was 2, Sailing instructor and all the good bits in between.  Kid (23) just informed me he is the only one that can drive anything besides the big boat... (he was rotflhao whilst he said this LOL... ) Is this true??  We were there when the law first came out(15 yrs ago??)  and I seem to recall me driving, but I can't remember.  Any assist appreciated.   

Also,

Planning on renting a ski/fishing boat for a couple days.  Any advice on that would be great as well.  Have the big boat for any sailing adventures, Racing?

 

[ribber]

If your kid is 23 you're likely old enough to be legal without one this year.  2025 it's mandatory.  
https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx
Good luck finding a ski boat rental.  I was there in 2019 and the best rental availability was a pontoon boat.

 

[shaggy]

Bumpity Bump as I am making nailing down the options for the 20th.  figured out the license thing (Thanks Ribber) Still looking for a boat to take the kid tubing/skiing..  

 

[hobie17li]

go to Bolt Castle's boat house and pretend you are  a real yachtie

 

[shaggy]

If your kid is 23 you're likely old enough to be legal without one this year.  2025 it's mandatory.  
https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx
Good luck finding a ski boat rental.  I was there in 2019 and the best rental availability was a pontoon boat.

Got a frigging 18' with a 150 on the back for 2 days..  And the slip next to pops boat was empty, so epic twilight 45kt rides downriver were  Awesome.  (The sailing was great too...... 

 

[WHK]

There is a Safe Boating course / test offered in most states that provides a card recognized by all other states.  In RI it is mandatory for all PWCs and some power boats, and for anyone born after 1986.  I teach a course in Rhode Island that is controlled by DEM (see this link with course info).

Here is the NY Dept of Parks & Recreation equivalent link. Most states use the NASBLA standardized course curriculum that is tailored for the respective state requirements.  Here is the link for NY.

These can be done online.  Some states allow the test to be taken online too.  In RI, the test must be taken in person, either at DEM or with a DEM certified instructor.  Google your home state and see if you can get it done there, then you can just bring the card to NY.

Note this is basic navigation, rules of the road and safety stuff.  It doesn't focus on boating proficiency and isn't meant for that.