March 2014 Newsletter: New York State Boating Course
Starting in May 2014, law A.3471-A/S.1639-A, will be phased in requiring all watercraft operators to complete an eight hour boat safety course and get a certificate to operate on New York State waterways.
At this time it applies to anyone 18 years or younger but in time it will be required in for all boaters. Violators could be fined $100 to $250. The Mohawk-Hudson Sail and Power Squadron boating course, America's Boating Course, 3rd edition, will be given at the Ballston Lake Fire House on Route 146A on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 from 1:00
p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Individuals between the ages of 10 and 18 who complete the course will receive a certificate and be allowed to operate a watercraft in New York State. The course requires eight hours of classroom time, and will be divided into two four hour sessions and will include two exams. A fifty question multiple choice exam on general course material and a ten question New York State exam primarily on State regulations will be given on May 10, 2014. A score of 80% is required for passing both tests.
Students must be 10 years old to take the course. Registration for the course can be made by contacting Peter Herman at (518) 399-5803 or by email at pandsherman25@gmail.com . There will also be a registration at 12:30 p.m. on May 3, 2014 prior to the beginning of the course. Due to space restrictions, the course will be limited to 30 people. The cost for the course is $40.00. This includes all course materials and certificates. The cost will be $20.00 for each additional family member.
To check out the ABC 3 course on line, go to www.usps.org. Click on classroom course under the title 'America's Boating Course'. Click on America's Boating Course, and for complete information on location, click on locate, and the registration information comes up. For additional information, click on America's Boating Course-8 hour.
For questions, Please contact Peter Herman @ (518) 399-5803
