Please Review - Boating Safety Laws - Make sure you are compliant!

May 25, 2022

To: Port Bay Membership and Friends
From: PBIA Board of Directors
 
REMINDER - the new law in NYS requiring all operators of motorized boats to obtain a safety certificate (after training and passing a test) called Brianna’s Law. We understand that this will be actively enforced by Wayne County Sheriff, NYS Police, and the US Coast Guard. There have been some safety incidents resulting in “close calls” on the bay in prior years. Please review the info below and the referenced website for more detailed information. Let’s make this a safe summer for boating. 
 
Brianna’s Law

Motorboats

Under a new law, known as Brianna's Law, all motor boat operators: 

  • Born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.
  • Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.
  • Born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.
  • Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.
  • All motor boat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.
If you were born on or after:
You will need a boating safety certificate when operating a motorized vessel in:
January 1, 1993
2020
January 1, 1988
2022
January 1, 1983
2023
January 1, 1978
2024
All operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate by January 1, 2025
 

Personal Watercraft

Anyone operating a Personal Watercraft (JetSki™, Wave Runner™, etc.) must have a boating safety certificate, and be at least 14 years of age or older.

For more information please go to https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/education.aspx

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
Contact: Headquarters Public Affairs
Office: (202) 372-4630
mediarelations@uscg.mil
Headquarters online newsroom

U.S. Coast Guard announces new law requiring use of engine cut-off switches

WASHINGTON -- Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress. 

The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard-style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and the motor is automatically shut down. Wireless ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use. These devices use an electronic “fob” that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning the engine off. Wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.

For more information check out the following website https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-devices.php

 
 
 
 
×