Q. What are the rules for drinking and boating in New York State?

A. Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal nationwide.  In NYS, no person may operate a vessel while intoxicated or their ability to operate such a vessel is impaired by the consumption of either alcohol or use drugs.  A blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater is considered legally intoxicated; a BAC of .07 to under .08 is considered legally impaired.  Anyone stopped for boating with a BAC of .08% or more will not be allowed to operate a boat for one year, and can also be subject to fines of up to $500 and jail time of up to 90 days.

Q. What are the rules for drinking and boating in Canada?

A. Boating while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. The laws are enforced by local, provincial and federal police who carry alcohol-screening devices on the water.  Upon conviction for the offence of impaired operation of a vessel, or of operating a vessel with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, a person is liable of the following:

• 1st offence - a minimum fine of $600
• 2nd offence - imprisonment for not less than 14 days
• 3rd and each subsequent offence - the maximum sentence for these offences may vary depending on provincial statutes.

Q. Can I take my boat to Canada, or go in Canadian waters?

A. 

Q. What equipment is required for a boat/PWC? 

A. see NYS law page

Q. What is a float plan and do I need one?

A. Before leaving for a trip voyage aboard your vessel, be certain to write down a float plan and leave it with a reliable person who can follow up in the event you don’t return on time. Items that should be included in any float plan include: who’s on board, where you are going, when will you leave and at what time are you expected to return. The more information you can provide will better improve the likelihood that search units will be able to locate you in the event you break down or need assistance. Should your plans change during your trip, be certain to notify the individual with whom you’ve filled your float plan.  Click this link for a sample of a float plan.

Q. Where do I register my boat?

A. NYS requires that all power driven boats, including PWCs which operate on the waters of New York to register with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Click here to locate a DMV office near you, or call 1-800-CALL-DMV between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.  You can also go to the DMV website, at http://www.nysdmv.com.

Q. What do I need in order to register my boat?

A. To register your boat, bring the following items to a DMV office: 

• Complete form MV-82-B (Boat Registration / Title Application). 
• Complete form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction for Sales Tax) or proof of exemption or tax paid. See the sales tax information for additional information. The requirements and forms for boats are the same as those for motor vehicles. 
• The proof of ownership listed in the boat registration requirements document. 
• Proof of identity and date of birth. 

Cash, check or credit card for the fee.

Remember that if you have a boat trailer you must register the trailer. See the instructions to register a vehicle.

Q. How often do I have to renew my registration, and what will it cost?

A. Vessel registrations are issued for three years.   There is a registration fee and a surcharge for boating safety.  The fees and surcharges are calculated from the length of the boat as follows:

• Less than 16 feet - $18.00 registration fee and $3.00 surcharge ($21.00 total). 
• 16 feet to less than 26 feet - $36.00 registration fee and $10.00 surcharge ($46.00 total). 
• 26 feet or longer - $60.00 registration fee and $15.00 surcharge ($75.00 total).

Q. What do I do after I register my boat?

A. After you register your boat, you will receive a registration certificate that indicates the registration number assigned to your boat and a set of registration stickers.  You must paint or attach the registration number to each side of the bow of the boat.  You cannot transfer the registration number to another boat.  The characters must be:

• Block letters not less than three inches high
• A color different from the hull and easy to see 
• Legible from 100 ft. away during the daylight hours
• The only number on the front half of your boat