To reduce the number of boating accidents and related deaths in New York State, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assemblywoman Sandy Galef announced the Assembly's passage of legislation to increase boating safety in New York State by requiring all individuals born after 1995 who operate a mechanically propelled boating vessel to complete a boating safety course (A.3471).

The bill, sponsored by Galef, phases in requirements for operators of mechanically propelled boating vessels to obtain state-issued safety certificates beginning with boaters who are currently 18 years of age. Anyone born prior to 1995 and people who are renting boats for a period of less than 60 days are exempt from the safety requirements.

"It is distressing that right now, New York does not require anyone over the age of 18 to have boating safety education, especially when we consider that boating accidents and the tragic deaths they cause are almost entirely preventable," Silver said. "This makes legislation calling for mandatory boating safety courses not only reasonable, but entirely necessary. Ensuring boat operators are navigating New York's waterways safely and responsibly would allow more families to enjoy boating and other water-related activities, while decreasing the threat of accidents, injuries or death."

A report from the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation found that, of the 26 boating fatalities that occurred in 2011, 85 percent of them were caused by individuals with no known boater safety training. Only four of the reported fatalities were individuals who had taken boating safety courses.

"Knowledge of proper boating safety is crucial when it comes to preventing these senseless boating accidents and subjecting our families to the unspeakable grief of losing a loved one," Galef said. "Through these boating safety courses and certificates, we can protect families and vacationers on our waterways and significantly reduce - if not entirely eliminate - the number of boating accidents that occur here in our state."

The boating safety courses required by this legislation average eight hours of total classroom time and are provided free of charge in some circumstances. The courses consist of safety information deemed appropriate by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.