Brianna’s Law was enacted in 2019 after the tragic 2005 boating accident that claimed the life of 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck of Long Island. The legislation was designed to improve safety on New York waters by requiring that all boat operators complete an approved boating safety education course. The goal of the law is straightforward: reduce preventable incidents on the water by ensuring operators know the basic rules, safety practices, and responsibilities that come with operating a vessel.
The law includes a five-year, age-based phase-in period that is nearing its conclusion. Regardless of age, every person who operates a boat in New York State must complete an authorized boating safety course by January 2025. That deadline applies to all operators, whether they are new boaters or experienced operators who have not previously completed formal training under the requirements of Brianna’s Law.
The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water currently offers the only free NASBLA-approved online boating safety course available to New York boaters. This NASBLA-approved program has been taken by 2.5 million students nationwide and is accepted for boating safety education in 36 other states. The BoatUS Foundation course is built to meet the state requirement and to give operators a practical foundation in safe boating practices.
Upon successful completion of the online course and final exam, students can print a temporary boating safety certificate immediately at no charge; this printed certificate is valid for 90 days. After that, operators may order a permanent card for a fee of $15. New York boaters also have the option to obtain an Adventure License marker on their New York DMV-issued driver’s license — an anchor symbol that serves as proof of course completion — for a fee of $13.50. These documentation options provide both short-term and long-term proof of compliance with the state requirement.
The BoatUS Foundation’s online class is designed to be flexible and accessible for busy lives. The course typically takes between four and eight hours to complete, and it is structured so students can start, pause, and resume at their convenience. The Foundation notes that the free availability of the course is supported by donations from BoatUS members, making professional, NASBLA-approved boating education widely available without cost to the student.
As the January 2025 compliance date approaches, boaters should plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues. It is advisable to enroll early, allocate several sessions to work through the course material, and complete the final exam with time to spare so the temporary certificate and permanent documentation can be processed. Completing the course well before the deadline also gives operators a chance to review safety practices and refresh skills before the boating season.
Meeting the requirement under Brianna’s Law is more than a legal obligation: it is an investment in safer recreational boating. Authorized safety courses cover the fundamentals that help reduce collisions, manage emergencies, and ensure that vessels are equipped properly for the conditions they will encounter. For families, solo operators, and everyone who shares the water, completing an approved boating safety course contributes to safer outings and greater confidence on the water.
For additional details about course enrollment, certificate issuance, and the Adventure License option, see BoatUS.org/NewYork or contact the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. With the deadline approaching, now is the time for New York boaters to get certified and ensure they are operating legally and safely under Brianna’s Law.