ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR…

ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR THE 2020 BOATING SEASON

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has announced the first of the 2020 dates that the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol will be offering the “New York State Boater Safety Course”.

In order to make these classes as convenient as possible for residents, they will be held in various locations throughout Oneida County. The first class will be conducted on April 4, 2020 at the Oneida County Department of Public Works conference room, 5999 Judd Road in Oriskany.

All classes begin promptly at 9:00 A.M. and because it is an 8 hour class, it is recommended that everyone bring snacks, drinks and/or a lunch. This class is limited to 20 students and additional classes will be offered at a later date as the need arises.

As of January 1, 2020 in New York State, everyone operating a motorized vessel will need a safety certificate by 2025. This is a requirement of the new legislation known as “Brianna’s Law:

1. If you were born on or after January 1, 1993, you will need the certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2020.

2. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you will need the certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2022.

3. If you were born on or after January 1, 1983, you will need a certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2023.

4. If you were born on or after January 1, 1978, you will need a certificate by the first time

you operate a vessel in 2024.

5. If you were born before 1978, you will need a certificate by the first time you operate a

vessel in 2025.

To sign up for this free, eight hour class, please call the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office at 315-765-2222 and speak with Sue Goding.

To find additional class dates and locations, you can visit the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation’s web site at www.nysparks.com/boats or call 1-800-336-2628 to get information on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary & U.S. Power Squadron Boater Safety Course dates and locations.