ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR…

ONEIDA COUNTY SHERIFF BOATER SAFETY COURSES TO BEGIN FOR THE 2022 BOATING SEASON

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has announced the first of the 2022 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 two classes will be conducted on April 9th & April 16th, 2022 at the Westmoreland Fire Department, 101 Station Road, Westmoreland, New York, and on June 25th, 2022 at the Forestport Town Hall, 10275 State Route 28, Forestport, New York.

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 30 students and additional classes will be offered at a later date if the need arises.

In New York State:

A. As of January 1, 2020, 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, just follow this link at https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/safety-courses.aspx. Once there, find a class in your area by entering your location. When you find a class you are interested in, click the “View Event” tab, and the class information page will open. Verify that this is the class you are interested in and then click the “Register Now” tab and follow the instructions to register.

If you have any questions, 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 website 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.