Boating Safety

Boat Ownership

Environmental

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    Water Quality: NY Sea Grant Research, Outreach, and Education

    Since 1971, New York Sea Grant has supported science-based solutions for a wide range of water-related challenges and opportunities across the state.

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    EPA Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

    The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) is a commitment between the United States and Canada to restore and protect the waters of the Great Lakes.

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    International Joint Commission: Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board

    The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board ensures that outflows from Lake Ontario meet the requirements of the International Joint Commission's Orders of Approval. The Board also has responsibilities to communicate with the public.

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    National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN)

    The National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) is a nationwide network of businesses, industry associations, nonprofits, local governments and communities, state and federal agencies, universities, Sea Grant programs, and individuals dedicated to supporting, preserving, and enhancing our nation’s working waterfronts and waterways.

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    Environmental Permit Forms And Requirements

    As of January 1, 2023, there was an increase in permit application fees for Freshwater Wetlands and Tidal Wetlands. The fee structure is provided below. It is important to complete the required forms and additional items found in the checklist below when applying for an environmental permit. All the materials required for each DEC permit should be submitted simultaneously so that the project may be reviewed as a whole - DEC will not begin a review of your project until a complete application is received.

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    State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit

    New York is rich in surface and groundwater resources. Article 17 titled "Water Pollution Control" of the 6 NYCRR PART 750 Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) was enacted to protect and maintain these valuable resources. Article 17 authorized creation of the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) program to maintain New York's waters with reasonable standards of purity.

Industry Impact

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    Recreational Boating Impact in New York

    To help educate the public and key decision-makers on regulatory issues, NMMA has developed this infographic to illustrate the statewide economic impact of recreational boating in New York State.

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    Top Recreational Boating States by Economic Impact: New York

    NMMA continues to countdown the top 20 states throughout the summer with New York, ranked 5th in the U.S. for recreational boating economic impact.

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    Recreational Boating Impact in New York by Congressional District

    To help educate the public and key decision-makers on regulatory issues, NMMA has developed infographics to illustrate the economic impact of recreational boating by Congressional District in New York State.

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    Latest News from National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)

    Latest news, industry updates, and pertinent information from the National Marine Manufacturer's Association (NMMA)

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    2025 New York State Recreational Boating Report

    The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation goal is to provide the public with a safe and enjoyable boating environment.

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    Discover Boating Industry Resource Center

    Powered by the MRAA and NMMA, Discover Boating is the industry’s consumer-facing lifestyle brand that introduces current and future boaters to manufacturers, dealers, and other ways to get on the water. Join us in engaging the next generation of boaters and staying connected with current boaters to help expand the boating market.

Workforce Development

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    Marine Service Technician program at Southern Adirondack Education Center

    MARINE SERVICE TECHNICIAN program: Get out on the water! Interested in water, boats, marinas? A career in Marine Service Technology may be for you! This program is designed to prepare students to function as entry-level marine service technicians. Tasks relate to product service and rebuilding, basic engine theory and shrink wrapping. The program is a collaboration with Employment Training for Adults (ETA), Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, Eastern New York Marine Trades Association and Saratoga, Warren & Washington Workforce Development Board. ETA is a division of Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES.

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    Maritime Technology Apprenticeship Program at Kingsborough Community College

    MARITIME SERVICE TECH APPRENTICESHIP program: MTAP is a four-year apprenticeship offers hands-on classroom and on-the-job training that prepares students for careers as service technicians aboard vessels or in-shore site settings. Developed in partnership with the ESMTA, MTAP follows a traditional “learn and earn” apprenticeship model with students participating in classroom training once per week while working with an approved business partner the other four days. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in maritime technology, nationally recognized certifications and most importantly, are guaranteed a job. MTAP is the first Department of Labor approved apprenticeship for marine mechanics in the nation.

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    Marine Technician Specialist certificate program at Wilson Technological Center

    The recreational boating industry, both on Long Island and nationally, requires qualified marine technicians who can service boat engines and operate marinas. Rapid advances in marine propulsion technology demand a high level of competency and training. Those earning a certificate from Wilson Tech will be well-prepared for employment opportunities in boat yards, marinas, engine repair facilities, as well as on fleets of boats used for consumer fishing, police and government agencies.

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    Spill Prevention Course for Marine Fuel Dock Staff

    FOR FUEL DOCK STAFF: This free, 1-2 hour online BoatUS Foundation course is a practical resource for marina staff to learn spill prevention and response basics. It can help a marina or fuel dock minimize risk, train key summer hires, protect your marina and the environment (does not provide HazWoper certification).

Business Resources

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    Worker's Compensation: Safety Group 517 Managed by the Durnan Group

    Workmans Compensation Safety Group 517 for the marine trades managed by the Durnan Group, Inc.

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    Aquatic Anti-Fouling Paint Applicator Certification

    The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board ensures that outflows from Lake Ontario meet the requirements of the International Joint Commission's Orders of Approval. The Board also has responsibilities to communicate with the public.

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    Aquatic Pesticide Permits

    DEC's Bureau of Pesticides Management is responsible for the administration of the Aquatic Pesticide Permit Program. The regulations for each type of Aquatic Pesticide Permit can be found at our Pesticide Control Regulations webpage.

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    Floating Objects, Navigation Aids & Buoys

    Most buoys and markers in the water, other than navigational aids, are considered floating objects and may require a permit to place. Common floating objects include bathing beach markers, speed zone markers, information markers, swimming or diving floats, mooring buoys, and ski jumps.

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    Request for Placement of Regulatory Marker(s) for Hazards and Obstructions

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    Report an Aid to Navigation (ATON), Global Positioning System (GPS) or Automatic Identification System (AIS) Problem

    Coast Guard personnel will use this information to disseminate safety notices and updates and to aid in the repair or investigate reports of navigation outages, issues or discrepancies.

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    Association of Marina Industries (AMI)

    The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of the marina industry, offering innovative and cost-saving business solutions, educational services, regularly updated news and publications, and research results. It is also the independent voice for the marina industry at the national level on all related legislative and regulatory issues.

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    Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Latest News

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    Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA)

    FOR BOAT DEALERS: As the leading training and education organization for the marine dealer body, the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) fuels the success of the boating industry by delivering dealerships the tools, resources and educational programs they can use to strengthen their organizations and find the success they desire. It also serves as the voice of those dealers, continuously working to ensure a business environment that is conducive to boat sales and retail operations.

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    Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) latest news

    A compilation of news and information regarding the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas that was published in an industry trade magazine or released from the MRAA itself.

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    American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)

    FOR MARINE SERVICE PROVIDERS: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is dedicated to ensuring the safety of boaters worldwide. By developing globally recognized standards for boat design, construction, repair, and maintenance, ABYC plays a pivotal role in shaping the marine industry's safety trajectory and reduction in the number of boating accidents over the past seven decades.

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    American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Latest News

    Read about recent ABYC events, essential updates and the latest community news.

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    American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA)

    Founded in 1943, American Boat Builders & Repairers Association advocates on behalf of boat building, refit, repair and service businesses in the United States and beyond.

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    American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) Latest News

    The latest ABBRA news and press releases.

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    Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA)

    The Yacht Brokers Association of America, Inc. – YBAA - was founded in 1920 and exists to unite Yacht Sales Professionals throughout North America in order to: establish, promote and enforce high standards of professional competence, character, and ethical conduct; foster public recognition of, and support for, YBAA and its member brokers; facilitate cooperation among member brokers; and, enhance each member's success.

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    Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) Latest News

    Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) latest news

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    National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA)

    The National Marine Electronics Association, is a worldwide, member based trade organization revolving around marine electronics interface standards, marine electronics installer training, and its annual marine electronics conference & expo. The NMEA and its members are committed to enhancing the technology and safety of marine electronics through installer training and interface standards. NMEA members promote professionalism within the marine electronics industry.  NMEA installer trainings and certifications are recognized by many major electronics manufacturers for installation, support and warranty.

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    NMEA Latest News