Dutchess County Conducting Free Boating Safety Courses

In order to operate a mechanically propelled boat in New York State, law requires operators to complete an approved course.

The Dutchess County Sheriff's have announced that over the next several months months, Marine Patrol Deputies will be conducting boating safety courses to educate boaters and encourage safe and responsible operation of vessels.

The law requires that operators born after May 1, 1996 need to complete an approved course in order to operate a mechanically propelled boat. For those born before that date, no course is required.

The New York State Safe Boating Certification Course is being held at the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Center at 108 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY as follows:

Session 1 - April 12 th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm & April 13 th from 9:00am to
1:00pm. Must attend both days.
Session 2 - April 26 th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm & April 27 th from 9:00am to
1:00pm. Must attend both days
Session 3 - May 10 th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm & May 11 th from 9:00am to
1:00pm. Must attend both days

There is no fee to attend the course, but a $10 fee paid directly to NYS Parks for permanent certification of students 18 and older.

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