CHENANGO COUNTY – A new state law that went into effect this month is requiring certain boat owners to take a boater education course before being permitted to operate a motor boat on the water.

The new law pertains to boaters who were born on or after May 1, 1996. People in this demographic are now required to complete an approved eight-hour boater education course, including those offered by New York State Parks, the U. S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary, or the U. S. Power Squadron (USPS). Individuals less than 10 years of age many not take part in these courses.

The state has, under special circumstances, made certain exceptions to this law for out of state visitors, people who are renting a boat from a livery and people who are purchasing a new boat for the first time.