New York Sea Grant, Oswego, is now taking registrations for the free, all-in-one-day Young Boater certification training to be offered Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 9 am to 5 pm at the Central New York Boat Show at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY. Pre-registration is required for the limited space seating for the course taught by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 21 personnel. New York Sea Grant is taking registrations by phone at315-312-3042.
Successful completion of the 8-hour training and same-day proctored exam is required for youth ages 10 to 17 to legally operate a motorized boat or watercraft alone on New York waters.
Each youth registering for this edition of the Young Boater safety course will receive 3 free admission passes into the 2018 Central New York Boat Show that is the largest and oldest boat show in New York. Participants are asked to provide for their own lunch.
Visitors to the Boating Information Center at the show will see the 2018 edition of the New York Sea Grant Discover Clean and Safe Boating campaign vessel with information on approved life jackets, boating safety, and voluntary watercraft inspection to help slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. The vessel for this award-winning educational campaign is different each year.
The show features more than 500 boats of all styles; water recreation equipment; marine accessories, boating and fishing guides; yacht clubs; and exhibits by waterfront destinations, tourism organizations, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in three buildings at the NYS Fairgrounds.
The 2018 Central New York Boat Show hours are 1-9 pm on Thursday, February 15; 1-9 pm on Friday, February 16; 10 am-9 pm on Saturday, February 17; and 10 am-5 pm on Sunday, February 18. Show admission is $10 per person; 13 and younger free. Free parking and shuttle are provided. Learn more at www.cnyboatshow.com.
Photo: This little fella at the CNY Boat Show will have to wait a few years before he can take the Young Boater Safety Certification training that qualifies 10 to 17-year-olds to legally operate a motorized boat or watercraft alone on New York waters. Photo: NY Sea Grant