Personal Watercraft Mandatory Education Requirements New York requires that anyone operating a personal watercraft complete an approved course in boating safety or otherwise be accompanied, on board, by someone 18 years of age or older who is the holder of an approved boating safety certificate. Certificates are required to be carried at all times when operating the personal watercraft. See page 39 for information about acceptable boating safety certificates. Minimum Age for Operation In order to operate a personal watercraft in New York the operator must be a minimum of 14 years of age. The operator must hold an approved boating safety certificate or be accompanied by a person over 18 years of age who is the holder of a boating safety certificate. It is strongly recommended that small children not be permitted to ride forward of an adult as it may lead to serious personal injury. It is also strongly recommended that no person be permitted to ride a personal watercraft if he or she can not hold on to the person in front (or hand holds) and can not keep both feet on the deck in order to maintain balance during operation. Operation Before operating any Personal Watercraft (PWC) it is very important that we learn as much as we can about the vessel before attempting to operate it alone. Have someone who knows what they're doing take you out for a ride and show you how to properly operate the vessel. Have them explain the operation of the 60