2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 11)
REGISTRATION OF BOATS
There is a nationally recognized system for identifying boats,
much as there is for automobiles. The Federal Numbering Act of
1918 instituted a system for the federal government to number
all boats that were not documented by the US Coast Guard,
which at that time, documented only large commercial boats.
The Federal Safe Boating Act of 1958 transferred this
responsibility to the states, and requires the states to number
all the motorboats within their borders and maintain ownership
records for the boats. Registration information assists
authorities in identifying a boat that has been abandoned,
stolen, recovered, or involved in an accident. Boat registration
information also provides statistics about how people boat,
who boats, why they boat and where they boat. This is useful
information which helps New York State to allocate resources
to preserve and protect our waterways and ensure that boaters
have access to them.
Boats Subject to
Registration Requirement
Every type of motorized craft that is capable of being used as
a means of transportation on the water must be registered
whether the purpose is recreational or commercial. Motorized
boat tenders—boats that are used to ferry people or supplies
between boats or between a larger boat and the shore—must
be registered.
Watercraft without a motor need not be registered. However, if
you use a motor (electric or fuel-driven) on a canoe or sailboat,
no matter how small the craft or the motor, you must register
your boat.
There are only very limited exceptions to the registration
requirement. Boats that have a US Coast Guard document
and that are being used as tugboats, ferries, steamships, or for
other commercial purposes need not have a New York State
registration. Similarly, boats used only for racing need not be
registered in New York. If a boat is registered in another state
and will not be in New York for more than 90 consecutive
days, it need not be registered in New York. A boat owner
from a foreign country who is using New York waterways
temporarily need not register the boat. A boat that is owned by
a government agency or subdivision of a government agency is
exempt from New York State registration. Finally, lifeboats need
not be registered.
Registration Procedure
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
issues boat registrations. You must submit a completed Form
MV-82B, “Application For Boat Registration,” at your local
DMV office. Be sure to have proof of identity and a bill of
sale for the boat and proof of payment of sales tax. Boat
registrations are currently valid for three years. Before your
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registration expires, the DMV will send a notice in the mail
indicating that it is time to renew the registration.
Fees for boat registration depend on the size of the boat.
In addition, there is a surcharge to develop a fund for
enhancing boating access across New York. The amount of
the surcharge also will vary with the size of the boat.
Boat Length
Less than 16’
16’ to less than 26’
More than 26’
You can find office
locations, registration
information, and
contact information
for DMV in your
area at www.
dmv.ny.gov.
Once you’ve
registered your
boat federal
law requires you to
keep the original registration on the boat,
in the event you must produce it at the request of a law
enforcement officer. A photocopy is not acceptable.
Your boat’s registration will be a series of numbers and
letters. You must display your boat’s registration properly so
that it is visible on the forward part of the port and starboard
sides of the boat when read left to right. The registration
must be at least three inches in height, so that it is visible at
100 ft, and it must be a color that contrasts with the hull color
to enhance visibility. There should be a space or dash between
the letters and numbers: NY 1234 XY or NY-1234-XY.
Fee
$22.50
$45.00
$75.00
Surcharge
$3.75
$12.50
$18.75
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http://www.dmv.ny.gov
http://www.dmv.ny.gov
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
Contents
Introduction
Boats and Motors
Registration of Boats
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Safe Loading and Powering
Preparation for Getting Underway
The Marine Environment
Rules of the Road
Boat Operations
Seamanship
Navigation
Personal Watercraft
Boating Related Activities
Accidents and Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Review Questions Answers
2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
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