Safe Boating America, a boating education provider, is meeting growing demand for mandatory safety certification as New York State continues to enforce stricter requirements for recreational boaters under Brianna’s Law. The organization’s owner, Capt. Richard Werner, recently received recognition as the Northern Region Educator of the Year by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), underscoring the company’s influence on boating safety education throughout the Northeast.
Werner has been teaching the New York State Safe Boating Course since 2004 and played a key role in advocating for Brianna’s Law, the state legislation that now requires all operators of motorized vessels to obtain boating safety certification. The law represents a significant shift in how New York regulates recreational boating, transforming what was once optional training into a legal requirement.
Meeting Demand With Expanded Course Offerings
As participation in boating grows across Long Island and throughout New York State, Safe Boating America has positioned itself to serve communities from Nassau and Suffolk counties to Buffalo, covering the entire State. The organization offers state-approved boating safety courses that provide same-day certification upon successful completion—a convenience that appeals to families purchasing new boats and experienced operators who need to comply with updated regulations.
The courses cover essential topics including navigation rules, right-of-way responsibilities, emergency procedures, and weather awareness. Classes are designed for students ages 10 and up, making them accessible to younger boaters entering the sport alongside their families.
Specialized Training for Personal Watercraft
Beyond standard powerboat certification, Safe Boating America provides and includes specialized instruction for personal watercraft operators in all its courses. The PWC (Personal Water Craft),Waverunner and jet ski certification programs address the unique handling characteristics and safety considerations associated with these increasingly popular vessels. The curriculum meets both New York State and U.S. Coast Guard standards, ensuring graduates are prepared for real-world conditions on the water.
The organization’s instructors bring credentialed expertise to their teaching, a factor that distinguishes Safe Boating America in a field where quality can vary significantly among providers.
A Mission Beyond Certification
Safe Boating America frames its work as extending beyond simply helping people pass a required test and get a boating license. The organization emphasizes building confident, knowledgeable boaters who understand responsible vessel operation—an approach that aligns with Werner’s two-decade commitment to waterway safety.
For New York residents seeking to complete their boating safety certification requirements (also known as a boater license) the company offers convenient locations throughout the state and a curriculum designed for clarity and practical application. As boating continues to attract new participants across the region, the intersection of legal requirements and quality education creates a foundation for safer recreational waterways.
Safe Boating America operates from its headquarters at 423 Central Avenue in Bethpage and can be reached at (516) 216-4410 or visit www.safeboatingamerica.com for class schedules and registration information.
