Boating Information

NYS Boating

Registration

If using a motorized craft (regardless of type of motor or size of craft) you must register your boat with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Register online, or at your local DMV.

Boat Cleaning and Disinfecting

Boat Stewards who work for the WNY PRISM (Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management), help to inspect watercrafts for aquatic plants and animals at the Onoville Marina Boat Launch. This helps prevent the transport and spread of aquatic invasive species into and out of Western New York. Boat Stewards perform voluntary watercraft inspections, and will remove visible aquatic invasive species from watercrafts. For more information on the aquatic invasive species in the Allegheny Reservoir, Click Here.

Boating Safety Courses and Certification

All motorboat operators (including personal watercrafts, JetSki, etc.), regardless of age, are required to complete a state-approved boating safety course. This helps to ensure the safety of New York's waterways. Operators of non-motorized boats, such as kayaks, canoes and rowboats, are not required to take a boating safety course as of right now(2026), although, it is strongly encouraged. To learn more about taking a New York State Safe Boating Course, Click Here.

For More Information

For more information about Boating in New York State