Boating insurance is not required in New York State but can protect you in the event of an accident by covering your medical payments, liability for damages to other vessels, and property damages, based on your policy.
Every vessel including canoes, kayaks and row boats operated in NYS must have on board one USCG approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard. In addition, vessels 16 feet and greater in length except canoes and kayaks are required to have a USCG approved type IV throwable flotation aid.
Specific requirements vary from state to state, but over 70% of the U.S. requires boaters who meet certain criteria to take a safety education course. The resulting accreditation is called a certificate, not a license, because it is good for life and doesn't expire.
How to register a boat in New York A completed Boat Registration/Title Application form. Proof of ownership (this may be a statement of origin from the manufacturer, a title certificate from New York or another state, a transferable registration or a document from the US Coast Guard)