N.Y. Navigation Law § 79: Courses of instruction

§ 79. Courses of instruction. 1. For the purpose of giving such

courses of instruction and awarding boating safety certificates, the

commissioner may designate as his or her agent any person the

commissioner deems qualified to act in such capacity, including, but not

limited to, certified instructors of the United States coast guard

auxiliary, United States power squadrons, the United States sailing

association for a powerboating course or courses which are approved by

the commissioner, American power boat association, boy scouts of

America, Red Cross and other organizations. No charge whatsoever shall

be made to any person less than eighteen years of age for the issuance

of a boating safety certificate. Persons less than eighteen years of age

may be charged a fee for instruction in boating safety, except that the

office may not charge a fee when providing such instruction to persons

less than eighteen years of age.

2. The commissioner is authorized, at his or her discretion, to

develop a method for approving internet-based boating safety courses as

an appropriate and effective method for the administration and

completion of training in the safe operation of vessels, including

personal watercraft and specialty prop-craft, for the purposes of

awarding a boating safety certificate pursuant to this section. All

approved internet-based boating safety courses shall employ methods to

ensure attendance of the student throughout the course.