All Getmyboat operators are required to and are responsible for operating legally within and fully compliant of local guidelines — this includes obtaining proper registrations, passes, permits, etc., meeting vessel and captain requirements, using the correct docks and boating areas for commercial activities, and any other stipulations by your local laws and facility regulations.  

To help, we’ve gathered the following essential details for boating in Lake George.

Navigating the waters of Lake George as a charter boat operator demands a comprehensive understanding of insurance, licensing, safety education, permits, and environmental rules. This includes following Brianna's Law for boater safety training, and obtaining crucial permits. Here’s a breakdown:

Insurance: 

To begin your charter boat operations, obtaining a commercial insurance policy is essential. It's important to work with a reliable insurance provider to ensure you have the necessary coverage for your business. We recommend exploring options that suit your needs and can assist you as you embark on this exciting venture.

Boater Safety Education:

Brianna's Law mandates that individuals operating motorboats or personal watercraft in New York, including charter boat operators, born on or after January 1, 1983, must complete an approved boater safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Certificate. Additionally, all operators of motorized vessels must possess a boating safety certificate by January 1, 2025. To find courses near you visit NY Parks website.

Public Vessel Certification and Licensing:

Required for every powered watercraft engaged in commercial activities on New York State's navigable sole-state waters, including vessels involved in passenger transport or receiving compensation, whether directly or indirectly at places of public accommodation. A valid Public Vessel license must be acquired prior to operating a vessel for hire (Public Vessel) in NYS. (If you possess a valid USCG License, you are exempt from the Public Vessel Operator's examination requirement, and only need apply for the license) Additionally, all vessels being used on the navigable waters of the state must be inspected annually through NYS Parks Marine Services Bureau and possess a valid NYS Certificate of Inspection (COI) as a Public Vessel (“PV”) More information including eligibility, applications for vessels and licenses, and study guide can be found at the following link: Commercial Vessels.

Operating Permit:

Charter boats operating on Lake George must hold an Operational permit issued by the Lake George Park Commission, in addition to being registered as a Public Vessel by NYS Parks. In addition to your application, you will be required to include a letter from the marina where you plan to base your operations, which should also contain the relevant New York State ordinance information. Additionally, provide copies of your registration and inspection documents, along with a map detailing the route you intend to take. Please be aware that approval may be subject to the level of demand in the area. For more information on the  Operating Permit, please reach out to the LGPC at 518-668-9347. Depending on the specific commercial boating services you plan to provide, you may require additional permits, which can be obtained through the Lake George Park Commission. 

Vessel Registration:

All watercraft powered by an engine with a minimum of 10 horsepower or measuring 18 feet or greater in length are obliged to register with the Lake George Park Commission and display a Registration Decal. A single-day registration can be purchased for $12.00, and it remains valid until midnight on the specified date indicated on the registration decal. Similarly, a one-week registration is available for $20.00, and these one-week registrations stay valid until midnight, seven days following the date marked on the registration decal. It's worth noting that these fees remain fixed and are not influenced by the boat's size or type. 

If you operate a vessel continuously for 21 consecutive days or more, it is mandatory to obtain annual registration for your boat. . Calculating the Annual Fee considers various factors, including the boat's length and whether it is equipped for overnight accommodations. Please remember that prominently displaying the Registration Decal on your vessel is a requirement, and a receipt cannot be used as a valid substitute. If you require immediate registration, we recommend obtaining it in person at the NYPC office or from nearby vendors located around the lake.

Please refer to the How to Register Your Boat section for more information and a list of local vendors. 

Environmental Regulations:

Environmental safeguards are in effect to ensure the protection of the surroundings. Charter operators and their passengers must refrain from littering and adhere to all guidelines concerning waste management, which includes the responsible disposal of both trash and human waste.

  • Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention: Lake George has been diligently addressing the issue of AIS by employing a range of strategies, which encompass surveillance, regulation, and preemptive measures such as the installation of boat washing stations. These efforts aim to curtail the transmission of invasive species to neighboring bodies of water. 
  • Boat Inspections and Decontamination Stations: To Protect Lake George from invasive species, all trailered watercraft must be  inspected at a designated station. Canoes and kayaks are exempt, and there are no inspection fees. After a thorough inspection (possibly including decontamination for cleanliness, drainage, and dryness), you can launch  at the inspection site or your chosen Lake George location. Upon retrieving your boat, the operator will attach another seal. If it's intact when you return to Lake George (indicating no launch elsewhere), no re-inspection is required, and you can proceed to your preferred Lake George launch site.

For additional information, please contact the NY Parks Department by phone at 518-474-0445 or by email at boating@parks.ny.gov