For the first time, in my knowledge, a single county has decided to enact mandatory boating education requirements for the boaters in their jurisdiction. The bill, which was signed into law on September 13, would require anyone living in Suffolk County in New York to pass a NASBLA-approved boating safety class if they want to operate a motorized boat after next October 2013. Allowing only a year to educate this many boaters is going to be tough. And, enforcing the law for only resident boaters will be tougher. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
http://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2012/10/35155/boater-safety-law-on-the-horizon-for-suffolk-county-waters/
http://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2012/10/35305/suffolk-executive-signs-boater-safety-bill-into-law/