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Division Responsibilities

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office’s Navigation Division patrols four lakes in Schuyler County: Seneca Lake, Cayuta Lake, Waneta Lake, and Lamoka Lake.

The division’s deputies operate two patrol boats: a deep-vee 24-foot Boston Whaler, JUSTICE, that is well suited to the rough conditions of Seneca Lake and a shallow-draft 18-foot Nitro Bay boat that is trailered to patrol the smaller lakes. In 2024, the department’s Boston Whaler received a critical engine and navigation system upgrade to better respond to emergencies on Seneca Lake.

Boater Safety Courses / Mandatory Certification

In accordance with Brianna's Law, enacted in 2020, all motorboat operators in New York need a boating safety certificate. Additionally, it is mandatory for every person who operates a personal watercraft to have successfully completed a boaters safety course.

Approved courses include those offered by NYS Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, BoatUS Foundation and other online course providers.

NOTE: Schuyler County Sheriff does not endorse any particular course provider but encourages the public to ensure that the offered course is approved by the state of New York to meet the education requirements for boaters who are required to complete a NASBLA approved boating safety course.

For more information on certification requirements and available courses throughout the state, please visit NYS Office of Parks and Recreation boating safety information site: Boating Education - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

Click on image below to view Boater Safety information: