NY A03096

Public vessel owners must notify the inspector at least one month before operating and request inspection; no certificate of inspection or temporary permit may be issued without proof of insurance.

Every public vessel certified to carry passengers must carry liability insurance or a corporate surety bond issued by an authorized insurer, with minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence for injury or death from negligent operation.

Insurance policies must contain continuing liability provisions and remain in full force whenever the vessel is underway; failure to produce proof of insurance upon request is presumptive evidence of violation.

Operating a public vessel without required liability insurance is punishable as a misdemeanor; vessel owners and operators are prohibited from operating without the required coverage in effect.

The commissioner may issue certificates of self-insurance to vessel owners who demonstrate sufficient financial ability to respond to judgments, and may cancel such certificates upon notice, hearing, and reasonable grounds.