A new state law will change what boaters learn before they hit the water, including how to safely respond if they encounter a whale.

The New York Whale Awareness Act would require whale-safe boating education to be included in state boater safety courses and during the boat registration process.

The goal is to help protect both boaters and marine wildlife as whales spend more time in New York waters.

“We have more whales off the coast of New York State and Long Island. They are staying here for longer periods of time,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “Which means our chances of interacting with whales while we are out on the ocean boating or fishing has greatly increased.”

Esposito says boaters would learn safety practices such as staying at least 300 feet away from whales. If a boater unexpectedly finds themselves too close to a whale, they would be taught to immediately shut off the boat’s engine.

She says the need for greater awareness comes as more whales are being spotted off the New York coast.

“The leading cause of whale deaths that have washed up on the North Atlantic Coast Line is because of boat collisions with those whales,” Esposito said. “It’s not just the big ships and tankers, but also marine vessels that are 65 feet or less.”

Six different species of whales use New York waterways, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

For some Long Island boaters, the added education is a positive step.

“We always personally gave a lot of extra room to begin with. Unless they come up right underneath us and surprise, which has happened a few times,” said William Praetorius of Bethpage.

Praetorius says the proposed requirements could help protect marine life while also keeping boaters safe.

“I think it’s a good thing. It keeps the boaters safe. It keeps the whales, dolphins and seals safe,” he said.

Glenn Stimmel of Freeport also supports the measure, saying whales deserve more space and that additional boater safety education can benefit everyone on the water.

“I think any kind of boater safety is good. Whether it’s a whale, jet ski, or swimmer. I don’t think there is enough boater safety,” Stimmel said.