N.Y. Nav. Law § 50

§ 50. Owners to notify inspector and apply for inspection. It shall be\nthe duty of the owner of a public vessel which he intends to operate on\nthe navigable waters of the state to notify the inspector of such\nintention at least one month before it is desired to place the vessel in\noperation and to request an inspection of such vessel. Upon receipt of\nsuch notification the inspector shall enter the application on the\nrecords of his office. A temporary permit to operate such vessel pending\ninspection may be issued by the inspector, if he finds through\ndocumentary evidence that such vessel is properly equipped and manned\nfor the safety of life and property. No public vessel shall be used or\noperated without a certificate of inspection or a temporary permit as\nherein provided.\n