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New Boating License Requirements in New Jersey...

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore

Here at the Jersey Shore we're ready for summer!  If your summer plans include boating (any motorized boat or jet ski), beginning June 1, 2009, you're required to have a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate.  
jet ski (sxc)
You can take the course online, and also download the information you'll need to complete the New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate course. After completion, an in person exam is required.
  
In addition to the education requirement that takes effect on June 1, 2009, operators must meet age requirements in order to operate a motorized vessel.

  • A person less than 13 years of age may not operate a motorized vessel.
  • A person under the age of 16 may not operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC).
  • A person 13 through 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by an electric motor or vessels 12 feet or longer and powered by a motor less than 10 horsepower only if he or she has successfully passed a boating safety education course approved by the New Jersey State Police.
  • A person 16 years old or older, may operate a motorized vessel if they have successfully completed an approved boating safety course.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary has launched About Boating Safety, designed as an introductory course to meet the new education needs of New Jersey's recreational boaters. USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 7 is offering  these courses at various locations for Jersey Shore boaters.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Course Locations
(click on the link for NJ Coast Guard Boating Safety Classes)


Manahawkin Boating Safety

Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton Boating Safety

Forked River Boating Safety

There are other New Jersey locations offering the Boating Safety course, you can find them here.

motor boat (sxc)Another great service of the Coast Guard is its FREE Vehicle  Safety Check (VOC).  The inspection doesn't take long.  It will point out any deficiencies and the Auxiliary will give you the most up to date state and federal boating laws and regulations.

After you've received your NJ Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by the State Police, you must carry it with you, as well as photo ID, such as a driver’s license while on board.  

Happy Boating!  Stay Safe!

Keller Williams Atlantic Shore
Laura Giannotta
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreView.com

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(search homes for sale at the Jersey Shore)

Comments (4)

William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Laura...we have some restrictions on ages and horsepower, but nothing as stringent as you do.  Although i do know there is a movement to change all that.

Apr 28, 2009 02:41 AM
Kara Casamassina
International Property Management Group, LLC - Aiken, SC
Boomers and beyond

Hi Laura.   I hope this new rule keeps the number of boating related injuries down.

Have a great (and safe) day!

Apr 28, 2009 04:27 AM
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist
Kingsbridge Realty, Inc - Hubert, NC

Laura,
Safe boating is certainly an important topic but I do hate to see a lot of restrictions.  It's not as regulated here but my bet is that it's coming.

Apr 28, 2009 01:28 PM
Kara Casamassina
International Property Management Group, LLC - Aiken, SC
Boomers and beyond

Hi again :)   I was curious so I checked - our law is:  under 16 ok with approved course, over 16 no problem. -----   they issue motor vehicle driving permits at age 15 by the way, which I think is crazy.

 

Apr 29, 2009 12:03 AM