Yes. If you are operating a personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, etc.), or any power (electric motor or gas engine) vessel on the waters of the State of New Jersey you must possess a New Jersey State Police issued boat safety certificate.
Exemptions:
A boat safety certificate is not required for non-powered vessels like canoes, rowboats, sunfish or kayaks..
Q.
I LOST MY OLD CARD... OR CHANGED MY NAME... OR MOVED... - DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE BOATING SAFETY COURSE AGAIN?
A.
NO. Only New Jersey State Police ("NJSP") issued boating safety certificates can be replaced by the NJSP Marine Services Bureau.
Taking the course again will NOT get you a replacement card. It will be flagged by NJSP as previously issued and NO NEW CARD will be sent to you unless requested.
TO GET A REPLACEMENT CARD: You can write(U.S.P.S.) fax, or email your request w/ proper documents- SEE BELOW
The NJSP preferred means of communication with the Marine Services Bureau regarding certificate replacement is via e-mail, this will allow the most efficient means possible. E-mail requests should be sent to lpprobbj@gw.njsp.org , scanned copies of the below information must be in .jpg/.bmp (picture) format or in a Microsoft word document.
You can request a replacement card by writing to:
NJSP BSC Replacement
BOX 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068
Requests may also be FAX'd to NJSP @(609) 882-8110. Please be certain all of the information FAX'd is clear & legible.
Requests must include the following information; 1.Full legal name, in the case of a name change you must include your full legal name as it appeared on your original certificate as well as your current legal name, proof of name change (marriage certificate, etc.) .
2. Complete address, in the case of an address change you must include your old address as it appeared on your original certificate as well as your current address.
3. Identification and proof of address e.g., photocopy of drivers license etc.
4. Certificate number as it appears on your certificate ( if known).----> CALL ME- WE KEEP YOUR CARD # ON FILE. It's part of our Student LIFE TIME GUARANTY. I mentioned at class.
5. Home telephone with area code, daytime phone number and an e-mail address. 6. Indicate the reason for requesting a replacement boating safety certificate. (Examples: Lost, Damaged, Moved, Marriage name change, etc.).
Q.
Do I need a BOAT LICENSE too? THIS IS THE "BOAT" ENDORSEMENT ON YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE BY DMV.
A .
It depends. NO, not for TIDAL WATERS(anything that rises and falls each day and leads to the ocean) YES for NJ lakes ( some exclusions).
A boat license (ISSUED BY NJ DMC) is a separate document from a boat safety certificate and is in addition to the course's NJSP Card and is required for operation on non-tidal waters (waterways that do not eventually connect to the Atlantic) in New Jersey.
The boat license is not a substitute for a boat safety certificate, it is an additional requirement. On non- tidal NJ waters you must carry BOTH, a boat safety certificate card and a boat license endorsement on your DL. To obtain a boat license endorsement on your DL go to your a full service NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Facility. Persons must present proof, namely their NJ Boat Safety Certificate (or temp) to DMV to secure a boat license endorsement. View Non-Tidal Boat Operator License Requirements (PDF - 23kb)
EXEMPTIONS IN NON-TIDAL WATERS(lakes, ponds,etc.): A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels (sunfish, row boats,etc.).
Persons operating vessels less than 1 HP, vessels powered by 12 volt electric trolling motors or vessels 12' or longer with less than 10 total HP are exempt from the license requirement.
Out-of-state residents with written proof of the successful completion of a boat safety course are exempt from this boat license requirement.
A boat license (ISSUED BY NJ DMC) is unnecessary in salt water.
Q.
What is the minimum age to take the Boating Safety course?
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12 years old. Upon passing course's exam, students age 13 (or older) receive a temporary NJSP certificate at the class. The permanent State Police card is mailed later.
For students age 12 until their 13th birthday -the paperwork is retained. Upon reaching age 13 an NJSP permanent card must be requested from NJSP and it will be issued. NO CARD IS ISSUED unless a parent requests that it be issued.
What are COLREGS?
These are commonly called the "Rules of the Road." These are the compendium of maritime navigation rules (International & US). If your vessel is 39' (12 meters) or longer you required to have a copy on this onboard with you.
CLICK BELOW: www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf
What are local waterway rules for jet skis & boats on places like Lake Hopatcong?
These are additional special rules for certain NJ lakes and rivers. Rules like: the night speed limits on Lake Hopatcong (10 mph) or Greenwood Lake (15 mph) and many other rules.
CLICK BELOW: www.njsp.org/maritime/pdf/title13ch82_040710.pdf
Are there any standing class discount for certain groups?
ALL Senior citizens, ALL veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, NJFishing.com members
Q. What are good reference books for power or sailing vessels?
A Chapman Piloting - Seamanship & Boat Handing
by: Albert & Maloney This is the BIBLE of boating. President Teddy Roosevelt saw it was needed
Another GREAT nuts & bolts book is: Seamanship Secrets
by: John Jamieson Brief and diverse book. A little on everything- anchoring to storm running.
