Last Updated 24th of May, 2010

Am I required to take a NJ boating safety course? New Jersey

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New Jersey Boaters Safety and Boat License Requirements

New Jersey boating safety course regulations vary by age and situation.

Boaters Younger than 13 Years Old


It is illegal to operate any motorized boat, regardless of horsepower.

Boaters 13 to 15 Years Old


You must possess a boater safety certificate from a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) in order to operate any vessel propelled by an electric trolling motor and any vessel 12 feet or longer powered by an engine fewer than 10 horsepower.

Boaters 16 Years Old or Older


All boaters 16 years old and older must possess a boater safety certificate in order to legally operate a personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, etc.) or a motorboat in New Jersey.

In addition, a boaters license is required for navigating on freshwater lakes, creeks, or rivers not influenced by tidal conditions. This is sometimes referred to as a Non-Tidal Boat Operator License.

Boat Safety Course Exemptions

The following scenarios provide NJ boaters safety certificate immunity:

  • Any operator of non-motorized boats.
  • Anyone owning a boaters license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Any boater operating a motorboat in New Jersey on a temporary basis (90 days or fewer), but possesses a boater safety certificate from another state.

Locating a Boater Safety Course

The NJSP only recognizes the following three course providers:
 
  • New Jersey Boating Safety Classes
  • U.S. Power Squadrons
  • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
These courses feature eight-hours of classroom training. Depending on the instructor, the course may be taught in either one or two sessions. You'll be taught all facets of boat safety including needed onboard equipment, navigation, accident prevention, chart use, bad weather recognition and more. At the end of the course, you'll be given a written test. To pass the course you must answer 80% of the questions correctly.

Online boaters safety classes are not sanctioned by NJSP.

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