Who needs to take an approved boating safety course in New Jersey?

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FAQ - Boating in New Jersey

Do I need a boating license to operate a watercraft in New Jersey?

To operate a motorboat or PWC in New Jersey you must carry a boating safety education certificate proving you have passed an approved boating safety education course.

I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the New Jersey boating license?

You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a boater education card.

Who is exempt from having to acquire a boating safety education certificate?

Out-of-state residents who:

• Are at least 16 years old

• Hold and are carrying a boating safety education certificate for a NASBLA-approved course in his or her state of residence

• Are visiting for less than 90 days

Is New Jersey boating license accepted in other states?

Yes. All states that require boater education certification will recognize the New Jersey Boat Operator's Certificate, due to a NASBLA-approved course reciprocity for non-residents.

What are the age restrictions to drive a motorboat in New Jersey?

Anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel in New Jersey must be at least 12 years old.

People aged between 12 and 15 years old may operate a motorboat with less than 10 horsepower on their own, provided that they hold and are carrying a boating safety education certificate proving they have passed an approved boating safety education course.

People aged between 12 and 15 years old may operate a motorboat with 10 or more horsepower if accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age and who hold a boating safety education certificate (unless exempt).

At what minimum age can a person be certified in New Jersey?

To legally operate a motorboat in New Jersey (and therefore require certification), you must be at least 12 years old.

To legally operate a PWC in New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years old.

Why should I choose ACEBOATER.com?

Because:

• we have hundreds of illustrations that will help you to better understand the content;

• our online course is available 24/7.

• you can access our online support by phone, email or chat.

• we offer multi-platform training.

• our Policy has always been, ''Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back''!

How long is the boating license valid in New Jersey?

Forever - they do not expire.

What does the course cost?

Only $34.95 (online course, final test and online certificate included).

Do I need to register my boat in New Jersey?

To operate any titled vessel (i.e. vessels over 12 feet in length) or any mechanically propelled vessel (of any length) in New Jersey, you must register your boat. All motorized vessels in New Jersey are required to be registered annually.

What are the Jet-Ski (PWC) requirements in New Jersey?

Personal watercrafts (PWC) are subject to the following laws and regulations in the state of New Jersey:

• PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility

• PWC may not be operated on the Point Pleasant or Cape May canals

• PWC must not exceed minimum headway speed when within 100 feet of buoys or signs indicating swimming zone boundaries, the shoreline, people in the water, or residential dwelling units

• PWC must not be operated so as to become airborne with 100 feet of another vessel

• PWC must not be operated by any person under the age of 16

What are the lifejacket (PFD) requirements in New Jersey?

• Each vessel must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved PFD of proper size, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible for each person on board and for anyone being towed.

• Boats 16 feet or more in length must carry at least one Type IV - throwable USCG-approved PFD that is kept within easy reach of the operator or passenger(s) on board.

• Any person being towed on water skis, other towed devices, or operating or riding on a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a properly fitted USCG-approved PFD.

Do I need a Boat Safety Certificate if I'm visiting New Jersey and want to operate a vessel?

To operate a vessel upon the waters of New Jersey, an individual would need one of the following: a Boat Safety Certificate issued in their home State, a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate, United States Coast Guard Captain’s License, or written proof of completion of a safety course approved by NASBLA or one substantially similar to a New Jersey Course.