Complying with Officers & Homeland Security Restrictions in New Jersey

New Jersey State Police officers and all other peace officers have the authority to stop, halt or inspect vessels to enforce New Jersey boating laws. The United States Coast Guard officers also patrol and have enforcement authority on federally controlled waters. 

Any person operating a vessel on the waters of the state is required to bring their vessel to a stop after having been requested or signaled to do so by a law enforcement officer. The operator must comply with the directives of that officer.

Recreational boaters must not approach within 100 yards any U.S. Naval vessel*. Vessel operators must slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel. 

*If it is necessary to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. Navel vessel for safe passage you must contact the vessel or the USCG escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16

Recreational vessel operators must observe and avoid all security zones, restricted areas (near dams, power plants, etc.), and commercial port operation areas, in particular, those involving military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities.

Vessel operators must not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in the channel.

Operators should report all activities that seem suspicious to the local authorities, the U.S.

Coast Guard, or the port or marina security.