New requirement surprised some boaters---(Pennsylvania)

CaptnKirk · 03-20-2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

The mention here last week of a new boating license requirement in New Jersey brought a lot of questions. It seems many area boaters were completely unaware of the new requirements. Please be aware that if you plan to launch your boat in tidal (salt) water this year new licensing rules are in effect.

I searched on-line for specifics to the new rules and had a very difficult time finding them. But patience being one thing I’ve gained from being an archery hunter helped me eventually find some information.

The rules are really pretty simple and clear cut. I did place several calls to the New Jersey State Police at their boating section, but didn’t get a return call. I’ll explain the rules here and give the number and link where you can find out more.

These rules are for tidal waters only and do not effect all existing rules as related to personal watercraft (jet-skis).

· If you were born in 1979 or later you must possess a Boating Safety Course (BSC) prior to operating any power vessel.

· If you were born in 1969 or later you must possess a BSC by June 1st, 2006.

· If you were born in 1959 or later you must possess a BSC by June 1st, 2007.

· If you were born in 1949 or later you must possess a BSC by June 1st, 2008.

You can view the chart that explains who must have a boating license at www.state.nj.us/lps/njsp. This is the New Jersey State Police site. You can navigate from the homepage and find out all boating information from safety to registration to licensing. You can call the NJ Police boating information desk at 1-609-882-2000.

PhillyBurbs

gj_fx1 · 03-20-2006, 09:10 AM

Serioulsy a 50yr old lifetime boater passing up the coast will need a
"certificate" to make port in NJ?

Why did you put PA in the title?

thajeffski · 03-20-2006, 09:46 AM

Good - 50 year olds should retake drivers tests too

gj_fx1 · 03-20-2006, 10:15 PM

not the point. Imagine if NJ passed some driving certificate requirement different from other states and you didn't know about it till you were crossing the bridge.

CaptnKirk · 03-21-2006, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gj_fx1

Serioulsy a 50yr old lifetime boater passing up the coast will need a
"certificate" to make port in NJ?

Why did you put PA in the title?

My mistake...the article came from a PA newspaper and as I was putting in the link and title, I just forgot where the article was talking about.

Fixed now.

Captn---

gj_fx1 · 03-21-2006, 08:50 AM

FWIW there is one line missing from the above, it does go to all-ages required in 2009. And yes it does apply to out of state boaters.
Also there is a test-only option for older experienced people.

thajeffski · 03-21-2006, 01:27 PM

Isn't it funny how it seems like every states boating instructors say "Our test is so hard that everyone will accept your boaters license"

Thats what they told me in CT. So i guess I cant jetski in NJ now? that would suck