Boaters Safety Certificate Vs. Boaters License
Boat Safe US, LLC works closely with the NJ State Police Marine Services Bureau to bring you the most professional and up to date Boaters Safety Course. That is why we provide you with the link to the Marine Services Bureau
Is the boaters safety certificate the same as the boaters license?
They are NOT the same thing!
Do I need a boat safety certificate?
Yes, if you are operating a personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, etc.) on the waters of the State of New Jersey you are required to possess a New Jersey boat safety certificate. As of June 1, 2009, all power vessel operators, regardless of date of birth, will be required to possess a boat safety certificate.
Do I need a boat license?
A boat license is a separate document from a boat safety certificate and is required for operation on non-tidal water (water where the tide does not change) in the State of New Jersey. The boat license is not a replacement for a boat safety certificate, it is an additional requirement. On non tidal waters in the State of New Jersey you may need both, a boat safety certificate and a boat license. To obtain a boat license, go to your nearest NJ Division of Motor Vehicle Commission Facility. Persons must bring their NJ Boat Safety Certificate with them to apply for a boat license if they are required to possess a certificate for vessel operation.
Getting a boat license.
New Jersey has a unique law that requires some boaters to hold a non-title boat license in addition to the New Jersey Boat Safety certificate.
No matter where you Operate your powerboat in New Jersey, you will always be required to carry a boat safety certificate! (Your temporary pink certificate) No exceptions!
If you boat exclusively in the bays or out in the ocean you will never be required to have a non-title boat license because you are boating exclusively in waters that are affected by the tide, therefore, you do not need a non-title boat license.
On the other hand, for example, if you were to take your Personal watercraft on Lake Hopatcong in North Jersey and you are a New Jersey resident, in addition to your boat safety certificate you would be required to carry a non-title boat license endorsement on your New Jersey driver’s license.
In order to receive a non-title license endorsement, you would be required to take your Temporary (original pink copy) or your permanent white plastic boat safety certificate and your New Jersey driver’s license to the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles, and make the appropriate payment.
The Division of Motor Vehicles will process your request and issue a temporary paper driver's license, and you will receive your updated NJ driver's license in the mail with the BOAT endorsement.
Depending on where you live and boat in New Jersey, some motor vehicle locations will accept the temporary certificate towards you getting your boat license. Some MVC locations may not accept your pink copy even though the law (listed next) requires them to accept the original pink copy. Ask to speak to the supervisor if they deny your request.
Here’s the law:
Title 12 - COMMERCE AND NAVIGATION
Chapter 7
Section 12:7-61 - Operation of power vessels, personal watercraft; boat safety course requirements; violations.
Section 12:7-61: 5-G
g. A person making application to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for a power vessel operator's license issued pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1995, c.401 (C.12:7-72) who is required pursuant to the provisions of this section to possess a certificate certifying successful completion of a boat safety course shall submit proof of successful completion of the course or the written examination for experienced boaters with the application. The chief administrator shall not issue a power vessel operator's license to such person who fails to submit this proof. A permanent State of New Jersey boating safety certificate or a temporary boating safety certificate issued on a Division of State Police application for boating safety certificate form shall satisfy this requirement.
New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 12:7-61 (2019) - Operation of power vessels, personal watercraft; boat safety course requirements; violations. :: 2019 New Jersey Revised Statutes :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia