Boaters Safety Certificate Vs. Boaters License

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New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate

New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate vs Boat License: What’s the Difference?

No. In New Jersey, a boating safety certificate and a boat license are not the same thing. Most recreational boat operators are required to carry a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate, while a separate boat license may also be required depending on where you operate your vessel, particularly on non-tidal waters.

What Is a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate?

A New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate proves that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course and passed the required exam.

In New Jersey, most operators of powered vessels, including personal watercraft such as jet skis, are required to carry a boating safety certificate when operating on state waters.

As of June 1, 2009, all operators of powered vessels, regardless of age or date of birth, are required to possess a boating safety certificate.

What Is a New Jersey Boat License?

A New Jersey boat license is a separate document from the boating safety certificate and is only required when operating a vessel on non-tidal waters in the state.

Non-tidal waters are bodies of water where the water level is not affected by ocean tides, such as lakes and certain inland waterways.

A boat license does not replace a boating safety certificate. In some situations, operators may be required to carry both documents.

When Do You Need a Boating Safety Certificate?

You are required to carry a New Jersey boating safety certificate when operating:

Any powered vessel
Personal watercraft (jet skis, WaveRunners, etc.)
Boats on tidal or non-tidal waters

No matter where you operate a powered vessel in New Jersey, a boating safety certificate is always required. There are no exceptions based on location.

When Do You Need a Boat License in New Jersey?

A New Jersey boat license is only required when operating on non-tidal waters.

You do NOT need a boat license if:

You operate exclusively in bays, rivers, or the ocean
You boat only on tidal waters affected by ocean tides

You MAY need a boat license if:

You operate on inland lakes or non-tidal waters
You are a New Jersey resident operating a powered vessel on non-tidal waters

Example: Lake vs Ocean Boating

If you operate a jet ski or powerboat exclusively in the bays or out on the ocean, you are boating on tidal waters and do not need a boat license. You will still be required to carry your boating safety certificate.

However, if you operate a personal watercraft on Lake Hopatcong or another non-tidal body of water in New Jersey, you may be required to carry both:

A New Jersey boating safety certificate
A non-title boat license endorsement

How Do You Get a Boat License in New Jersey?

To obtain a New Jersey boat license endorsement, you must visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) location and present:

Your New Jersey boating safety certificate (temporary or permanent)
Your New Jersey driver’s license
The required payment

The MVC will process your request and issue a temporary paper license. Your updated driver’s license with the BOAT endorsement will be mailed to you.

Some MVC locations may differ in their acceptance of temporary certificates. If issues arise, you may request a supervisor, as state law allows the use of valid temporary boating safety certificates.

What Does New Jersey Law Say?

New Jersey law requires individuals applying for a power vessel operator’s license to provide proof of successful completion of a boating safety course. A permanent or temporary New Jersey boating safety certificate satisfies this requirement under state statute.

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

Quick Answer:

Quick Answer: A New Jersey boating safety certificate and a boat license are not the same. A boating safety certificate is always required to operate a powered vessel, while a boat license is only required in certain non-tidal waters.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is a boating safety certificate the same as a boat license in New Jersey?

No. A New Jersey boating safety certificate and a boat license are not the same. A boating safety certificate proves completion of an approved safety course, while a boat license is a separate requirement that may apply when operating on non-tidal waters.

Do I need both a boating safety certificate and a boat license?

In some cases, yes. If you operate a powered vessel on non-tidal waters in New Jersey, you may be required to carry both a boating safety certificate and a boat license endorsement.

Do I need a boat license to operate in the ocean or bays?

No. Boats operating exclusively on tidal waters, such as the ocean or bays, do not require a boat license. However, a New Jersey boating safety certificate is still required.

What are non-tidal waters in New Jersey?

Non-tidal waters are bodies of water where the water level is not affected by ocean tides. This includes many inland lakes and waterways, such as Lake Hopatcong.

Does everyone need a boating safety certificate in New Jersey?

Yes. Most operators of powered vessels in New Jersey are required to carry a boating safety certificate, regardless of age or date of birth.

Will the MVC accept a temporary boating safety certificate?

Yes. Under New Jersey law, both permanent and valid temporary boating safety certificates issued by the New Jersey State Police satisfy the requirement when applying for a boat license endorsement. Some MVC locations may process applications differently, but the law allows acceptance of qualifying temporary certificates.

What should I do if an MVC location does not accept my temporary certificate?

If an MVC location initially refuses a valid temporary boating safety certificate, you may request clarification from a supervisor. New Jersey law allows qualifying temporary certificates to be used when applying for a boat license endorsement.

Do I need a boat license for a jet ski in New Jersey?

Jet skis and other personal watercraft require the operator to carry a boating safety certificate. A boat license may also be required if the personal watercraft is operated on non-tidal waters.

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