nj boaters license

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WALSHIE

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While docked on the Manasquan River last weekend, I accepted an offer for a courtesy USCGAux inspection

When asked for my boaters license, I showed USCG safety course certificates. I was told this is not good enough.

I was under the impression as a NY resident visiting NJ, it was.

I find it hard to believe everyone visiting or passing through needs a license.
 
As far as I know you only need a NJ boating license when you are operating on NJ lakes. An approved water safety certificate is required for tidal or waters in multi states, ie Greenwood Lake.

There is a pretty detailed explanation in the NJ boating forum here but I don't have time to search for it right now. When I find it I'll make it a sticky post.
 
You don't really get a separate "boating" license in NJ, it is an additional notation on your regular drivers license (BOAT) in the upper right hand corner. You do get a card indicating that you have passed the NJ safe boating course. You can't get BOAT added to your drivers license in NJ until you have successfully passed the official NJ safe boating course. I am also under the impression that you only need to have the BOAT indication on your license if you are boating on any NJ lake or inland waterway. You can't be expected to get a "BOAT" license for every state whose waters you may cruise in. I think in this case the USCGA might be mistaken.
 
From NJ.gov website: http://www.nj.gov/njsp/maritime/faq.html

Q2

I live in another state, do I need a boat safety certificate?

A2

Yes - Out-of-state residents are not exempt from the education requirement listed above; however, the law states that an out-of-State resident who is at least 16 years of age and who will be in this State for less than 90 days may operate a power vessel on the waters of the State of New Jersey if they possess a boat safety certificate issued by their state of residence, or if they possess written proof of successful completion of a boat safety course approved by another state, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators(N.A.S.B.L.A.) or the United States Coast Guard.

Explains it.
 
Thanks Jonathan, that's what I tried to explain to them but I was not successful.

It figures though, it was "one of those" trips. You know things are bad when you're yelling at the coast guard. We were off plane and were passed inside the Manasquan inlet by a 40' sport fisher, on plane within 20 feet!! The CG saw the whole thing and "talked to him"!!! No boarding, no exchanging of papers, nothing!
Sounds like the old boys network or something.

Letter to CO is on its way.

To top it off Tuesday's forecast was for 5-7' seas. We took a car home, bringing boat tomorrow.

Also, we had to pull in and transient Sat afternoon due to fog, and the fridge went toes up.

It was so bad, I figure if I'm still into boating after all that, I must be hooked. Looking back, we had a blast!
 
Chris, where were you on Saturday when the fog rolled in? I was at the Channel Club in Monmouth Beach when the fog started rolling in during the late afternoon. It did clear out later Sunday morning and that's when we left for home. A clear and uneventful ride.
 
Don't let it get to you too much Walshie, I think we all have been there before one way or another and Jersey is usually the most screwed up for sure.
Happy trails bud
 
LOL Chris, what a predicament!!! Arent you glad you boat in NY???
 
Walshie,

Did show the certificate you received from the organization you took the course with or a NJ State Boating Safety Certificate issued by the NJ State Police Marine Bureau? The latter is what is required in NJ waters. (inland or tidal)

I'm not a Vessel Examiner, but I don't believe that not having the certificate would preclude from getting a Vessel Safety Exam and decal if you pass. The exam is for the boat, not the boat owner. We check for Coast Guard requirements so it's not state specific.
 
I showed a USCG extended safe boating course(including navigation, etc) and small craft/pwc certificate.

I too was surprised about the halted inspection. I know my boat is up to snuff, including new flares, clean flame arrestors, tie wrap around through hull for macerator, etc, etc, etc. Considering this, I didn't pus the issue, I'll wait for my annual inspection here in NY.

Michael, as per Jonathan's Q&A post, I believe I'm legal with these USCG approved training courses....and waaaayyy over 16. Do you agree?
 
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