New Jersey Boating Safety Course: New JErsey's Legal Requirements of Boating|2023 LATEST UPDATE|GUARANTEED SUCCESS

Vessels that require Registration All vessels longer than 12 feet must be titled. In New Jersey, all titled vessels must be registered. In addition, any vessel that is mechanically propelled, regardless of length, must be registered. Vessels that are Exempt from Registration Non-powered vessels 12 feet or less in length A non-powered, inflatable vessel; a surfboard; a racing shell; or a tender used for no other purpose than direct transportation between a vessel and the shore A non-powered kayak or canoe A non-powered sailboat or vessel used exclusively on small lakes and ponds wholly within private lands Vessels properly registered in another state or documented vessels from another state that operate on New Jersey waters on a transient basis Where to get and store a registration card Vessel registration application forms are available from marinas, boat dealers, Motor Vehicle Commission field offices, or by writing to: The State of New JerseyMotor Vehicle CommissionP.O. Box 160Trenton, NJ 08666 Registration must be on board and available for inspection whenever vessel is operated How to display registration number Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow. Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow. Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters. Number's color must contrast sharply with its background. Letters must be separated from the numbers by a hyphen or equivalent space: NJ 3717 ZW or NJ-3717-ZW. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow. Validation decals must be displayed on both sides of the vessel three inches aft of the registration numbers. PWCS must do this too! HIN The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972. Distinguish one vessel from another—the same as serial numbers distinguish one car from another. Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate permanently attached to the transom. In New Jersey, the HIN must appear on the registration application Operator Age and Education PWC: 16 or older and successfully completed an approved boating safety course (must carry certificate) Motorized Vessel other than a PWC: 13-16 vessels power by electric motors, vessels 12 feet long or longer with less than 10 horsepower (pass safety course and have certificate) Non-tidal boat license A non-tidal boat license is required only if you are boating on waters where the tide does not change. A non‑tidal boat license is separate from the New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate and is issued through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). You must present your New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate at the MVC in order to obtain a non‑tidal boat license. Non tidal boat license exceptions Operators of vessels powered by a motor less than 1 horsepower or by a 12-volt electric motor Operators of vessels 12 feet long or longer and powered by a motor less than 10 horsepower Out-of-state operators who carry written proof of successful completion of a boating safety course substantially similar to the New Jersey course Operators participating in an authorized marine event Requirements for residents of other states At least 16 years, in NJ less than 90 days Possess a certificate issued by their state of residence or... Have in their possession written proof of successful completion of a boat safety course approved by another state, the USCG, or the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Careless or Reckless Operations Careless or Reckless Operation of a vessel is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Jumping a wake with a motorized vessel unreasonably close to another vessel Jumping the wake of any vessel that is towing a skier, wakeboarder, etc. Operating a vessel within any area marked off or set aside as a prohibited area Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic Operating a vessel in a manner that creates hazardous wave or wake conditions while approaching or passing another boat Approaching in a vessel or on water skis within 50 feet of a diver's flag unless you are part of the diving operation Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with your vessel