New Jersey Boating Requirements
Media Release
Apr. 30, 2006

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The following is a list of New Jersey boating requirements:

Boating License
A boat license is a separate document from a boat safety certificate and is required on non-tidal water (water where the tide does not change) operation. The boat license is not a replacement for a boat safety certificate, it is an additional requirement. To obtain a boat license, go to your nearest NJ Division of Motor Vehicles Agency. Persons born in 1979 or later must bring their NJ Boat Safety Certificate with them to apply for a boat license.

A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels.

Persons operating vessels less than 1 HP, vessels powered by 12 volt electric trolling motors or vessels 12'''' or longer with less than 10 total HP are exempt from the license requirement.

Out-of-state residents with written proof of the successful completion of a boat safety course are exempt from the boat license requirement.

Age
There are two minimum ages, 13 years old for vessels less than 1 HP, vessels powered by 12 volt electric trolling motors, or vessels 12'''' or longer with less than 10 total HP.

Operators of all other power vessels, including personal watercraft, must be at least sixteen years old.

Registration
All power vessels and all vessels longer than 12'''' must be registered. Vessels are registered by the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles (609)292-6500.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
All PWC operators and all persons 12 years old and under on any vessel must wear a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while onboard any vessel that is underway. Underway means that the vessel is not anchored or tied to a dock, if it is drifting, sailing or being pushed by a motor it is underway.

The personal flotation device may be removed if the child is inside a fully enclosed, permanent part of the vessel that is designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers.

Although persons 13 years of age or older and persons not on personal watercraft are not required to wear a personal flotation device, there still must be a wearable personal flotation device onboard the vessel that is the correct size for each person. This wearable personal flotation device(s) must be readily accessible and in serviceable condition.

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