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New Jersey Boating Safety Education Requirements
All boaters on New Jersey's waters are required to carry the New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate (also known as the New Jersey boating license) when operating
any powered vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC).
Exemptions to Education Requirement
You do not require a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate if:
- You hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator's License
- You are operating an un-powered vessel
Age Restrictions
- No one under the age of 13 may operate any type of motor powered vessel on New Jersey's state waters. Boaters between the ages of 13 and 16 may only operate vessels powered by electric motors or vessels 12 feet or more in length with motors less than 10hp.
- Children under the age of 13 must wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) when onboard any vessel that is less than 65 feet in length unless he or she is inside a fully-enclosed cabin designed to carry passengers.
Note: While anyone can take the boater education course, students must be at least 12 years old in order to take the boater education exam for the state of New Jersey and must be 13 years of age to receive the state boater education card. However, you are welcome to use this course as a study tool to learn more about boating safety!
Important Note
The online boating safety course covers a wide range of operating laws in New Jersey. For a complete listing of New Jersey's boat operating rules and regulations, please consult New Jersey's State Police Marine Services Bureau website at www.state.nj.us.
Boating License or Boater Safety Certificate... is there a difference?
The boating safety certificate is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boating safety certificate does not expire and does not need to be renewed; therefore it is NOT a New Jersey Boating License!