Private launch ramps on Staten Island?

[bulletbob]

I realize Great Kills Park has ramps, but they don't allow single day launching. You must buy a season pass, and you can only buy one at the park itself. I have already tried, but you must go there in person too procure one.

They may allow only a certain number to be sold each year or something...

I would like to trailer down and fish the bay around SI and perhaps on the NY side of the Verazanno a couple times this coming summer.
I can't launch from Leonardo or AH, because I am not legal in NJ, only NY and Ct... I have to stay in NY waters.
I plan on getting my certificate, but the courses are very sparse up here, and with Covid there are actually none in the near future. I am legal until 2025 in both NY and Ct.

All I really need is to find a decent ramp on SI, but have not been able to find anything online.. I Thought maybe someone on this forum might know of a private marina there that does daily fee launching.. any help?.... bob

[tjd24]

Depending on who issued your NY & CT Certificates, you may be able use them in NJ waters. Check the NJ State Police Marine Services Bureau website. They discuss the regulations and use of other States Certificates namely a N.A.S.B.L.A. Approved Safety Course.

You may be legal for NJ already.

I have a NJ Certificate and fish NY waters often. Never had a problem.

[bulletbob]

Depending on who issued your NY & CT Certificates, you may be able use them in NJ waters. Check the NJ State Police Marine Services Bureau website. They discuss the regulations and use of other States Certificates namely a N.A.S.B.L.A. Approved Safety Course.

You may be legal for NJ already.

I have a NJ Certificate and fish NY waters often. Never had a problem.

NY does not require certificates in my age group until 2025 [born 1954], and conn, accepts that I am NY compliant in adjacent waters...

No choice but to stay on the NY side of the bay.. NJ Marine Police told me in an email in no uncertain terms that I was NOT welcome to operate a boat in NJJ coastal waters... bob

[tjd24]

I would still recommend you checking out the NJ State Police website but you seem to know everything about this subject.

[bulletbob]

I would still recommend you checking out the NJ State Police website but you seem to know everything about this subject.

Believe me, I do NOT know everything about this or any other subject.. I do know that I was told I was NOT welcome to operate a boat in NJ waters, under any circumstance without an approved boaters safety permit... That is when I asked a question on the aforementioned state police website.. At other times, when I called they said it was not a problem, and as long as I was NY compliant[ which I am until 2025], I was ok... I really just need a definitive answer, but after a few years of trying have not really been able to get one.

That is the reason I simply decided that my best option was to simply stay on the NY side... I really would just like to know of any ramps in Staten Island that don't require a yearly pass.. I just can't find any, and thought perhaps someone here might know of one.. Seems very odd that there don't seem to be any at all.... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

NJ requires you have a NASBLA issued Boater Safety Certificate (BSC) for anywhere.

The NYS BSC is available TOTALLY ONLINE ( unlike NJ that requires face to face final exam). Take either BoaterExam.com or Boat-Ed.com for NYS and you're done for the rest of your life.

When done with the NYS course- passing grade only 76% ( not NJ 80%). They issue a 60 day temp and a chit. The Chit you send to Parks Dept in Albany with $10 check. Then send you the permanent plastic BSC Card.

That's the easiest way to comply. Also with waterways that are not 6 or more miles wide you have concurrent jurisdictions with NJ and NY since state territorials water extend 3 miles each.

Hope that helps?

I teach NJ and NY courses. SO PM me if you have any specific Q's? OK?





NY does not require certificates in my age group until 2025 [born 1954], and conn, accepts that I am NY compliant in adjacent waters...

No choice but to stay on the NY side of the bay.. NJ Marine Police told me in an email in no uncertain terms that I was NOT welcome to operate a boat in NJJ coastal waters... bob

[bulletbob]

Thank you Capt Frank for your well thought out, and very helpful reply. I appreciate the good information.

Just for the sake of curiosity, I called the NJSMP on saturday morning.. Spoke to a nice well mannered and articulate officer, and asked him the same question I have asked here several times, and to the NJSMP several times as well...

He told me that the bay and surrounding waters of NY/NJ were reciprocal, and that I was indeed compliant with NJ if I am compliant with NY in Raritan/Sandy Hook.. I cannot go into NJ lakes, non tidal rivers etc. I knew this. Probably can't go much further down the NJ coast say Shark/Manasquan etc. Not the first time I have been told this, I have heard it from others ...
However, the same NJSMP has told me not to even try it when I emailed them... Same old story really, it depends on who answers the phone or the email.. I will look into the online courses.

I just find it very odd that I still have not gotten a truly definitive answer from the very agency that enforces the regulations, after a bunch of attempts... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

Who said you cant go to NJ lakes? With the NYS BSC you can do exactly that.

Bad info if they told you that.


Thank you Capt Frank for your well thought out, and very helpful reply. I appreciate the good information.

Just for the sake of curiosity, I called the NJSMP on saturday morning.. Spoke to a nice well mannered and articulate officer, and asked him the same question I have asked here several times, and to the NJSMP several times as well...

He told me that the bay and surrounding waters of NY/NJ were reciprocal, and that I was indeed compliant with NJ if I am compliant with NY in Raritan/Sandy Hook.. I cannot go into NJ lakes, non tidal rivers etc. I knew this. Probably can't go much further down the NJ coast say Shark/Manasquan etc. Not the first time I have been told this, I have heard it from others ...
However, the same NJSMP has told me not to even try it when I emailed them... Same old story really, it depends on who answers the phone or the email.. I will look into the online courses.

I just find it very odd that I still have not gotten a truly definitive answer from the very agency that enforces the regulations, after a bunch of attempts... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

NYS Enforcement NYS Parks Department


NJ Enforcement - Marine Services Bureau of NJSP

That's the people who run it. Not the cop on the beat. Many are clueless and just pull answers out of their a**es.


Who said you cant go to NJ lakes? With the NYS BSC you can do exactly that.

Bad info if they told you that.

[bulletbob]

NYS Enforcement NYS Parks Department


NJ Enforcement - Marine Services Bureau of NJSP

That's the people who run it. Not the cop on the beat. Many are clueless and just pull answers out of their a**es.

I spoke to the Marine Services Bureau of NJSP..
He mentioned I can't go on inland waters currently.
He said tidal waters adjoining NY were ok..
Same answer I got when I spoke to the Conn. marine Police.. Adjoining coastal waters were reciprocal, and if I was ok in NY , I was ok in Conn...

Who knows??.. If I called 4 hours later and another officer answered the phone, I might have been told something entirely different... I will check the online course you mentioned. I will need it in a few years anyway..... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

Bob,

If you take the NYS course you're all set for everywhere. All it takes is a 76% and $10 and you're done 4 Ever!


I spoke to the Marine Services Bureau of NJSP..
He mentioned I can't go on inland waters currently.
He said tidal waters adjoining NY were ok..
Same answer I got when I spoke to the Conn. marine Police.. Adjoining coastal waters were reciprocal, and if I was ok in NY , I was ok in Conn...

Who knows??.. If I called 4 hours later and another officer answered the phone, I might have been told something entirely different... I will check the online course you mentioned. I will need it in a few years anyway..... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

Bob,

If you take the NYS course you're all set for everywhere. All it takes is a 76% and $10 and you're done 4 Ever!

BoaterExam.com or Boat-Ed.com



I spoke to the Marine Services Bureau of NJSP..
He mentioned I can't go on inland waters currently.
He said tidal waters adjoining NY were ok..
Same answer I got when I spoke to the Conn. marine Police.. Adjoining coastal waters were reciprocal, and if I was ok in NY , I was ok in Conn...

Who knows??.. If I called 4 hours later and another officer answered the phone, I might have been told something entirely different... I will check the online course you mentioned. I will need it in a few years anyway..... bob

[tjd24]

Thank you Capt Frank for your well thought out, and very helpful reply. I appreciate the good information.

Just for the sake of curiosity, I called the NJSMP on saturday morning.. Spoke to a nice well mannered and articulate officer, and asked him the same question I have asked here several times, and to the NJSMP several times as well...

He told me that the bay and surrounding waters of NY/NJ were reciprocal, and that I was indeed compliant with NJ if I am compliant with NY in Raritan/Sandy Hook.. I cannot go into NJ lakes, non tidal rivers etc. I knew this. Probably can't go much further down the NJ coast say Shark/Manasquan etc. Not the first time I have been told this, I have heard it from others ...
However, the same NJSMP has told me not to even try it when I emailed them... Same old story really, it depends on who answers the phone or the email.. I will look into the online courses.

I just find it very odd that I still have not gotten a truly definitive answer from the very agency that enforces the regulations, after a bunch of attempts... bob

This is why I suggested you check out the NJ State Police website.
It states this info in detail

[bulletbob]

This is why I suggested you check out the NJ State Police website.
It states this info in detail

Where?.. I checked every page every link on the NJSP and the Marine Division sites several times, and really could find nothing at all about my particular situation.. It says nothing about reciprocity on specific coastal zones, or about a person thats compliant in an adjoining state without the
"boater safety certificate".. I would really appreciate it if you would let me know where that information is written, as I have not seen it anywhere..... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

Here you go:
https://www.njsp.org/marine-services/boating-safety-certificate.shtml

Q3 is you... visiting from another state.
A… a BSC from your home state (NYS)..


Hope this helps you?


Where?.. I checked every page every link on the NJSP and the Marine Division sites several times, and really could find nothing at all about my particular situation.. It says nothing about reciprocity on specific coastal zones, or about a person thats compliant in an adjoining state without the
"boater safety certificate".. I would really appreciate it if you would let me know where that information is written, as I have not seen it anywhere..... bob

[tjd24]

Here you go:
https://www.njsp.org/marine-services/boating-safety-certificate.shtml

Q3 is you... visiting from another state.
A… a BSC from your home state (NYS)..


Hope this helps you?

There it is.
I found it right after I read your question.

[bulletbob]

Yes I saw that earlier as well but it doesn't answer the question.

I was told that due to NY/NJ being reciprocal in their adjoining coastal zones, that I could operate a boat in NJ because I was compliant in NY, which I am until 2024.
The wording on Q3 would seem to say, without any doubt, that I cannot..

So again the question i have had the past several years still remains..
I can operate a boat in Raritan Bay-legally. At least as long as I stay on "my side" of the bay.

If I cross the imaginary line into NJ, am I suddenly not eligible to operate that same boat?...The NJSP told me yes I could just a few days ago,stating that the states were reciprical, and in that zone I was legal, but NOT in freshwater.

Their site doesn't mention this reciprosity anywhere that I can find, but their officers have, more than once... So basically. take my chances and see what happens if I get stopped.. Worst that can happen I guess is a fine of some sort...bob

[Capt. Debbie]

Bob,

Perhaps you are unaware? NYS does not require you have any training AT ALL unless you were born after 1/1/1993 as of this year. SO you are NY compliant with no course at all.

Look up NYS Brianna's Law. NY is phasing the BSC in. Eventually as of 1/1/2025 everyone no matter what age will need a BSC in NY too. But right now March 2021 you do not need any training at all. Jersey passed the age phase ins in pre-2008- everyone needs one

That's what he meant.

NJ waters requires you get a BSC, whether NJ or NY, get one. Right now in NYS waters you don't need crap if you're over 28 years old. But if you're in NJ from NYS you need a BSC (whether NY or NJ or CT or PA, etc) you need one in NJ waters.





Yes I saw that earlier as well but it doesn't answer the question.

I was told that due to NY/NJ being reciprocal in their adjoining coastal zones, that I could operate a boat in NJ because I was compliant in NY, which I am until 2024.
The wording on Q3 would seem to say, without any doubt, that I cannot..

So again the question i have had the past several years still remains..
I can operate a boat in Raritan Bay-legally. At least as long as I stay on "my side" of the bay.

If I cross the imaginary line into NJ, am I suddenly not eligible to operate that same boat?...The NJSP told me yes I could just a few days ago,stating that the states were reciprical, and in that zone I was legal, but NOT in freshwater.

Their site doesn't mention this reciprosity anywhere that I can find, but their officers have, more than once... So basically. take my chances and see what happens if I get stopped.. Worst that can happen I guess is a fine of some sort...bob

[bulletbob]

Bob,

Perhaps you are unaware? NYS does not require you have any training AT ALL unless you were born after 1/1/1993 as of this year. SO you are NY compliant with no course at all.

Look up NYS Brianna's Law. NY is phasing the BSC in. Eventually as of 1/1/2025 everyone no matter what age will need a BSC in NY too. But right now March 2021 you do not need any training at all. Jersey passed the age phase ins in pre-2008- everyone needs one

That's what he meant.

NJ waters requires you get a BSC, whether NJ or NY, get one. Right now in NYS waters you don't need crap if you're over 28 years old. But if you're in NJ from NYS you need a BSC (whether NY or NJ or CT or PA, etc) you need one in NJ waters.

Capt Frank.. Yes I realize every word you wrote.. Thats exactly the point I was trying to make... I AM compliant. I will be for 4 more years..
However, the question is this.. Does NJ recognize my legality in waters that are reciprocal??.. Thats the reason for this entire conversation... If I pass some line halfway out in the bay, am I suddenly a criminal?....

The ONLY problem I have with any of this is the fact that all the launches are in NJ, unless I want to go into Queens or something . [I don't].

I would simply stay on the NY side and fish there.

[Capt. Debbie]

Without a NY or NJ BSC card you are only legal in NY waters until Jan 1, 2025. After that you're illegal in NY too. You fall into an age loop hole for NY, since NY right now requires know absolutely nothing about what you're doing until 2025. IMO … Hardly a good thing for other nearby boaters.

Curious. Why is this card so problematic to get? Its a one time life time card. NYS BSC is super easy to get too. The whole thing is on the internet. You don't even have to get out of your chair.



Capt Frank.. Yes I realize every word you wrote.. Thats exactly the point I was trying to make... I AM compliant. I will be for 4 more years..
However, the question is this.. Does NJ recognize my legality in waters that are reciprocal??.. Thats the reason for this entire conversation... If I pass some line halfway out in the bay, am I suddenly a criminal?....

The ONLY problem I have with any of this is the fact that all the launches are in NJ, unless I want to go into Queens or something . [I don't].

I would simply stay on the NY side and fish there.

[bulletbob]

I spoke to the Nassau County Marine Police Bureau today as well.. They also said NY and NJ coastal waters are indeed reciprocal , and that due to my age [66] that I was still compliant in NY and the NJ/Conn border waters to NY .. I intend to go with that, and fish any side of the bay I want this year..

To answer your question as to why I have a problem with the ""boaters safety certificate""-

Its because it is strictly a big government money grab..

A boater can't take his own 14 foot 10 HP boat out in NJ without this bogus "certificate".. Ok fine...
However, he CAN rent a 20 foot center console for about $700 for the day,that will do 30 knots, NO certificate required.. Same thing with a big fancy Pontoon boat.

Honestly what kind of crap is that?...

I am almost 67 years old, and have owned boats all my life, and always try to be as safe and as courteous as I possibly can be every time I am on the water..

I do NOT need a safety certificate at this point in my life.. Its just another way for the government to make money.. Otherwise, the would NEVER allow a "non compliant" person to rent a boat or even a waverunner with no certificate, which is a LOT more dangerous than a little fishing boat.. No, at this point, I will not pay for a "boaters safety certificate", because I disagree with the premise 100%, due to the loopholes and discrepancies in its implementation.

If God gives me the good health I need to be humping a boat and trailer 500 miles round trip to fish saltwater in 4 years when I will be almost 71, then I will consider it... Right now, my boat and trailer registration fees, ramp fees, state taxes on gas, tolls, taxes on food, bait, tackle, supplies I buy in NJ and NY when I go fishing, are more than sufficient for these states.

They will get their money when I no longer have a choice..

At this time I still do have a choice.. I am legal in NY waters, as well as adjoining tidal waters in NJ and Connecticut until 2025, and I intend to take advantage of that fact..

I don't have a bad attitude, I just don't like big government sticking their nose into every aspect of an individuals life... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

I see. Actually the government gets nothing for the NJ BSC. But facts can confuse misinformation. But I'm sure you can find someone that says they do. :)

You're not compliant in NJ or CT, only NY waters and that NY compliance ends January 1, 2025 unless you can find some guy to tell you what you want to hear. The Jersey fine is up to $500.

Good luck !



I spoke to the Nassau County Marine Police Bureau today as well.. They also said NY and NJ coastal waters are indeed reciprocal , and that due to my age [66] that I was still compliant in NY and the NJ/Conn border waters to NY .. I intend to go with that, and fish any side of the bay I want this year..

To answer your question as to why I have a problem with the ""boaters safety certificate""-

Its because it is strictly a big government money grab..

A boater can't take his own 14 foot 10 HP boat out in NJ without this bogus "certificate".. Ok fine...
However, he CAN rent a 20 foot center console for about $700 for the day,that will do 30 knots, NO certificate required.. Same thing with a big fancy Pontoon boat.

Honestly what kind of crap is that?...

I am almost 67 years old, and have owned boats all my life, and always try to be as safe and as courteous as I possibly can be every time I am on the water..

I do NOT need a safety certificate at this point in my life.. Its just another way for the government to make money.. Otherwise, the would NEVER allow a "non compliant" person to rent a boat or even a waverunner with no certificate, which is a LOT more dangerous than a little fishing boat.. No, at this point, I will not pay for a "boaters safety certificate", because I disagree with the premise 100%, due to the loopholes and discrepancies in its implementation.

If God gives me the good health I need to be humping a boat and trailer 500 miles round trip to fish saltwater in 4 years when I will be almost 71, then I will consider it... Right now, my boat and trailer registration fees, ramp fees, state taxes on gas, tolls, taxes on food, bait, tackle, supplies I buy in NJ and NY when I go fishing, are more than sufficient for these states.

They will get their money when I no longer have a choice..

At this time I still do have a choice.. I am legal in NY waters, as well as adjoining tidal waters in NJ and Connecticut until 2025, and I intend to take advantage of that fact..

I don't have a bad attitude, I just don't like big government sticking their nose into every aspect of an individuals life... bob

[bulletbob]

I see. Actually the government gets nothing for the NJ BSC. But facts can confuse misinformation. But I'm sure you can find someone that says they do. :)

You're not compliant in NJ or CT, only NY waters and that NY compliance ends January 1, 2025 unless you can find some guy to tell you what you want to hear. The Jersey fine is up to $500.

Good luck !

I respect you capt Frank, but I have personally spoken to the NJ Marine Police, the Nassau County NY Marine Police, and ENCON [Conn. Marine Police].. They all said that in adjoining coastal waters I was ok... Don't know what more I can say.. Its a few more weeks until I can get my boat down there anyway, so I have a bit more time to get information, but all 3 marine law enforcement agencies disagree with your opinion.. You could be right, and all 3 agencies I contacted are wrong, but I dunno, it doesn't seem likely.. I won't argue the point here, and I will keep trying to get information. bob