Do I need a "certificate" to boat in NJ???

[bulletbob]

I was planning on trailering down to NJ several times this summer from here in upstate NY.. Raritan Bay is actually closer than most NY ports.. I can make it in about 4 1/2 hours
Last time I did so was in 2010. I don't recall having to carry a NJ state "safe boater certificate" or equivilent from another state[NY],,
Is this something new or have I just missed it the previous 20 years and been lucky I haven't been boarded?
Last year I came down 3 times, but went on head boats..

I am 59 and have had boats all my life, most of them used at the NJ shore, where I lived for a long time, and I guess I am kind of bothered by the fact that for decades I was fine, but now am doing something unlawful if I dare to launch my little 15 footer at Leonardo and attempt to take a keeper fluke or two home...

Any helpful answers would be appreciated... bob

[bigal427]

Not sure about none residents but residents are required to take a boaters safety course and have a certificate.

[Capt.Yasar]

From NJ State Police website.

http://www.njsp.org/maritime/faq.html

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.

[bulletbob]

Great,, So I have to take a boaters course, and also not forget my "salt water registration" to come down and catch a few Sea Robins.. Times have changed, and IMHO not for the better..
All the decades I lived in NJ, when I wanted to fish,I just went fishing,,,
I guess that there are just so many more people fishing these days than there used to be...or something... bob

[bulletbob]

NY state only requires a boaters safety course for operators under 18 or those that operate personal watercraft... I can't take the test online, and its simply not worth driving into NJ a couple of days to take a $40 test.. I just don't get down there that often ..

I guess I will be launching out of Staten Island which sucks because I have to deal with a 19. in size limit, and 4 keepers.. I'll just keep my money here I guess.. Last year in 3 trips, my fishing partner and I spent $600 in NJ..
I am pretty disappointed there is no way for me to take the test without driving down to NJ........... bob

[Captain Rich]

Jump on a head boat or charter, and you will save money and agrrevation. Towing a boat for 4 1/2 hours can't be any fun, doesn't your back get tired ?:eek:

[bulletbob]

Jump on a head boat or charter, and you will save money and agrrevation. Towing a boat for 4 1/2 hours can't be any fun, doesn't your back get tired ?:eek:

Its better than being on a railed head boat on a really slow day.. Last 3 head boat trips last year were awful, and soured me for summer head boat fishing.. I always do better in my own small boat for fluke... Might be worth the extra money to stick with 6 pack type arrangements..bob

[Captain Rich]

Then do the open boat trips with the charter boats and you will avoid the crowds and the capts will take you where there are fish, you're not trailering down and then have to start exploring to find fish.

[PaBeerGuy]

Then do the open boat trips with the charter boats and you will avoid the crowds and the capts will take you where there are fish, you're not trailering down and then have to start exploring to find fish.
That answer right there is the best you're going to get. way better chance of catching and much less aggravation

[the1jonc]

Even better, if you want to operate the boat in fresh water you need a Boat endorsement on your driver's license, which requires an additional fee (of course) and you have to also have your NJ safe boating certificate.

[Capt. Debbie]

Sounds like a whole lot of sour grapes about everything.

Did you talk to my father. Ah the good old days!

[Tony Cav]

I was planning on trailering down to NJ several times this summer from here in upstate NY.. Raritan Bay is actually closer than most NY ports.. I can make it in about 4 1/2 hours
Last time I did so was in 2010. I don't recall having to carry a NJ state "safe boater certificate" or equivilent from another state[NY],,
Is this something new or have I just missed it the previous 20 years and been lucky I haven't been boarded?
Last year I came down 3 times, but went on head boats..

I am 59 and have had boats all my life, most of them used at the NJ shore, where I lived for a long time, and I guess I am kind of bothered by the fact that for decades I was fine, but now am doing something unlawful if I dare to launch my little 15 footer at Leonardo and attempt to take a keeper fluke or two home...

Any helpful answers would be appreciated... bob


http://www.njsp.org/maritime/faq.html

[bulletbob]

Sounds like a whole lot of sour grapes about everything.

Did you talk to my father. Ah the good old days!
Sour grapes??? You can say that if you'd like.. However the fact remains.. I can't fish the same damn water I have fished for 50 years because of some stupid regulation thats simply another money maker.. I can't even get a NY "boater safety certificate", because they don't even offer it.. I am 3 hours from the nearest part of NJ.. I really don't want spend an entire day driving to NJ taking a test just so I can put a boat in there maybe 2-3 times a year.. I'll launch in SI and motor across the bay I guess... Just have to make sure I catch big fluke.... sour grapes??... Probably... However, if you care to fish in NY state, just hook up your boat and come on up.. You are always welcome here, as is the money you'll spend during your visit...bob

[SHIRTGUY]

I have been quiet for a while I mean sleeping
the salt air on rad trip woke me up today
my suggestion is don't just look for a license
or certificate to operate your boat in jersey
we have too many people that did that
over years, now the waters are dangerous
and packed like woodbridge mall on black
Friday, find yourself a better course that
actually teaches you something, not just
80 bucks and a test while video is on,
you can pick those "boat drivers" out 3 miles
away with no radar, learn then get your
license, or enjoy some of the better party/ charter
boats that are sponsoring this site

[reason162]

Sour grapes??? You can say that if you'd like...

Your posts through the months do seem tinged with a "woe is me" attitude. You live far, party boats are railed, charter boats are expensive, you make the 300 mile trip but didn't catch any fish, now the State is conspiring to keep you from launching your tin boat. I get it. Life is tough.

I don't feel strongly about it, except to point out that at least my impression from reading your posts (while not quite aptly described by "sour grapes") is one of miserableness.

However you decide is the best way for you to fish, I hope you enjoy your time on the water.

-roger

[NoLimit]

I never heard about this. I have lots of friends who trailer down to fish RB and they dont have any certificates.

Whats the fine?

[NoLimit]

I just checked the links on the State Police site - they tell you where to go for classes.

One of the three links says their test does not qualify for NJ

The other two have 3 or 4 places in NJ in the next couple months in order to get the course. How are people supposed to qualify if there is hardly any way to do it.

Here is what someone who has been trailering and boating for 45 years gets for $65.00

..................................

TOPICS INCLUDE:

Introduction to Boating - Types of power boats; sailboats; outboards; paddle boats; houseboats; different uses of boats; various power boating engines; jet drives; family boating basics.

Boating Law - Boat registration; boating regulation; hull identification number; required boat safety equipment; operating safely and reporting accidents; protecting the marine environment; Federal boat law; state boating laws; personal watercraft requirements.

Boat Safety Equipment - Personal flotation devices ("life jackets"); fire extinguishers; sound-producing devices; visual-distress signals; dock lines and rope; first aid kit; anchors and anchor lines; other boating safety equipment. About Boating Safely

Safe Boating - Bow riding; alcohol and drug abuse; entering, loading, and trimming a boat; fueling portable and permanent tanks; steering with a tiller and a wheel; docking, undocking and mooring; knots; filing a float plan; checking equipment, fuel, weather and tides; using charts; choosing and using an anchor; safe PWC handling; general water safety.

Navigation - The U.S. Aids to Navigation system; types of buoys and beacons; navigation rules (sometimes referred to as right-of-way rules); avoiding collisions; sound signals; PWC "tunnel vision."

Boating Problems - Hypothermia; boating accidents and rescues; man overboard recovery; capsizing; running aground; river hazards; strainers: emergency radio calls; engine problems; equipment failures; carbon monoxide (CO); other boating and PWC problems.

Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat - Types of trailers; trailer brakes, lights, hitches, tires, and bearings; loading, balancing, and towing a trailer; towing (and backing) a trailer; boat launching and retrieving; boat storage and theft protection; launching, retrieving and storing a PWC.

Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating - Carrying hunting gear and weapons in a boat; fishing from a boat; water-skiing safety guidelines and hand signals; water-skiing with a PWC; navigating rivers, and other boating tips.

[makosnax]

I never heard about this. I have lots of friends who trailer down to fish RB and they dont have any certificates.

Whats the fine?
I think i saw a few of them today with total disregard for who has the right away. I bitched about taking the test myself but after watching some of the idiots on the water, I believe the course is a good thing.

[Capt. Debbie]

So get a NYS Boater Safety card. They are valid in NJ.

Sometimes rules are good. The old days a lot of stuff ended up fertilizer. Some limits are a good thing.






Sour grapes??? You can say that if you'd like.. However the fact remains.. I can't fish the same damn water I have fished for 50 years because of some stupid regulation thats simply another money maker.. I can't even get a NY "boater safety certificate", because they don't even offer it.. I am 3 hours from the nearest part of NJ.. I really don't want spend an entire day driving to NJ taking a test just so I can put a boat in there maybe 2-3 times a year.. I'll launch in SI and motor across the bay I guess... Just have to make sure I catch big fluke.... sour grapes??... Probably... However, if you care to fish in NY state, just hook up your boat and come on up.. You are always welcome here, as is the money you'll spend during your visit...bob

[Capt. Debbie]

The fine can be up to $500




I never heard about this. I have lots of friends who trailer down to fish RB and they dont have any certificates.

Whats the fine?

[reefsquater]

If I were in your shoes I would do the following.

Go to,
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/NewYork.asp

And take the free boater safety course and print out your passing.

Then go to the national registry, bite the bullet and pay them the 15 bucks.
https://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov/register/


In 30 minutes you will have both a safety course and registration certificate.

Then hope that it is enough!