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 ?

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Captain Rich Adler

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 ?

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]

Originally Posted by Captain Rich Adler

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.