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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Capt. Frank

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]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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.

Originally Posted by bulletbob

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

Originally Posted by 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?