New Jersey Safe Boating License

[markpierce]

A closer reading of the NJ requirements reveals that an out-of-stater has a 90-day grace period and a resident purchaser of a boat has 30-days. Those decision charts overly simplify licensing requirements.

[Tempest245]

Originally Posted by redcobra

After having read the whole thing, it appears that a sailboat with an auxilliary engine over 10hp is considered a "power vessel." And that if I am in their waters as a non-resident for less than 90 days i don't need a license.

For my information, where did you read that? can you point me to the paragraph or line..just curious

[markpierce]

I better hang on dearly to that USPS course-completion certificate because the California legislature surely won't want to be left behind in the field of regulation.

[markpierce]

Is/will this be a common scenario: sorry guest, I can't let you take the wheel/tiller because you're unlicensed? As I understand it, the owner is subject to a $100 fine for allowing an unlicensed person to operate his power boat.

[redcobra]

Originally Posted by Tempest245

For my information, where did you read that? can you point me to the paragraph or line..just curious

See Post #8.
Read the whole thing...i.e. a sailboat is one solely propeled by wind.

[Tempest245]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Is/will this be a common scenario: sorry guest, I can't let you take the wheel/tiller because you're unlicensed?

Yes, absolutely! I am not allowed to let my sailing students operate the vessel when it's under power unless they've completed a boating safety course. Same on my own vessel, I can't turn the wheel over to an unlicensed operator.

[Tempest245]

Originally Posted by markpierce

A closer reading of the NJ requirements reveals that an out-of-stater has a 90-day grace period and a resident purchaser of a boat has 30-days. Those decision charts overly simplify licensing requirements.

I believe, that you have a 90 day grace period before you would have to obtain a NJ license. It does not relieve you of having to have taken a boating safety course from another jurisdiction.

[Tempest245]

Originally Posted by redcobra

See Post #8.
Read the whole thing...i.e. a sailboat is one solely propeled by wind.

Yes, I understand that about sailboats. I wasn't sure how that relieves a sailboat with an auxillary engine..of needing a safety course..unless of course you don't use the engine while going through nj waters...;-)

[Juniper]

I'm not required to have a certificate in my home state, so as far as having one from my home state I'm all set, and if I get one does that cover crew or am I the only one that can touch the helm after I cross the state line?
I thought the waters are controled by the CG which is federal, or do I just need to stay 20 miles out?
They seem to make this as clear as mud.

[scallywag]

If you have not had the opportunity to operate a power boat on a summer weekend from Cape May, NJ to Sea Isle City, NJ you are missing some excitement. I felt I was in rush hour traffic in a big city. I can understand the need for a license. The license should also have a on board skill portion.

Dot and John

[Tempest245]

Originally Posted by Juniper

I'm not required to have a certificate in my home state, so as far as having one from my home state I'm all set, and if I get one does that cover crew or am I the only one that can touch the helm after I cross the state line?
I thought the waters are controled by the CG which is federal, or do I just need to stay 20 miles out?
They seem to make this as clear as mud.

I can't speak to other states

NJ controlled waters extend 3 miles offshore along the coastline,

With bordering states like DE, NY, PA. etc there's usually an agreed upon line.

So, as long as you're 3 miles offshore ( ocean) ...you're clear.

Otherwise, each person who operates a power boat needs a certificate.
A sailboat with an auxillary engine in use is a powerboat.

[Tempest245]

Originally Posted by markpierce

A closer reading of the NJ requirements reveals that an out-of-stater has a 90-day grace period and a resident purchaser of a boat has 30-days. Those decision charts overly simplify licensing requirements.

The 30 day rule only applies to Boats purchased from "dealers" who have provided a specific approved course to the purchaser.

It does not apply to private sales.

[doug86]

In the very near future, practically every state will require a boat operator certificate. The national agency that will oversee this is the National Asso of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Learn more here:
NASBLA National Boating Education Standards - National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

[redcobra]

Originally Posted by Tempest245

Yes, I understand that about sailboats. I wasn't sure how that relieves a sailboat with an auxillary engine..of needing a safety course..unless of course you don't use the engine while going through nj waters...;-)

It doesn't. I didn't say that.

[redcobra]

Originally Posted by Tempest245

A sailboat with an auxillary engine in use is a powerboat.

It implies that a sailboat with an auxillary engine INSTALLED is a "power vessel."