Boating safety course

[shadyvito]

I got a little jon boat that I use for bass fishing the lakes around here.  Someone told me that I'm going to need to take the boating safety   coarse.  Is this baloney or true?  I can't find anything on the nj website (although I probably missed something a dozen times).  Any help or direction will be greatly appreciated.

[CapBob]

Certification Requirements
Before operating a power vessel, including a personal watercraft, on the waterways of New Jersey, the mandatory boat safety course required by section 2 of the P.L. 1987, c.453 (C.12:7-61) must be successfully completed.

Changes to New Jersey boating statutes require all power vessel operators to possess a boating safety certificate from an approved course by June 1, 2009. This requirement will be phased-in via four annual steps commencing June 1, 2006. Guidelines concerning the implementation schedule are listed below. Additional details may be found with the New Jersey State Police's Marine Services Bureau.

Persons born in 1969 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2006
Persons born in 1959 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2007
Persons born in 1949 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2008
All persons who wish to operate a power vessel must possess a Boating Safety Certificate by June 1, 2009

[IrishAyes]

Vito, the quick answer is YES.  You may also need an boating endorsement of your driver's license.

[CapBob]

With under a 9.9 hp (I  believe) in Fresh Water you just need the Boating Endorsement on your DL, anything with power ya gotta take the course.......or you can do the test out option without taking the course............

It is not a real big thing, just get the manual and contact almost any USCG Aux or any of the boating schools for the test out.

[shadyvito]

Thanks guys.