Is a NJ Boat Safety Certificate the same thing as a Boat License?

In a word, NO, they are two different documents.

To operate a powered vessel in the state of New Jersey, you are required to take a NJ State Police approved boating safety course. This includes all motorized vessels: electric trolling motors, in board motors, out board motors, even Sail boats - if you have a motor attached to it.

If you are boating on any body of water WITH a tide, such as the ocean or a bay, you only need the Boat Safety Certificate

How do you get a NJSP Boat Safety Certificate?

Attend a NJSP approved boat safety class, pass the proctored exam and receive your Boat Safety Certificate!

As per the NJSP, your class options are:

One Day Boat Safety Course: An approved one-day boat safety course must be at least 8 hours in length. It must consist of in-person, formal instruction provided by an approved boating safety instructor, and must culminate with a closed book, in-person, proctored exam. The time required to complete the exam is included within the 8 hour time requirement. No more than 1 ten minute break is permitted per hour. Meal breaks, etc. are not included within the 8 hour course.
Two Evening Boat Safety Course: An approved multiple day boat safety course must consist of at least 6 hours of in-person, formal instruction provided by an approved boating safety instructor. The course must culminate with a closed book, in-person, proctored exam, administered by an approved boating safety instructor. Written homework must be assigned as necessary, so that the total course time (6 or more hours of in-person instruction + test + written homework) equals at least 8 hours. The time required to complete the exam and homework is not counted within the 6 hours of in-person instruction. No more than 1 ten minute break is permitted per hour. Meal breaks, etc. are not included within the 6 hours of in-person instruction.

Do I need a Boating License?

Maybe! This is for NJ Residents on NON-Tidal waters only.

If you are boating on non-tidal waters, like lakes or reservoirs, you will also need a non-tidal boat license. This is a separate document from a boat safety certificate and is required for operation on non-tidal water (water where the tide does not change) in the State of New Jersey. The boat license is not a replacement for a boat safety certificate, it is an additional requirement. On non tidal waters in the State of New Jersey you need both, a boat safety certificate and a boat license.

To obtain a BOAT LICENSE, go to your nearest NJ Division of Motor Vehicle Commission Facility, bring your NJ Boat Safety Certificate and your Driver's License and apply for a boat license - which is an endorsement on you NJ driver's license.

Remember: With a tide = one card, without a tide = two cards.

But I'm not a NJ Resident, can I still operate my boat in NJ?

Yes! You will still need a boat safety certificate - proof that you took and passed a boating safety course. As a non-resident, this is the only thing you need, whether the water is tidal or non-tidal.

So, you would need one of the following: a Boat Safety Certificate issued in your home State, a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate, United States Coast Guard Captain’s License, or written proof of completion of a safety course approved by N.A.S.B.L.A. or one substantially similar to a New Jersey Course.

For more information and for Boating Safety classes that are NJ State Police Approved and NASBLA Certified, go to www.BoatSafeUS.com. Our Instructors will provide you with a fun-filled and educational look at Boat Safety in New Jersey. All of our instructors at Boat Safe US, LLC are certified and approved to instruct by the NJ State Police Marine Division and our course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Instructor Positions Available!

Upcoming classes: August 26 (Saturday), The Sportsmen's Center, 69 US Highway 130 N, Bordentown, NJ 08505

September 30 (Saturday) (1 Day) St. Peter & St. Paul Church, 605 Washington Ave, Manville, NJ 08835

October 3 (Tuesday) & October 5 (Thursday) (2 Nights) Laurelwood Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3051 Good Intent Rd, Deptford, NJ 08096

October 7 (Saturday) (1 Day) The Sportsmen's Center, 69 US Highway 130 N, Bordentown, NJ 08505

October 14 (Saturday) (1 Day) Toms River Elks Lodge, 600 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753

October 28 (Saturday) (1 Day) The Sportsmen's Center, 69 US Highway 130 N, Bordentown, NJ 08505

November 4 (Saturday) (1 Day) St. Peter & St. Paul Church, 605 Washington Ave, Manville, NJ 08835

November 18 (Saturday) (1 Day) The Sportsmen's Center, 69 US Highway 130 N, Bordentown, NJ 08505

Visit us at www.BoatSafeUS.com to reserve your spot today.