 |
Do I need a non-tidal boat license?
If you are not boating on non-tidal waters [that is, water where the tides do not change], you are not required to have a non-tidal boat license.
Additionally, you are not required to have a non-tidal boat license provided that:
- your vessel is powered by a motor less than 1 HP or a 12V electric motor; OR
- your vessel is 12ft. long or longer and powered with less than 10 HP; OR
- you are competing in an authorized race pursuant to permit duly issued by the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety; OR
- you are an out-of-state resident who has written proof of successful completion of a course substantially similar to a NJ approved Boating Safety Course.
[note that a boat license is separate from the boating safety certificate, and is issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC, formally DMV)]
|
 |
What forms of ID do you accept?
If you hold a photo driver's license, then that will do. Alternative acceptable forms of Photo ID would include a Passport, Military ID, County ID, College ID or a MVC [formerly DMV] issued photo "For Identification Only" card. This is available through the MVC pursuant to NJSA 39:3-29.3 for a nominal fee to a resident of the state who is over 17 years old and doesn't have a driver's license.
If you are under 17 and wish to enroll in a course offered through Capt. Ricks Marine Services, LLC, you must provide a Birth Certificate for proof of age.
In the unlikely event you are unable to obtain valid ID as provided above, contact us to discuss your options.
|
|
What is the "Test-Out" option all about?
Yet another UPDATE! (2/1/09) The Test-Out Option has been reinstated! If you are interested in the Test-Out option, it will be available to you until May 31 of this year!
The following text is quoted directly from the NJ State Police Marine Services Bureau website:
If you are a power vessel operator with at least 100 hours of operating experience and you were born prior to 1979 you may attempt to pass an approved boating safety exam without completing a boating safety course. You may only attempt to pass this exam one time, if successful, you will be issued a boating safety certificate. If unsuccessful, you cannot take the exam again, you will have to complete an approved boating safety course and pass an exam as part of the course to receive a boating safety certificate.
Capt. Ricks Marine Services, LLC offers the test-out examination. Note that the fee for the Test-Out option is $25.00 for all agencies and providers. Please contact us for registration and additional information.
|
|
Running the boat has always been my husband's domain. Should I be concerned with enrolling in a Boating Safety Course?
We don't get this question nearly as much as we should.
You should absolutely be concerned. Even though hubby is usually the one at the helm, situations may arise - engine trouble, perhaps even an injury - that may compel you to take over. If such a situation were to occur in a car, the law requires that you be licensed to drive it. By the same token, you are required by law to successfully complete a Boating Safety Course in order to run a vessel.
Please don't make the mistake of being unprepared. Contact us today to register each of-age family member. See our fee schedule for a discount on up to four family members.
|
|
I am under 16 years old. What are my requirements under the new laws?
Firstly, you must be 13 years or older in order to legally operate a power vessel of any kind on New Jersey waters.
[This includes Jet Ski/Wave Runner/PWC vessels]
Assuming you are at least 13 years old, the law requires that you complete an approved Boating Safety Course. Further, your limitations on operating a power vessel are as follows:
- After you've completed the Boating Safety Course, your certification is not handed to you. You may only obtain the required certification by applying for same
in writing to the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Unit in West Trenton, NJ.
[We will provide you with the necessary information and documentation upon your successful completion of the course]
- Once you are certified, you are permitted to operate:
- a vessel powered solely by a motor of less than 1 HP or an electric motor of no more than 12V; and/or
- a vessel which is at least 12ft. in length and is powered by a motor - or a combination of motors - of no more than 10 HP.
|
|
I've been at this a while. I took a boating safety course in 1987. What does all this "new law" hype have to do with me?
The practical answer for that is that if you took your boating safety course before January 18, 1988, or if the course was taken after that date and not approved by the NJ State Superintendent of Police, you must take your course again, my friend.
|
|
Do you offer discounted rates for First Responders?
Yes! We're always happy to support the difficult and so often thankless work of first responders. Our regular rates are outlined here, but please contact us for our First Responder discounted Boating Safety Certification Course rates today!
|
|
Do you offer a discount for group registrations?
We offer a "family" plan of sorts for our Boating Safety Certification Course. Our rates are outlined here, including our family rate for up to four family members. If you have any questions about our rates or any of our services, please contact us.
|
|
I haven't found my answer here. Where can I get more information?
That's simple. You can visit the Marine Services Bureau of the NJ State Police, where you can view a listing of their frequently asked questions. Of course, you may always contact us, and we can answer any additional questions you may have.
|
|
|
Still haven't found what you're looking for?
Contact Us! We'll be glad to help you find the answers you're looking for.
Visit our Archive page!
"Retired" features, stories and gallery photos can be found there.
See what students and website visitors have been saying about Capt. Rick's Services:
|
|
|
Member Marine Trades Association of New Jersey