Best Places To Dock Your Boat In New Jersey

If you're looking to take your boat out on the water in New Jersey, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, all boats must be titled and registered, except those that are not based in New Jersey or operating for less than 180 consecutive days, among other exemptions. You will also need a boat license and a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate to operate a power vessel or personal watercraft on non-tidal waters. This includes jet skis and wave runners. The registration number and validation decals must be displayed on both sides of the bow, with the number in block letters and in a colour that contrasts sharply with its background.

Boating safety courses and certificates

To operate a power vessel or personal watercraft in New Jersey, you must have a boat license and a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate. This applies to jet skis and wave runners on non-tidal waters. A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels.

Boating Safety Courses

To obtain a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate, you must complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). These courses are offered online and in-person by various providers, including:

• Boat-Ed: This online course is approved by the NJSP and can be taken at your own pace on any device. It costs $44.95 and covers safe boating practices through live-action, high-definition videos. After passing the course, you will have 365 days to attend the state-required in-person exam to complete your certification.
• Boat Safe US: This in-person course is taught by certified instructors approved by the NJ State Police Marine Division. The course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognised by the U.S. Coast Guard. It consists of interactive activities, in-depth discussions, and a closed-book, in-person, proctored exam.

Additional Requirements

To obtain a boat license, you must be at least 16 years old (or have parental/guardian consent if under 17). You will need to visit a motor vehicle agency with the following:

• New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate
• 6 Points of ID
• Pay the $18 license fee

Boat registration

To register a boat in New Jersey, you must follow the rules and regulations set out by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The MVC requires that all boats using New Jersey waterways be titled and registered, with some exceptions. These exceptions include non-motorized vessels used on private property, racing vessels with a permit, and non-motorized vessels under 12 feet in length, such as surfboards, canoes, and kayaks.

If you plan to operate your boat in New Jersey waters for more than 180 consecutive days, you must register it with the MVC. The registration process and requirements differ depending on the length of your boat. For boats longer than 12 feet, you need to visit a local MVC branch and submit proof of identification, age, and a completed Application for Boat Registration, along with applicable fees. Vessels over 12 feet must also be titled with the MVC.

For smaller boats of 12 feet or less, you still need to go to the local MVC branch, but the required documents are slightly different. In addition to proof of identification, age, and Social Security Number, you will need to provide at least one document proving ownership, such as a notarized bill of sale or an out-of-state registration card. You will also need to submit a completed Application for Boat Registration and pay the appropriate fees.

The cost of registering a boat in New Jersey depends on its length. The current fees for an original boat registration are as follows: less than 16 feet is $12; 16 to under 26 feet is $28; 26 to under 40 feet is $52; 40 to under 65 feet is $80; and 65 feet or longer is $250. Boat registrations in New Jersey are valid for one year and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person at an MVC branch.

Rules and regulations

To put your boat in the water in New Jersey, there are several rules and regulations that must be followed. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

• Boating Safety Education: In New Jersey, all operators of personal watercraft (PWC) and power vessels born in 1949 or later are required to complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). This requirement ensures that boaters are aware of essential safety practices and helps prevent accidents on the water.
• Boating Licenses and Certificates: To operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (such as a jet ski or wave runner) on non-tidal waters in New Jersey, you must obtain a boat license and a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate. The minimum age to obtain a license is 16 years old, and parental or guardian consent is needed for applicants under 17. The license can be obtained from the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) by submitting the necessary identification, certificates, and paying the required fees.
• Registration and Validation Decals: All boats used in New Jersey waterways must be titled and registered, except for a few specific exemptions. The registration number and validation decals must be displayed on both sides of the bow, with the number reading from left to right. The number should be in block letters, at least three inches high, and in a colour that contrasts sharply with the background. Validation decals should be displayed three inches aft of the registration numbers.
• Display of Registration Number: The registration number must be painted, applied as a decal, or affixed to the boat permanently. No other numbers can be displayed on either side of the bow. Personal watercraft, such as jet skis, are also required to display both the registration number and validation decals.
• Exemptions from Registration: Certain vessels are exempt from registration requirements in New Jersey. These include non-motorized vessels, such as surfboards, canoes, kayaks, and non-motorized vessels less than 12 feet in length. Racing vessels with a New Jersey State Marine Police permit and non-motorized inflatable devices are also exempt.
• Tidal Water Requirements: For power motorboat operation on tidal waters, completion of a boating safety course approved by the NJSP is mandatory. This ensures that boaters are aware of the unique challenges and conditions presented by tidal waters.
• Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Regulations: New Jersey has laws in place regarding boating under the influence (BUI). The specific BAC level at which a person is considered intoxicated may vary, and BUI convictions can impact an offender's driving privileges on land.
• Water Skiing Restrictions: New Jersey has specific regulations for water skiing activities. For example, water skiing is prohibited within 200 feet of a wharf, dock, marina, pier, or bridge. Additionally, a skier must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), and the ski boat must display an orange signal pennant.
• Noise Level Restrictions: Motorboats in New Jersey must adhere to maximum noise level restrictions. The limit is set at 90 DBA, measured at idle with all engines operating, to minimize the disturbance to others and maintain a peaceful boating environment.
• Marine Sanitation Device Requirements: New Jersey has strict regulations regarding the use and maintenance of marine sanitation devices. Misuse or failure to equip a vessel with an approved device can result in penalties and pollution fines determined by the court system.

These rules and regulations are essential to ensure the safety and enjoyment of boating in New Jersey. By following these guidelines, boaters can help protect themselves, their passengers, and the environment while exploring the state's beautiful waterways.

Weather resources

When planning a boating trip in New Jersey, it is important to be aware of the weather and sea conditions. There are a variety of resources available to help you stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and alerts. Here are some essential weather resources to consult before and during your boating trip:

Weather Websites and Mobile Applications

Websites and mobile apps dedicated to weather forecasting provide real-time updates and alerts for specific locations. Some reliable sources include:

• National Weather Service Marine Forecast: Offering detailed forecasts for coastal waters, including small craft advisories and hazardous marine condition warnings.
• NJfishing.com: Provides local weather and sea condition reports for various regions in New Jersey, such as Sandy Hook, Northern NJ, Point Pleasant, Central NJ, Atlantic City, Cape May, and Southern NJ.

Weather Buoys and Stations

Weather buoys and land-based stations provide valuable data and real-time measurements of wind speed, wave height, water temperature, and other meteorological parameters. You can find information from these sources on websites like NJfishing.com, which offers access to:

• All NJ Weather Buoys: A network of buoys strategically placed along the New Jersey coastline to provide localized weather and sea condition data.
• Ambrose Tower Weather Station, NY: A land-based weather station located near New Jersey that provides additional meteorological data for the region.

Webcams

Webcams positioned at popular boating destinations and coastal areas can offer a live visual overview of current weather and sea conditions. NJfishing.com provides links to webcams at the following locations:

• Seaside Heights (North Pier)
• Cape May (Main Beach)

Marine Alerts and Notices

Stay informed about marine alerts, notices, and safety updates by regularly checking official sources. For example:

• The U.S. Coast Guard website and local notices to mariners provide important safety information, such as warnings, advisories, and updates on potential hazards or navigation concerns.
• Local authorities and marine organizations, such as the Marine Trades Association of NJ, may also provide region-specific alerts and notices.

Remember to check multiple sources and stay updated throughout your trip, as weather conditions can change rapidly. These resources will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable boating experience in New Jersey.

Sales and use tax for boats

The purchase of boats and vessels in New Jersey is subject to sales tax under the New Jersey Sales and Use Tax Act. This tax applies to both commercial and non-commercial boats and vessels, including power vessels and personal watercraft like jet skis and wave runners. The tax rate for boats and vessels is half of the standard sales tax rate, up to a maximum of $20,000. This means that if the standard sales tax rate is 7%, then the tax rate for boats is 3.5%.

The sales tax applies to vessels acquired from a dealer in New Jersey, as well as those acquired by a resident of New Jersey from a dealer outside the state. It also applies to vessels acquired in casual or non-dealer sale transactions that are subject to registration in New Jersey. Certain types of commercial boats, such as those used for fishing, may be exempt from sales tax. Additionally, non-motorized vessels like canoes and kayaks are subject to the full sales tax rate.

The sales tax also applies to leases and rentals of boats and vessels, including personal watercraft. However, it does not apply to services, parts, or labour charges, which are subject to the full sales tax rate. Delivery charges imposed on the sale of a boat or vessel are eligible for the partial sales tax exemption and are taxed at the same rate as the boat or vessel.

If you believe you have been charged sales tax incorrectly or in excess of the applicable rate, you may apply for a refund from the seller or the Division of Taxation. You will need to file a Claim for Refund (Form A-3730) within four years of paying the sales tax and provide supporting documentation.

Frequently asked questions