Boating license rules in New Jersey
Anyone operating a power vessel, including a personal watercraft, must have completed an approved boat safety course. Under 16 may not operate a power vessel with limited exceptions.1
The details
- Engine size covered
- Ages 13 to 15 with a certificate may operate an electric motor vessel or a vessel 12 feet or longer with under 10 horsepower.1
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- No one may operate a personal watercraft without an approved course or passing a written test.1
- Minimum age to operate
- 16 for power vessels. Ages 13 to 15 with a certificate may operate electric or under 10 hp vessels 12 feet or longer.1
- Cards from other states
- Out-of-state or foreign residents 16 or older may operate under 90 days with proof of another state, NASBLA or USCG approved course or a home state certificate.1
- Exemptions
- USCG operator license holders are exempt. Renters 18 or older after pre-rental instruction, non-PWC. Dealer buyers for 30 days after a pre-purchase course.1
The official pages we read do not say: card and course cost. Ask the agency.
The rules are set by the New Jersey State Police, Marine Services Bureau.
Sources
- N.J. Stat. 12:7-61 (current as of January 1, 2024), FindLaw (secondary), checked 1 November 2026
Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.