NJ boat requirements

NJ boat requirements define the legal standards for owning and operating boats in New Jersey, including registration, titling, safety equipment, operator licensing, and insurance. The State of New Jersey mandates that all power vessels longer than 12 feet must be registered with the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

Owners must display valid registration numbers and decals on both sides of the bow as specified by N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.1. Boaters born after January 1, 1979 must possess a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate to operate motorized vessels per N.J.S.A. 12:7-61, as conveyed by YourInsuranceInfo.

All boats powered by engines require liability insurance if docked or stored at marinas that demand proof of coverage; typical minimums are $300,000 per occurrence according to marina policy examples such as Liberty Landing Marina’s rules. Personal flotation devices approved by the U.S.

Coast Guard are required for each person onboard under federal law enforced by state agencies like NJSP Marine Services Bureau. Boats over five net tons used commercially need federal documentation through the U.S.

Coast Guard alongside state registration as stated in Title 46 CFR Part 67. Titling is compulsory for all boats longer than 12 feet purchased new or used after July 1984 per N.J.S.A. 12:7A-10(a).

Operators under age sixteen may not legally drive personal watercraft regardless of supervision according to N.J.S.A. 12:7-45(b). Failure to comply with any NJ boat requirement can result in fines ranging from $25 up to $500 depending on violation type based on enforcement statistics published annually by NJSP Marine Services Bureau reports.