Harbour Cove Marina Fuel Dock

New Jersey does not use an adult supervision exception: the minimum age is 13 for limited power vessels and 16 for any power vessel, including personal watercraft. Operators ages 13 through 15 need a boating safety certificate and may operate only an electric powered vessel or a vessel at least 12 feet long with less than 10 horsepower. Anyone under 13 cannot operate a power vessel, and the State Police manual says there are no exemptions to the age requirements.

The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (nj.gov)

Yes. New Jersey requires operators 16 or older of power vessels, including personal watercraft, to hold a boating safety certificate. The requirement goes by age, not by birth year. Ages 13 to 15 may operate only an electric powered vessel, or one at least 12 feet long with under 10 horsepower, and still need a certificate; children under 13 may not operate power vessels at all.

Operating on non-tidal waters also requires a New Jersey boat license, an endorsement the Motor Vehicle Commission adds to a driver's license or ID card. It is an additional required document, not a replacement for the safety certificate. Out of state proof is accepted for visits under 90 days, as are Coast Guard operator licenses. The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau administers certification.

Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau (nj.gov)

From Somers Point, you can boat on Great Egg Harbor Bay, follow backwater channels around Ocean City, run inland, or approach the Atlantic. Put in at the city’s Route 52 or JFK Park public ramp. Great Egg Harbor Bay is the starting water, with channels and islands beneath the Route 52 causeway. Ship Channel connects the bay to the Intracoastal Waterway. Patcong Creek is shallow, with about three feet over its entrance bar, while Great Egg Harbor River continues to Mays Landing with about four feet controlling depth. Great Egg Harbor Inlet is exposed, with strong currents, shifting shoals and hazardous breakers.

Source: City of Somers Point (somerspointgov.org)

From Somers Point, boaters head to Ocean City’s Bay and Marina District, Corson’s Inlet State Park, Strathmere and Atlantic City’s bayfront. Ocean City’s district offers slips, water activities and dockside meals on Great Egg Harbor Bay. Corson’s Inlet is the nature stop, with undeveloped beachfront plus boating, fishing and crabbing. Strathmere is a dock-and-dine run with waterfront decks and boat access, while Atlantic City offers another boat-access dining stop close to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Source: Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce (oceancityvacation.com)