Team Marine Center

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)

The best places to go boating in New Jersey span the Atlantic coast and Delaware Bay, the Delaware River, major inland reservoirs, and North Jersey’s lake country. Coastal boaters can choose open ocean water or bay cruising, while the Delaware offers a major river route along the state’s western side.

Inland, Round Valley Reservoir accommodates motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. In North Jersey, Lake Hopatcong, the state’s largest lake, and nearby Lake Musconetcong provide neighboring freshwater options with boat ramps and opportunities for varied boating.

Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (nj.gov)

Popular New Jersey boating destinations include Lake Hopatcong, Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean City, Island Beach State Park and the Delaware River. Lake Hopatcong is the state’s largest freshwater lake, with boat launch access and strong fishing; Point Pleasant Beach is a saltwater angling hub for boaters; Ocean City offers ocean and bay boating, fishing, jet skiing and kayaking; Island Beach State Park provides paddling through the wildlife rich Sedge Islands and access to Barnegat Bay; and the Delaware River has numerous launch points and fishing opportunities along its route through New Jersey.

Source: New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism (visitnj.org)