Were you born in 1979 or later? If you said yes, then you must complete a boating safety course prior to operating a power vessel and have a boating safety certificate (see image courtesy of the New Jersey State Police).
Those born prior to 1979 are effectively grandfathered, though to operate a personal watercraft, you must have a boating safety certificate, regardless of age
To operate a vessel upon the waters of New Jersey, an individual would need one of the following: a Boat Safety Certificate issued in their home State, a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate, United States Coast Guard Captain’s License, or written proof of completion of a safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) or one substantially similar to a New Jersey Course.
Need to take a course? Check with your local marina or area boat dealer. And also remember that any child 12 years of age or under must wear a properly fitted United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times whenever the vessel is underway. Any person guilty of violating this act shall be fined not less than $25 or more than $50.
