New Jersey State Police - Boating Safety Manual

New Jersey State Police

Boating

Safety

Manual

Boating

Safety

Manual

HONOR

DUTY

FIDELITY

LIGHTS REQUIRED ON BOATS BETWEEN SUNSET AND

SUNRISE AND AT ALL TIMES OF RESTRICTED VISIBILITY

RANGE AND DEGREE OF VISIBILITY OF LIGHTS

Location Visible Range Degrees

Inland and International

Masthead light 2/3 225/225

All-around light 2/2 360/360

Side lights 1/2 112.5/112.5

Stern light 2/2 135/135

(In Nautical Miles)

Figure 1

Figure 4

Great Lakes

ONLY

Figure 5

Figure 8

Figure 6

Figure 2 Figure 3

Inland

Only

MARINE RADIO INFORMATION

BOATING SAFETY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Boaters seeking information or emergency assistance,

contact:

New Jersey State Police

Marine Law Enforcement

(Closest station to your position)

Call Channel

*Cell phones can also be very useful, however, other boaters

in the area will not be able to hear your call for help. Keep in

mind that you will lose reception quickly when on the water.

Call 911 or one of the Marine Law Enforcement stations from

the phone list on page 46.

The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau

conducts safe boating programs annually. These programs

are presented in schools during the winter months throughout

the state. This program is free to those schools requesting this

service.

For this and other presentation requests, contact:

New Jersey State Police

Marine Services Bureau

PO Box 7068

West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068

609-882-2000, ext. 6173

Channel 16, VHF Marine Band, Emergency Channel

Table of Contents

NEW JERSEY SAFE BOATING ................................................. 1

Boating Safety Education & Minimum Age Requirements........2

Non-Tidal Boat License..............................................................4

Navigation Rules.........................................................................5

CHAPTER 1

Registration, Titling & Documentation.................................. 7

Boat Registration .......................................................................7

Registration Required .................................................................7

Documented Vessels ...................................................................8

Numbering System & Display....................................................9

Validation Decal........................................................................10

Obtaining Applications .............................................................10

Change of Residence.................................................................11

Vessel Titling.............................................................................11

CHAPTER 2

Equipment .......................................................................... 12

Mufﬂ ing Device........................................................................12

Coast Guard Approved Equipment...........................................12

Flame Arresters (Backﬁ re Flame Control)................................12

Sound Signaling Appliances For Vessels Less Than 20 Meters

(65’6”).......................................................................................13

Personal Flotation Devices .......................................................13

Wearing of PFDs by Children 12 and Under............................15

Fire Extinguishers.....................................................................16

Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)..........................................17

Visual Distress Signals: The Regulations .................................18

Visual Distress Signals: Handling and Storage.........................19

Visual Distress Signals Types ...................................................20

Visual Distress Warning............................................................22

Minimum Required Equipment by Length of Boat..................22

Meter-feet Conversions.............................................................24

Rev. 02/06

CHAPTER 3

Operator’s Responsibilities................................................. 27

Power-Driven Vessels ...............................................................27

International............................................................................27

Inland ......................................................................................27

Sailing Vessels & Vessels Under Oars......................................28

International............................................................................28

Inland ......................................................................................29

Lights Used When Anchored....................................................29

International............................................................................29

Inland ......................................................................................29

Found Vessels............................................................................30

Boating Accidents/Duties In Case of Accidents .......................30

Speed.........................................................................................31

Operating a Vessel Under the Inﬂ uence of Intoxicating Liquor,

Drugs or Narcotics....................................................................32

Reckless or Careless Operation Forbidden...............................35

Personal Watercraft ..................................................................35

Waterskiing ...............................................................................36

Skin Diving...............................................................................38

Watercraft Noise Control..........................................................38

Racing.......................................................................................39

Race Test Permits......................................................................39

Loading Your Boat....................................................................41

Water Pollution and the Recreational Boater............................41

Discharge of Oil Prohibited ......................................................41

CHAPTER 4

For Your Protection............................................................. 42

Security Aﬂ oat ..........................................................................42

Report Stolen Boats and Equipment.........................................44

Bargain Deals............................................................................44

Float Plan..................................................................................44

Marine Law Enforcement Stations ...........................................46

Marine Radio Information ........................................................47

Boating Safety Education Program...........................................47

Equipment Checklist........................................... BACK COVER

NEW JERSEY SAFE BOATING

The objective of the boating safety program is to reduce the

risk of loss of life, injury and property damage associated

with the use of recreational boats, and to provide the boaters

with the maximum safe use of the state’s waterways.

The state recognizes the need for safe boating and highly

recommends that the boating enthusiasts make themselves

thoroughly familiar with all of the laws, regulations and

other information contained in this booklet. Boating is best

enjoyed when the boater is knowledgeable and diligent in

observing safety precautions. Rules and regulations quoted

herein are most commonly used.

New Jersey has adopted the Navigational Rules Internation-

al-Inland and the Code of Federal Regulations as the stan-

dards for vessel equipment and operation. The Navigational

Rules and the Code of Federal Regulations can be purchased

either at a boat supply store or through a boating catalog. In

addition to these standards, other laws, rules, and regulations

have been adopted for the waters of this State.

Consult local authorities for information on local ordinanc-

es.

BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION

& MINIMUM AGE MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

*Schedule for Completion of Mandatory Boating Safety Course:

• Persons born in 1969 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certiﬁ cate

by June 1, 2006.

• Persons born in 1959 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certiﬁ cate

by June 1, 2007.

• Persons born in 1949 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certiﬁ cate

by June 1, 2008.

• All persons who wish to operate a power vessel must possess a

Boating Safety Certiﬁ cate by June 1, 2009.

Are you 16 years old or

older?

Were you born in

1979 or later?*

Yes

Have you completed

an approved Boating

Safety Course?

You cannot operate

any power vessel on

New Jersey waters.

You may operate any

power vessel a

personal watercraft. To

operate a personal

watercraft, you must

have a

boating safety certificate.

EXCEPT

have

completed a boating

safety course and

You must complete a

boating safety course

prior to operating

power vessel & have a

boating safety certificate.

ANY

Yes

Boating Safety Course information may be located at:

www.cgaux.org • www.usps.org • www.BOATUS.com

Boating Safety Courses must be completed in person.

BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION

& MINIMUM AGE MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

For Those Under 16

1) There are NO EXEMPTIONS to New Jersey age re-

quirements.

2) Out-of-state residents in New Jersey for less than 90

days with a certiﬁ cate issued by their state or country;

OR written proof of completion of a substantially similar

course to the NJ-approved course will satisfy the educa-

tion requirements.

Are you 13 years old or

older?

Yes

Have you completed

an approved Boating

Safety Course?

You cannot operate

any power vessel on

New Jersey waters.

You may operate a vessel

powered solely by an

electric motor or a vessel

12 feet long or longer with

less than 10 HP.

NON-TIDAL BOAT LICENSE

Exemptions

1) Vessel powered by a motor less than 1 HP or a 12 volt

electric motor.

2) A vessel 12 feet long or longer with less than 10 HP.

3) While competing in an authorized race pursuant to a per-

mit issued by the Division of State Police in the Depart-

ment of Law & Public Safety.

4) If the person is an out-of-state resident who has writ-

ten proof of successful completion of a course substantially

similar to a NJ approved Boating Safety Course.

A boat license is separate from the boating safety certiﬁ cate

and is issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

Are you going to boat on

non-tidal water (Water where

the tide does not change)?

No Non-Tidal Boat

License required.

Non-tidal boat

license required.

Yes

Does one of the below

listed exemptions apply?

NAVIGATION RULES

All vessels operating on the waters of this State are respon-

sible for adherence to the Navigation Rules International/

Inland.

The rules as deﬁ ned in COMDTINST M16672.2D, are ap-

plied as set forth under the COLREGS Demarcation Lines.

In addition, all vessels 12 meters (39’4”) and over in length

are required to have on board a copy of the Navigation

Rules, International/Inland, COMDTINST M 16672.2D,

while operating on the waters of this State.

Rule 5, LOOKOUT

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out

by sight and hearing as well as by all available means ap-

propriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so

as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of

collision.

Rule 6, SAFE SPEED

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that

it can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and

be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing

circumstances and conditions.

Rule 7, COLLISION

Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the

prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk

of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be

deemed to exist.

Rule 8, ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION

Any action taken to avoid collision shall, if the circumstanc-

es of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and

with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess

the situation, a vessel shall slacken its speed or take all way

off by stopping or reversing its means of propulsion.

Rule 9, NARROW CHANNELS

A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel

or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the chan-

nel or fairway which lies on its starboard side as is safe and

practicable.

Rule 14, HEAD-ON SITUATION

When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal

or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision,

each shall alter its course to starboard so that each shall pass

on the port side of the other.

Rule 15, CROSSING SITUATION

When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to in-

volve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on

its starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the

circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the

other vessel.

Rule 16, ACTION BY GIVE-WAY VESSEL

Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of

another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and sub-

stantial action to keep well clear.

Rule 17, ACTION BY STAND-ON VESSEL

A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing

situation to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel

shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course

to port for a vessel on its own port side.

CHAPTER 1

Registration, Titling & Documentation

BOAT REGISTRATION

All titled boats must also be registered. In addition, any boat

mechanically propelled, regardless of length, must be regis-

tered.

If the boat is not titled, you will have to show proof of own-

ership. Any of the documents (see page 10) accepted for

titling are also acceptable for registration. You will also have

to give your New Jersey driver license number and Social

Security number.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Every vessel in New Jersey waters shall be registered and

numbered, except:

a. Vessels operated under a federally approved number-

ing system of another state, operated on a transient

basis;

b. Documented vessels from other states operated in

this State in a transient status only;

c. Vessels from foreign countries here temporarily;

d. Public vessels of the United States, a state or subdivi-

sion or agency thereof;

e. A ship’s lifeboat;

f. Vessels used exclusively for racing while competing

in an authorized race, or under permit issued from

the New Jersey State Police;

g. A non-powered sailboat or vessel used exclusively

on small lakes and ponds wholly within private

lands;

h. A non-powered inﬂ atable, surfboard, racing shell or

tender for direct transportation between a vessel and

the shore and for no other purpose (i.e. dinghy);

i. Vessels 12 feet or less in length

j. A non-powered kayak or canoe.

DOCUMENTED VESSELS

1. All documented vessels for which the owner maintains,

owns, rents, leases or otherwise occupies space within

this State, other than on a transient basis, MUST be

registered with this State according to the established

fee schedule, but are not required to display numbers.

Validation decals will be issued and must be displayed

on these vessels.

2. Registration certiﬁ cates must be carried on board the

vessel at all times while the vessel is in operation.

3. Those vessels documented under Part 67 of Title 46,

Code of Federal Regulations and required to register

with this State pursuant to NJSA 12:7-34.44a shall dis-

play a validation sticker on each side of the vessel in an

area adjacent to the main steering station afﬁ xed to the

vertical surface plainly visible at all times from both the

port (left) and starboard (right) sides.

NUMBERING SYSTEM & DISPLAY

1. Boats will be numbered as follows;

a. The registration numbers assigned shall consist of

three (3) parts. The ﬁ rst part, known as the preﬁ x,

shall consist of the letters NJ, to indicate the state.

The second part, known as the body, shall consist

of not more than four (4) numbers. The third part,

known as the sufﬁ x, shall consist of not more than

two (2) letters.

b. The parts shall be separated by a hyphen or an equiv-

alent space equal to a number or letter.

Examples: NJ-1234-AB

NJ 1234 AB

2. The identiﬁ cation number under the New Jersey num-

bering system shall be;

a. Painted on or permanently attached to each side of

the bow (the forward half) of the vessel, read left to

right and in such position as to provide maximum

visibility.

b. In block characters not less three (3) inches in

height.

c. Of a color which will contrast with the color of the

background (i.e. dark numbers on a light background

or light numbers on a dark background) and so main-

tained as to be visible and legible.

3. No other numbers shall be carried on the bow of the ves-

sel.

VALIDATION DECAL

1. The validation decal shall be placed on each side of the

vessel, three (3) inches away from the registration num-

ber towards the back of the vessel.

2. When the vessel is sold, it is the responsibility of the

seller to remove the decals.

3. Each registered vessel must display valid decals.

4. Expired registration decals must not be visible.

OBTAINING APPLICATIONS

Applications for motorboat registration may be obtained

from marinas, boat dealers, Motor Vehicle Commission

agency, or by writing to:

Motor Vehicle Commission

PO Box 017

225 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08666-0017

Applications accompanied by correct fees, check or money

order, (NO CASH) may be mailed to above address. For the

convenience of the boating public, applications and fees may

be submitted at any Motor Vehicle Commission agency.

Is the vessel longer

than 12 feet?

Is it a brand new

boat purchase?

Did last registered

state require a title?

Was it purchased

from a New Jersey

owner?

You will need

manufacturer's

certificate of

origin.

Youdonot

need a boat

title.

No Yes

Take most recent vessel

registration along with a notarized

signed statement attesting to

the accuracy of the H.I.N.

In addition to the H.I.N., you will

need to know the year, make & type

of boat, its length, material used

for construction, the source of

power & the proposed use (pleasure

or commercial). Take all of this

information, along with your driver's

license # (or corpcode if company

owned) to your local M.V.C..

Complete the

assignment

section on the

back of the title

and have seller

sign it.

Yes

CHANGE OF RESIDENCE

Whenever the owner of a vessel registered and numbered

with the State of New Jersey changes their address from that

shown on their certiﬁ cate of number, they shall, within seven

(7) days, notify the Motor Vehicle Commission in writing of

their new address. Record change forms are provided for this

purpose and will be mailed upon request. This record change

form may also be used to report a change(s) on a non-tidal

boat license.

VESSEL TITLING

CHAPTER 2

Equipment

MUFFLING DEVICE

Every outboard motor, inboard motor or inboard/outboard

motor in use or attached to a vessel operating on the wa-

ters of this State shall be equipped with a mufﬂ ing system

as supplied by the manufacturer or installed by the owner.

The mufﬂ ing system shall be maintained in good working

order at all times. An exception to this requirement will be

allowed for operation during authorized races sanctioned by

the United States Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, or

other operation with a race test permit issued by the State

Police.

COAST GUARD APPROVED EQUIPMENT

“Coast Guard approved” is equipment which has been ap-

proved by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and has

been determined to be in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard

speciﬁ cations and regulations relating to the materials, con-

struction and performance of such equipment. New Jersey

state laws conform to these equipment requirements.

FLAME ARRESTERS (Backfire Flame Control)

Gasoline engines installed in a motorboat or motor vessel af-

ter April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must have a U.S.

Coast Guard approved ﬂ ame arrester ﬁ tted to the carburetor.

For exceptions see 46 CFR 25.35.

SOUND SIGNALING APPLIANCES FOR VESSELS

LESS THAN 20 METERS (65’6”)

1. A vessel 12 meters (39’4”) or more in length but less

than 20 meters (65’7”) shall be provided with a whistle.

The whistle shall comply with the speciﬁ cations listed in

Annex 3 of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980.

2. A vessel of less than 12 meters (39’4”) in length shall not

be obliged to carry the signaling appliance prescribed

above, but if it does not, it shall be provided with some

other means of making an efﬁ cient sound signal.

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES

No person shall operate or allow any person to operate any

vessel in or on the waters of this State unless such vessel has

a United States Coast Guard approved wearable personal

ﬂ otation device (PFD) of the correct size for each person

on board. Such PFDs shall be of the type(s) and number(s)

required by the United States Coast Guard for a vessel of the

class operating on Federal or state navigable waters. This

includes all vessels except surfboards, racing shells, rowing

sculls and racing kayaks.

TYPE I

A Type I PFD has the greatest required buoyancy and is de-

signed to turn most unconscious persons in the water from

a face down position to a vertical or slightly backward posi-

tion. The adult size device provides a minimum buoyancy of

22 pounds and the child size provides a minimum buoyancy

of 11 pounds. The Type I is most effective for all waters,

especially offshore and ocean cruising, when there is prob-

ability of a delayed rescue.

TYPE II

A Type II PFD is any approved wearable device designed

to turn its wearer in a vertical or slightly backward position

in the water. The turning action is not as profound as with a

Type I, and the device will not turn as many persons under

the same conditions as the Type I. An adult size device pro-

vides a minimum buoyancy of 15 ½ pounds, the medium

child size provides a minimum of 11 pounds, and the infant

and small child sizes provide a minimum buoyancy of 7

pounds.

TYPE III

A Type III PFD is any approved wearable device designed

so the wearers can place themselves in a vertical or slightly

backward position. While the Type III has the same buoy-

ancy as the Type II PFD, it has little or no turning ability. A

Type III PFD comes in a variety of style, colors and sizes.

Many are designed to be particularly useful when water

skiing, sailing, hunting, ﬁ shing or engaging in other water

sports. Several of this type will also provide increased hypo-

thermia protection.

TYPE IV

A Type IV PFD is any approved device designed to be

thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held until

rescued. It is not designed to be worn. The most common

Type IV devices are a buoyant cushion and a ring buoy. Ef-

fective May 1, 1995 the Type IV PFD–a ﬂ otation device that

can be thrown to a person in the water – can no longer be

used as a substitute for a wearable ﬂ otation device. To meet

the PFD requirements for recreational vessels under 16 feet

in length, wearable PFDs are required to be carried in the

vessel. The requirements for vessels 16 feet and longer re-

main unchanged.

TYPE V

A Type V is any special purpose PFD such as a survival or

exposure suit.

TYPE V HYBRID

A Type V Hybrid PFD is an inﬂ atable device that provides a

minimum of 7 ½ pounds of buoyancy deﬂ ated and 22 pounds

of buoyancy when inﬂ ated. In order for the device to be ac-

ceptable for use on recreational boats, it must be worn when

the boat is underway and the user is above on deck. When

inﬂ ated it turns the wearer similar to the action provided by

a Type I, II or III PFD. A Type V Hybrid PFD must be worn

in accordance with the information contained in the owner’s

manuals supplied with each device.

WEARING OF PFDS BY CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER

In addition to the previously listed requirements, any child

12 years of age or younger must WEAR a properly ﬁ tted

U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever the vessel is un-

derway. If the child is inside a fully enclosed cabin that is a

permanent, non-removable part of the vessel that is designed

to carry passengers, then the child is not required to wear the

PFD.

The 12 years of age or younger PFD law does not apply to

the following vessels:

1. Vessels that are owned and operated by the United States

or the State of New Jersey or an agency thereof; a county

or municipality; a volunteer ﬁ rst aid, rescue or emer-

gency squad, a search and rescue unit established within

a ﬁ re district created pursuant to or a volunteer ﬁ re com-

pany when a child is on board as a direct result of being

rescued from an emergency situation.

2. Commercial vessels (any vessel longer than 65 feet op-

erated for a purpose that requires a U.S. Coast Guard

Operator’s or Master’s License).

3. Ferries (any vessel longer than 65 feet operating on a

short run on a frequent schedule between two points of-

fering a public service of a type normally attributed to a

bridge or tunnel).

All PFDs that are presently acceptable on recreational boats

fall into one of these designations. All PFDs shall be U.S.

Coast Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition

and of an appropriate size for the persons who intend to wear

them. Wearable PFDs shall be readily accessible and throw-

able devices shall be immediately available for use.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Each ﬁ re extinguisher is classiﬁ ed by a letter and a roman

numeral according to the type of ﬁ re it may be expected to

extinguish and the size of the extinguisher. The “letter” indi-

cates the TYPE OF FIRE the extinguisher can put out.

A- Fires of ordinary combustible materials.

B- Gasoline, oil and grease ﬁ re.

C- Electrical ﬁ res.

Extinguishers approved for motorboats are hand-portable, of

either B-I or B-II classiﬁ cation.

Coast

Guard

Classes

U.L.

Listing

Foam

(gal)

Carbon

Dioxide

(lbs)

Dry

Chemical

(lbs)

Halon

(lbs)

B-I5B1¼4 22½

B-II 6B 2½ 15 10 10

Fire extinguishers must be carried on ALL motorboats that

have one or more of the following conditions which make

the boat of closed construction:

1. Inboard engines,

2. Closed compartments under thwarts and seats where

portable fuel tanks may be stored,

3. Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not

completely ﬁ lled with ﬂ otation materials,

4. Closed living spaces,

5. Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or

ﬂ ammable material is stowed, or

6. Permanently installed fuel tanks.

Dry chemical ﬁ re extinguishers without gauges or indicating

devices must be weighed and tagged every 6 months. If the

gross weight of a carbon dioxide (CO2) ﬁ re extinguisher is

reduced by more than 10% of the net weight, the extinguish-

er is not acceptable and must be recharged.

Check extinguishers regularly to be sure that gauges are free

and nozzle is clear.

NOTE: READ LABELS ON FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. IF

THE EXTINGUISHER IS U.L. LISTED, IT IS APPROVED

FOR MARINE USE.

MARINE SANITATION DEVICES (MSDs)

A Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) must be certiﬁ ed as

“type approved” or meet one of the exceptions provided by

regulation.

Boats 65 feet in length and under may use a Type I, II or III

MSD. Boats over 65 feet are limited to installing Type II

or III MSDs. Coast Guard certiﬁ ed devices are also labeled

with the exception of holding tanks which are automatically

certiﬁ ed under the regulations if they store only sewage and

ﬂ ush water at ambient air pressure and temperature.

TYPE I MSD- Flow through; efﬂ uent USCG certiﬁ ed to

1000 fecal coliform/ 100 ml, no visible ﬂ oating solids stan-

dards.

TYPE II MSD- Flow through; efﬂ uent USCG certiﬁ ed to

200 fecal coliform /100 ml, 150 mg/1 total suspended solids

standard.

TYPE III MSD- USCG certiﬁ ed to no-discharge standard.

All MSDs tested and certiﬁ ed by the Coast Guard will carry

a label with the name of the manufacturer and the certiﬁ ca-

tion number. To obtain information about marine pumpout

stations call 1-800-ASK-FISH.

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS: THE REGULATIONS

The requirement to carry visual distress signals became ef-

fective on January 1, 1981. This regulation requires all rec-

reational boats when used on coastal waters, which includes

the Great Lakes, the territorial seas and those waters directly

connected to the Great Lakes and the territorial seas, up to

a point where the waters are less than two miles wide, and

boats owned in the United States when operating on the high

seas to be equipped with visual distress signals.

The only exceptions are during daytime (sunrise to sunset)

for:

1. Recreational boats less than 16 feet in length.

2. Boats participating in organized events such as races,

regattas or marine parades.

3. Open sailboats not equipped with propulsion machinery

and less than 26 feet in length.

4. Manually propelled boats.

These boats only need to carry night signals when used on

these waters at night.

“PYROTECHNIC VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALING

DEVICES” must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable

condition, unexpired and readily accessible. Launchers,

produced before January 1, 1981, intended for use with

approved signals are not required to be Coast Guard Ap-

proved.

USCG approved pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals and as-

sociated devices include:

1. Pyrotechnic red ﬂ ares, hand held or aerial.

2. Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand held or ﬂ oating.

3. Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute ﬂ ares.

“NON-PYROTECHNIC VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNAL-

ING DEVICES” must carry the manufacturer’s certiﬁ cation

that they meet Coast Guard requirements. They must be in

serviceable condition and stowed to be readily accessible.

This group includes:

1. Orange distress ﬂ ag.

2. Electric distress light.

No single signaling device is ideal under all conditions and

for all purposes. Consideration should be given to carrying

several types. For example, an aerial ﬂ are can be seen over

a long distance on a clear night, but for closer work, a hand-

held ﬂ are may be more useful.

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS:

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location

and must be readily accessible in case of an emergency. Care

should be taken to prevent puncturing or otherwise damag-

ing their coverings. A watertight container, such as a surplus

ammunition box, painted red or orange and prominently

marked “DISTRESS SIGNALS” is recommended.

If young children are frequently aboard your boat, careful

selection and proper stowage of visual distress signals is

important.

Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic devices carry an expira-

tion date. After this date, the device can no longer be counted

toward the minimum requirements.

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS TYPES

A visual distress signal is any device designed to show

that your vessel is in distress and help others locate you.

A wide variety of signaling devices, both pyrotechnic and

non-pyrotechnic, can be carried to meet the requirements of

the regulation. Visual distress signals may only be used in

emergency situations.

Boats less than 16 feet operating in coastal waters, and cer-

tain other exempted boats (See Visual Distress Signals - The

Regulation) need only carry night signaling devices when

operated at night. All other recreational boats must carry

both night and day signaling devices.

NOTE: If pyrotechnic devices are selected, a minimum of

three must be carried. Any combination can be carried as

long as they add up to three signals for day use and three

signals for night use. Three day/night signaling devices meet

both requirements.

The following is an illustration of the variety and combina-

tions of devices which can be carried in order to meet the

requirements:

1. Three hand held red ﬂ ares (day and night).

2. One electric distress light (night).

3. One hand-held red ﬂ are and two parachute ﬂ ares (day

and night).

4. One hand-held orange smoke signal, two ﬂ oating orange

smoke signals (day) and one electric distress light (night

only).

Number

Marked

on Device

Device Description

DAY USE ONLY

106.022 Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (5

minutes)

160.037 Hand Held Orange Smoke Distress Signals

Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (15

minutes)

160.072 Orange Distress Signal Flag for Boats

NIGHT USE ONLY

161.013 Electric Distress Light for Boats

DAY AND NIGHT USE

160.021 Hand Red Flare Distress signal (These signals

must have a date of October 1, 1980 or late to

be acceptable.)

160.024 Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals (37mm)

(These signals require use in combination with

a suitable launching device.)

160.036 Hand Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare

Distress Signals

160.066 Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic

Flare (These devices may be either meteor or

parachute assisted type.) Some of these signals

may require use in combination with a suitable

launching device.

WARNING....

In some states the launchers for meteors and parachute ﬂ ares

may be considered a ﬁ rearm. Check with your state authori-

ties before acquiring such a launcher. In New Jersey, signal

pistols will be considered a weapon when used for any other

purpose other than as a distress signal.

All distress signaling devices have both advantages and

disadvantages. The most popular, because of cost, are prob-

ably the smaller pyrotechnic devices. Pyrotechnics make

excellent distress signals, but they can be used only once.

Additionally, there is a potential for both injury and property

damage if not properly handled. Pyrotechnic devices have

a very hot ﬂ ame and the ash and slag can cause burns and

ignite materials that burn easily. Projected devices, such as

pistol launched and hand-held parachute ﬂ ares and meteors,

have many of the same characteristics of a ﬁ rearm and must

be handled with the same caution and respect.

THE REGULATION STATES:

“No person in a boat shall display a visual distress signal on

water to which this subpart applies under any circumstances

except a situation where assistance is needed because of im-

mediate or potential danger to the persons aboard.”

MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIPMENT BY LENGTH OF

BOAT

SECTION I. - LESS THAN 16 FEET

BACK-FIRE FLAME ARRESTER - One approved de-

vice on each carburetor of all gasoline engines EXCEPT

OUTBOARD MOTORS.

NUMBERING - See “Numbering System & Display.”

VENTILATION - For boats built after April 25, 1940,

and before August 1, 1980 (with engines using gasoline

as fuel and other fuels having a ﬂ ashpoint of 110 degrees

F or less) the following is required:

At least two ventilation ducts ﬁ tted with cowls or their

equivalent for the purpose of properly and efﬁ ciently

ventilating the bilges of every engine and fuel tank

compartment. There shall be at least one exhaust duct

installed so as to extend to the lower portion of the bilge

and at least one intake duct installed so as to extend to a

point at least midway to the bilge, or at least below the

level of the carburetor air intake.

For boats which are built after July 31, 1978 but prior

to August 1, 1980, the requirement for ventilation of

the fuel tank compartment can be omitted if there is no

electrical source of ignition in the fuel tank compartment

and if the fuel tank vents to the outside of the boat. After

August 1, 1980, all boats with gasoline engines must be

built with ventilation systems which comply with Coast

Guard standards. The operator is required to keep the

system in operating condition.

PFD - Type I, II, III or V for each person aboard

FIRE EXTINGUISHER/PORTABLE - When no ﬁ xed

ﬁ re extinguishing system is installed in machinery

space(s), at least one B-I type approved hand portable

ﬁ re extinguisher (NOT REQUIRED on the outboard mo-

torboats less than 26 feet in length if the construction of

such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explo-

sive or ﬂ ammable gases or vapors). When an approved

ﬁ xed ﬁ re extinguishing system is installed in machinery

space(s), no B-I type ﬁ re extinguisher is required.

POLLUTION PREVENTION - See “Water Pollution

and The Recreational Boater.”

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS - See “Visual Distress

Signal Requirements.”

SOUND SIGNALING APPLIANCES - See “Sound

Signaling Appliances For Vessels Less Than 20 Meters

(65’6”).”

SECTION II.

- 16 FEET TO LESS THAN 26 FEET

BACK-FIRE FLAME ARRESTER - Same requirements

as Section 1.

NUMBERING - See “Numbering System & Display.”

VENTILATION - Same requirements as Section 1.

PFD - Type I, II, III or V for each person on board and

one Type IV.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER/PORTABLE - Same require-

ments as Section 1.

POLLUTION PREVENTIONS - See “Pollution Preven-

tion Requirements.”

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS - See “Visual Distress

Signal Requirements.”

SOUND SIGNALING APPLIANCES - See “Sound

Signaling Appliances for Vessels Less Than 20 Meters

(65’7”).”

SECTION III. - 26 FEET TO LESS THAN 40 FEET

BACK-FIRE FLAME ARRESTER - Same requirements

as Section 1.

NUMBERING - See “Numbering System & Display.”

VENTILATION - Same requirements as Section 1.

PFD - Type I, II, III or V for each person on board and

one Type IV.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER/PORTABLE - At least two B-I

type approved portable ﬁ re extinguishers; or at least one

B-II type approved portable ﬁ re extinguisher. When an

approved ﬁ xed system is installed, one less B-I type is

required.

POLLUTION PREVENTION - See “Pollution Preven-

tion Requirements.”

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS - See “Visual Distress

Signal Requirements.”

SOUND SIGNALING APPLIANCES - See “Sound

Signaling Appliances for Vessels Less Than 20 Me-

ters(65’6”).”

SECTION IV.

- 40 FEET TO NO MORE THAN 65 FEET

BACK-FIRE FLAME ARRESTER - Same requirements

as Section 1.

NUMBERING - See “Numbering System & Display.”

VENTILATION - Same requirements as Section 1.

PFD - Type I, II, III or V for each person on board and

one Type IV.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER/PORTABLE - At least three B-I

type approved portable ﬁ re extinguishers; or at least one

B-I type plus one B-II type approved portable ﬁ re extin-

guisher. When an approved ﬁ xed system is installed, one

less B-I type is required.

POLLUTION PREVENTION - See “Pollution Preven-

tion Requirements.”

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS - See “Visual Distress

Signal Requirements.”

SOUND SIGNALING APPLIANCES - See “Sound

Signaling Appliances for Vessels Less Than 20 Meters

(65’7”).”

NOTE: Canoes and kayaks are exempt from carrying a Type

IV PFD, regardless of how long it is. The same wearable

PFD requirements will apply.

METER-FEET CONVERSIONS

1M = 3’3” 8M = 26’4” 15M = 49’2”

2M = 6’7” 9M = 29’6” 16M = 52’6”

3M = 9’10” 10M = 32’10” 17M = 55’9”

4M = 13’1” 11M = 36’1” 18M = 59’

5M = 16’5” 12M = 39’4” 19M = 62’4”

6M = 19’8” 13M = 42’8” 20M = 65’7”

7M = 22’10” 14M = 45’11”

Conversions Rounded to the Nearest Inch

CHAPTER 3

Operator’s Responsibilities

LIGHTS ARE REQUIRED ON BOATS BETWEEN

SUNSET AND SUNRISE AND AT ALL TIMES OF

RESTRICTED VISIBILITY.

POWER-DRIVEN VESSELS

See Inside Front Cover Figures 1 Through 4

International

1. A power-driven vessel less than 20 meters (65’7”), shall

exhibit navigation lights as shown in either Figure 1 or

2. If you choose Figure 1, the aft masthead light must

be higher than the forward one. If Figure 2 is selected,

a vessel less than 12 meters (39’4”), the masthead light

must be 1 meter (3’3”) higher than the colored lights. If

the vessel is 12 meters (39’4”) or more in length and less

than 20 meters (65’7”), the masthead light must be 2.5

meters (8’2”) higher than the gunwale.

2. A power-driven vessel less than 7 meters (22’10”) in

length and whose maximum speed cannot exceed 7 knots

may, in lieu of the lights prescribed above, exhibit an all-

around white light. Such vessel shall, if practicable, also

exhibit side lights.

Inland

1. A power-driven vessel, when the construction was

started before December 25, 1981, less than 20 meters

(65’7”) shall exhibit navigation lights as displayed in

either Figures 1, 2 or 3.

2. A power-driven vessel, when the construction was start-

ed after December 24, 1981, 12 meters(39’4”) or more

in length and less than 20 meters(65’7”) shall exhibit

navigation lights as displayed in either Figure 1 or 2.

3. A power-driven vessel, when the construction was start-

ed after December 24, 1981, less than 12 meters(39’4”)

may exhibit those lights shown in Figures 1, 2 or 3.

SAILING VESSELS & VESSELS UNDER OARS

See Inside Front Cover Figures 5 Through 8

NOTE: A SAIL VESSEL UNDER MACHINE POWER

AND SAILS IS CONSIDERED A POWER-DRIVEN VES-

SEL

International

1. A sailing vessel of less than 12 meters (39’4”) in length

shall exhibit navigation lights shown in either Figures 5,

6 or 7.

2. A sailing vessel of 12 meters (39’4”) or more in length

shall exhibit navigation lights shown in either Figure 5

or 6.

3. A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters (22’10”) in length

shall, if practicable, exhibit those lights prescribed for

sailing vessels less than 12 meters (39’4”), but if it does

not, it shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted

lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in

sufﬁ cient time to prevent collision. (See Figure 8).

4. A vessel under oars may display those lights prescribed

for sailing vessels, but if it does not, it shall have ready

at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a

white light which shall be exhibited in sufﬁ cient time to

prevent collision. (See Figure 8).

Inland

1. A sailing vessel under sail alone, shall exhibit navigation

lights as displayed in either Figures 5, 6 or 7.

2. A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters (22’10”) shall, if

practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in number one

of this section, but if it does not, it shall have ready at

hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white

light which shall be exhibited in sufﬁ cient time to pre-

vent collision. (See Figure 8).

3. A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in

this section for sailing vessels, but if it does not, it shall

have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern

showing a white light which shall be exhibited in suf-

ﬁ cient time to prevent collision. (See Figure 8).

LIGHTS USED WHEN ANCHORED

International

Power-driven vessels and sailing vessels less than 20 meters

in length at anchor must display anchor lights. Vessels less

than 7 meters in length shall not be required to display an-

chor lights unless anchored in or near a narrow channel, fair-

way or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate.

An anchor light is a white light exhibited forward, visible

for 2 miles and displayed where it can best be seen for 360

degrees.

Inland

Power-driven vessels and sailing vessels less than 20 me-

ters in length at anchor must display anchor lights. Vessels

less than 7 meters in length shall not be required to display

anchor lights unless anchored in or near a narrow chan-

nel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally

navigate. An anchor light is a white light exhibited forward,

visible for 2 miles and displayed where it can best be seen

for 360 degrees. An anchor light is displayed where it can

best be seen for 360 degrees. A vessel less than 20 meters

in inland waters when at anchor in a special anchorage area

designated by the Secretary of Transportation, shall not be

required to exhibit an anchor light.

NOTE: See inside front cover for a range and degree of vis-

ibility of lights.

FOUND VESSELS

1. Any person ﬁ nding, recovering or coming into posses-

sion of any vessel other than through normal purchase,

loan, rental, charter or gift shall notify the New Jersey

State Police, Marine Law Enforcement station in their

area, in writing, within 72 hours.

2. The notiﬁ cation shall include a description of the vessel

and the speciﬁ c location where it was found or recov-

ered.

BOATING ACCIDENTS/DUTIES IN CASE OF

ACCIDENTS

As required by the Navigational Rules International-Inland,

if you are involved in a boating accident, you are required to

render any assistance necessary to any of the people involved

in the accident as long as you can do so without causing any

further injuries or damage to any of the people or vessels

involved. Also, you shall supply the operator of the other

vessel and any people that were injured in the accident with

your name and address as well as your vessel information.

If the accident that you are involved in results in property

damage in excess of $500, injury or the death or disappear-

ance of a person, you and the other operator are required to

ﬁ le a full description of the accident with the New Jersey

State Police, Marine Law Enforcement station in the area

where the accident occurred. The full description will also

include any forms provided to you by the New Jersey State

Police.

If you are involved in a boating accident on the waters of the

State of New Jersey, which includes up to three (3) nautical

miles offshore, in which death or disappearance of a person

occurs, you must report the accident without delay to the

New Jersey State Police, Marine Law Enforcement station

in the area where the accident occurred. All other boating

accidents that result in personal injury or property damage in

excess of $2,000 must be reported within ten (10) days to the

New Jersey State Police, Marine Law Enforcement.

SPEED

1. No person shall operate a power vessel or allow a power

vessel to be operated where the speed may cause danger

of injury to life or limb or damage to property. The speed

of every power vessel shall be regulated to avoid risk of

damage, or injury by any means, from the power vessel’s

wake.

2. All power vessels shall reduce their speed to slow speed

when passing:

a. Any marina, pier, dock or wharf at a distance of 200

feet or less.

b. Work barges or ﬂ oats while actually engaged in con-

struction.

c. Through bridge spans.

d. Through lagoons, canals or conﬁ ned areas of less

than 200 feet in width.

e. Vessels not under command.

f. Emergency vessels displaying ﬂ ashing or rotating

lights.

3. “Slow Speed” is deﬁ ned as speed at which a power

vessel moves through the water and is able to maintain

minimum headway in relation to vessel or structure be-

ing passed.

4. All power vessels in a marked “Slow Speed/No Wake”

area shall move only at a no wake speed and not on

plane. “No Wake Speed” shall mean speed at which a

power vessel moves through the water maintaining mini-

mum headway and producing minimum wake possible.

5. The operator of any vessel is responsible for any damage

caused from the wake of the vessel.

OPERATING A VESSEL UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF

INTOXICATING LIQUOR, DRUGS OR NARCOTICS

You cannot operate a vessel while under the inﬂ uence of

intoxicating liquor, a narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-pro-

ducing drug or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%

or more. Furthermore, if you are the owner of a vessel or are

in control of a vessel, you cannot allow someone else who is

under the inﬂ uence of intoxicating liquor, a narcotic, halluci-

nogenic or habit-producing drug, or who has a blood alcohol

concentration of 0.08% or more, to operate the vessel.

If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher but

less than 0.10%, you will face a ﬁ ne of not less than $250 nor

more than $400. You will also lose the privilege to operate a

vessel on the waters of this State for a period of 12 months

from the date of conviction along with the forfeiture of your

driver’s license, which will be forwarded to the Director of

the Motor Vehicle Commission, for a period of three (3)

months.

If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.10% or higher, or if

you operate a vessel while under the inﬂ uence of a narcotic,

hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug, or you permit an-

other person who is under the inﬂ uence of a narcotic, hallu-

cinogenic, or habit-producing drug to operate a vessel, you

will be subject to a ﬁ ne of not less than $300 nor more than

$500. You will also lose the privilege to operate a vessel on

the waters of this State for a period of one (1) year from the

date of conviction along with the forfeiture of your driver’s

license, which will be forwarded to the Director of the Mo-

tor Vehicle Commission, for a period of seven to twelve

months.

If you are found guilty of a second offense, you will face a

ﬁ ne of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 as well as the

performance of community service for a period of 30 days

and imprisonment for a term not less than 48 hours nor more

than 90 days, which shall not be suspended nor served on

probation. You will also lose the privilege to operate a vessel

on the waters of this State for a period of two (2) years from

the date of conviction along with the forfeiture of your driv-

er’s license, which will be forwarded to the Director of the

Motor Vehicle Commission, for a period of two (2) years.

If you are found guilty of a third or subsequent offense, you

will face a ﬁ ne of $1,000 as well as imprisonment for a term

of not less than 180 days except that the court can lower this

for each day that community service is performed up to 90

days. You will also lose the privilege to operate a vessel on

the waters of this State for a period of ten (10) years from the

date of conviction along with the forfeiture of your driver’s

license, which will be forwarded to the Director of the Motor

Vehicle Commission, for a period of ten (10) years.

After conviction of operating under the inﬂ uence, a person

must also complete a boating safety course approved by the

Superintendent of State Police.

In the event that a person convicted under this section is the

holder of any out-of-state motor vehicle driver’s license, the

court shall not collect the license but shall notify the Director

of the Motor Vehicle Commission, who shall, in turn, notify

appropriate ofﬁ cials in the licensing jurisdiction. The court

shall, however, revoke the nonresident’s driving privilege to

operate a motor vehicle in this State.

A person who operates a power vessel or a vessel which is

12 feet or greater in length on the tidal or non-tidal waters of

this State shall be deemed to have given their consent to the

taking of samples of their breath for the purpose of making

chemical tests to determine the content of alcohol in their

blood, except that the taking of samples shall be made in ac-

cordance with the provisions of this amendatory and supple-

mentary act and at the request of the New Jersey State Police

or a law enforcement ofﬁ cer who has reasonable grounds to

believe that the person has been operating a vessel in viola-

tion of the provisions of the act.

A judge shall revoke the right of a person to operate a power

vessel or a vessel which is 12 feet or greater in length, if

after being arrested for a violation of operating under the

inﬂ uence, the person refuses to submit to the chemical test

provided for in section 7 of this amendatory and supplemen-

tary act when requested to do so. The revocation to operate

a vessel shall be for one year, and a motor vehicle for seven

to twelve months, unless the refusal was in connection with

a second offense, in which case the revocation period shall

be for two years for both vessel and vehicle. If the refusal

was in connection with a third or subsequent offense, the

revocation shall be 10 years for both vessel and vehicle. The

court shall also ﬁ ne a person convicted under this section not

less than $250 or more than $500. In addition to any other

requirements provided by law, a person convicted under this

section shall be required after conviction to complete a boat-

ing safety course from a list approved by the Superintendent

of State Police prior to the restoration of the privilege to

operate a vessel.

RECKLESS OR CARELESS OPERATION FORBIDDEN

No vessel shall be operated in a reckless or careless manner.

Reckless or careless operation shall include operating any

vessel in a manner which unnecessarily interferes with the

free and proper use of any waters, or unnecessarily endan-

gers other craft therein or the life or limb of any person upon

any craft or in the water. This also includes, but is not limited

to, exceeding manufacturer capacity plate speciﬁ cations.

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

For the purpose of this act, “Personal Watercraft” means a

power vessel less than sixteen feet long which:

a. Is designed to be operated from a sitting, standing or

kneeling position;

b. Is equipped with an internal combustion engine

which powers a water jet pump; and

c. Cannot be operated in a manner so as to disengage

the pump so as to prevent the vessel from making

headway.

In addition to all other requirements of a power vessel, the

following rules apply to the use of a personal watercraft on

the waters of this State.

A. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft during

the hours between sunset and sunrise or during times of

restricted visibility.

B. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft in the

Point Pleasant or Cape May canals.

C. A personal watercraft shall at all times proceed at a safe

speed so that it can take proper and effective action to

avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appro-

priate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

D. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft in such

manner so as to become airborne or completely leave the

water while crossing the wake of another vessel within

100 feet of the vessel creating the wake.

E. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft within

50 feet of a bathing beach that has its boundaries marked

by buoys or signs.

A person shall not operate a personal watercraft above idle

speed within 50 feet of a shoreline or 50 feet from a person

in the water.

The operator of a personal watercraft designed to accommo-

date three or more persons shall be permitted to tow a water

skier provided that the personal watercraft has the capacity

to allow one of the persons to face the stern of the personal

watercraft for the purpose of tending to a ski rider, and that

the person tending to the ski rider shall be present during the

towing of the ski rider.

Any person operating a personal watercraft and any pas-

senger on a personal watercraft shall at all times, when the

personal watercraft is in operation, wear a United States

Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, III or V Hybrid Personal

Flotation Device.

The operator of any vessel equipped with a lanyard cut-off

switch shall wear the safety switch lanyard at all times when

the vessel is in operation.

WATERSKIING

1. All operators of power vessels underway and towing ski

or aquaplane riders must:

A. Keep at least 200 ft. from any wharf, marina, dock,

pier, bridge, structure, abutment, or persons in the

water

B. Keep 100 ft. distance from any other craft, shore, aid

to navigation or mooring

2. Have a competent observer on board (wide angle mirror

not accepted).

3. Towlines shall not be less than 35 ft. nor more than 75 ft.

in length.

4. Waterskiing, aquaplaning or towing of skiers or aqua-

planes will be permitted only from sunrise to sunset.

5. All skiers shall wear a United States Coast Guard Ap-

proved Type I, II, III or Type V Hybrid Personal Flota-

tion Device.

6. The term “waterskiing” means anything with a rider, be-

ing towed by a power vessel by means of a tow rope, tow

line or training boom.

7. All ski boats shall display a signal pennant which shall

be orange in color and triangular in shape and not less

than 12 inches in any dimension.

8. The pennant shall be displayed at least four feet above

the highest structure on the boat during each of the fol-

lowing activities;

A. While pulling or retrieving a skier

B. While a skier is in the water; or

C. While a tow line is in the water.

9. A person shall not display the pennant at any other time

other than while conducting any of the activities de-

scribed above in number 8.

SKIN DIVING

1. Any person while diving shall mark their position with a

buoyed ﬂ ag approved by the Boat Regulation Commis-

sion.

a. The ﬂ ag shall be displayed so it is visible all around

the horizon; from a buoy, ﬂ oat, boat or other ﬂ oating

object.

b. The ﬂ ag shall be a minimum of fourteen (14) inches

by sixteen (16) inches, shall be rigid to enhance vis-

ibility and shall be a red background with a white

diagonal stripe running from one corner to the other.

2. No person may operate a vessel within 50 feet of a

buoyed ﬂ ag.

3. No person shall display a ﬂ ag at times other than when

diving is in progress.

4. No person may swim or dive in a narrow, conﬁ ned or im-

proved channel or in a marked fairway, under a bridge or

impede, obstruct or interfere with passage of watercraft

therein.

5. No diver shall surface more than 25 feet from their

buoyed ﬂ ag except in an emergency.

WATERCRAFT NOISE CONTROL

1. No person shall operate or give permission for the opera-

tion of any vessel or watercraft capable of emitting noise

totaling in excess of 90 dba in or upon waters of this

State,

2. The Noise Emission Test shall be made with a sound

level meter at a distance of not less than 4 feet above the

water at a point where the transom, gunwale and port or

starboard gunwale intersects.

3. Vessel being tested shall operate its engine, or in the case

of multiple engines, shall operate together at the lowest

throttle settings in neutral gear.

4. Personal watercraft, jet boats and vessels with no neutral

gear shall operate at lowest throttle setting with mini-

mum or no headway motion.

5. Any person who fails to comply with directive to submit

to a noise emissions test as described above shall be sub-

ject to prosecution and shall be ordered to immediately

return the vessel to its mooring and cease operations.

6. The noise limitation provisions shall not apply to vessels

registered and actually participating in racing events or

test periods for such events authorized by the New Jer-

sey State Police, Marine Law Enforcement.

RACING

1. The operator/owner of an unregistered racing vessel,

wishing to test run the vessel in preparation for competi-

tion in an authorized race within the State of New Jersey,

must ﬁ rst obtain a race test permit by applying at the

nearest New Jersey State Police, Marine Law Enforce-

ment station.

2. No vessel shall move across or around the course of an

authorized race or regatta so as to create a water condi-

tion which shall unnecessarily endanger the life, limb or

craft of those competing in the race or regatta.

RACE TEST PERMITS

1. Before any race boat is tested, the operator shall secure

a race test permit from the New Jersey State Police, Ma-

rine Law Enforcement station in that area.

2. Before the permit is issued, the applicant shall give to

the Marine Law Enforcement station a statement which

shall include the following:

a. Name and address of the operator;

b. Type and description of the boat;

c. The name and address of the boat owner;

d. The date and location of the next race in which the

operator will compete;

e. Any other information deemed necessary by the

Marine Law Enforcement Station Commander or his

representative.

3. From May 15 through October 1, there shall be no race

tests permitted on any Saturday, Sunday or holiday.

4. All race tests shall be limited to a total test period of

twenty (20) minutes on the water.

5. No operator shall be permitted more than ﬁ ve race tests

in any seven day period.

6. No boat shall be tested more than ﬁ ve times in any seven

day period.

7. The provisions of paragraphs 3, 5 and 6 of this subsec-

tion shall not apply on a body of water in the three day

period immediately preceding a race on that body of wa-

ter. Testing on days of sanctioned racing may be subject

to such restrictions as may be imposed by the United

States Coast Guard or the New Jersey State Police, Ma-

rine Law Enforcement.

8. The Station Commander or his designee, of the nearest

New Jersey State Police, Marine Law Enforcement sta-

tion, is authorized to deny or cancel any permit for the

reasons of boat trafﬁ c, poor weather, conﬁ ned area or

other valid reason.

LOADING YOUR BOAT

There are several things that should be remembered when

loading a boat; distribute the load evenly; don’t stand up in

a small boat; don’t overload; and consult the “U.S. Coast

Guard Capacity Information Plate.”

WATER POLLUTION AND THE RECREATIONAL

BOATER

The Federal Refuse Act of 1899 prohibits the throwing, dis-

charging or disposing of any refuse matter of any kind (in-

cluding trash, garbage, oil and other liquid pollutants) into

the waters of the United States to the distance of three miles

from the coastline. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act,

as amended, prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous sub-

stances in quantities which may be harmful into U.S. naviga-

ble waters, the contiguous zone and waters within 200 miles.

Federal regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution

Control Act, as amended, require that:

No person shall put or place into, turn into or place where it

can run, ﬂ ow, wash or be emptied into or where it can ﬁ nd its

way into any fresh or tidal waters, within the jurisdiction of

this state, any petroleum products, debris, hazardous, delete-

rious, destructive or poisonous substance of any kind.

Vessels 26 feet in length and over must have posted a placard

at least 5 by 8 inches, made of durable material, ﬁ xed in a

conspicuous place in the machinery spaces, or at the bilge

and ballast pump control station, stating the following:

DISCHARGE OF OIL PROHIBITED

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the dis-

charge of oil or oily waste into or upon the navigable waters

of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone if

such discharge causes a ﬁ lm or sheen upon, or discoloration

of, the surface of the water, or causes a sludge or emulsion

beneath the surface of the water. (See 33 CFR 155.440)

CHAPTER 4

For Your Protection

SECURITY AFLOAT

Theft is often committed by relatively unskilled, young ama-

teurs who strike where they have an easy opportunity. You

can defend against this type of crime by becoming security

conscious and by practicing the common sense prevention

measures recommended.

MARK IT:

The property marking program known as OPERATION

IDENTIFICATION is one of the basics in preventing crime.

Engrave the letters NJ DL which means New Jersey Drivers

License, followed by your drivers license number onto all

of your valuable equipment. This number will be solid evi-

dence of possession of stolen property, and will greatly aid

the police as this number can be checked.

RECORD IT:

Make a complete inventory of your marine equipment, boat

and trailer. List all electronic gear, binoculars, outboard mo-

tors, etc. by brand, model and serial number. If your boat

was built since 1972, it has a hull number, which also should

be recorded. If you have a trailer note the license number.

Keep this inventory at home and keep a copy hidden on your

boat for quick reference in case you ﬁ nd something missing.

Photograph your boat from several different angles and keep

the prints at home, along with a copy of your boat registra-

tion.

STORE IT SAFELY:

Outboard motors, especially the larger ones may be imprac-

tical to remove. You can make them somewhat more secure,

however, by adding an outboard lock. While these devices

can be pried off, the time and noise will make it more trouble

than it’s worth for many thieves.

Boats on trailers are easy crime targets if thieves can just

hitch up and drive away. Here are several ways that you can

help prevent that.

* If possible, store the boat and trailer in a locked garage,

secured boat-storage facility, or mini-storage stall.

* Keep the boat well inside your yard, preferably out of

sight.

* If possible, turn the trailer around so that it noses in in-

stead of out.

* In a carport or driveway, park a vehicle in front of the

trailer, blocking easy removal.

* For any type of outside storage, remove at least one

wheel from the trailer.

* Use a high security chain and quality lock to secure the

boat and trailer to a ﬁ xed object, such as a tree or post

* No matter how you store your trailer, get a trailer hitch

lock.

MAIN HATCH:

Marine dealers carry special exterior hatch locks. Hinges

and hatches are another weak point. You may be able to add

or substitute hinges for improved security.

FORWARD HATCH:

Special interior hatch fasteners, or even a pad lock can be

added.

When buying and installing any type of security equipment,

use high quality locks and equipment. Substitute long screws

for short screws whenever possible.

REMEMBER: A lock is not a lock unless you lock it.

Anytime you are away from your boat, close the drapes if

you have them so people can not “window shop.”

Get to know your boating neighbors and their families.

Agree to keep an eye out for each other’s property.

LIVE ABOARDS:

Live aboards are obviously very helpful in spotting suspi-

cious activities.

LIGHTING:

Adequate lighting is essential for observation at night. If

lighting at your moorage isn’t good, suggest that manage-

ment improve it.

BACK IN:

Your neighbors can keep a better eye on your boat if it’s pos-

sible for you to back the boat into your slip. This also makes

it more risky for potential thieves who arrive by water.

GATE SECURITY SYSTEM:

A good theft deterrent at moorage is a gate security system.

The security it provides outweighs the minor inconvenience.

Gate security depends on the boaters closing the gate behind

them and not opening the gate for unauthorized people.

REPORT STOLEN BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

If your boat or equipment is stolen, report it immediately to

the nearest police department. Use your inventory records to

give them speciﬁ c, complete information on what was taken.

Patrols may come in contact with the thief on the water with

your equipment, but if you failed to report the theft, the thief

may get away with your equipment.

BARGAIN DEALS

Be wary of anyone offering you marine equipment at a price

which is far below the fair market value, as it may be stolen.

If you are offered one of these good deals, report it to the

nearest police department. They may be able to check on the

equipment to determine if it is stolen.

FLOAT PLAN

Complete the following page before going boating and leave

it with a reliable person who can be depended upon to notify

the New Jersey State Police, Marine Law Enforcement sta-

tion in your area should you not return as scheduled. Do not

ﬁ le this plan with the New Jersey State Police, Marine Law

Enforcement.

NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT FLOAT PLAN

Name of person reporting overdue ____________________________________

Address of person reporting _________________________________________

Phone Cell Phone

Number _______________________ Number ________________________

Registration Number_______________________ Length __________________

Make ___________________________ Type __________________________

Hull Color________________________ Deck Color______________________

Distinguishing Features ___________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Name of Operator___________________________________ Age___________

Address ________________________________________________________

Phone Cell Phone

Number _______________________ Number ________________________

Medical Concerns_______________ Operator’s Experience ________________

Name, age, address and phone number of other persons onboard _____________

_______________________________________________________________

Radio,  Yes No  Transmitter,  Yes No 

Frequencies _____________________________________________________

Departed From ________________________________ Time ______________

Trip Activity (intentions)_____________________________________________

En route to ______________________________________________________

Estimated time of arrival ____________________________________________

Equipment on Board, PFD’s, Flares, Anchor______________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Auto Color, Make, Year and where parked _______________________________

_______________________________ License #_______________________

NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT STATIONS

To best serve the public, the New Jersey State Police Marine Services

Bureau has operational stations located strategically throughout the state

in or near heavy boating areas as follows:

New Jersey State Police Headquarters

P.O. Box 7068

West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068, (609) 882-2000

Attn.: Marine Services Bureau

Atlantic City Station

12 North Rhode Island Avenue

Atlantic City, NJ 08401, (609) 441-3586

Bivalve Station

2669 Ogden Avenue

Port Norris, NJ 08349, (856) 785-1330

Burlington Station

601 East Pearl Street

Burlington City, NJ 08016

(609) 387-1221

Lake Hopatcong Station

P.O. Box 341, Espanong Road

Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849

(973) 663-3400

Monmouth Station

1250 Ocean Avenue

Sea Bright, NJ 07760

(732) 842-5171

Newark Bay Station

400 Corbin Street

Port Newark, NJ 07114, (973) 578-8173

North Wildwood Station

Chestnut and Central Avenues

North Wildwood, NJ 08260, (609) 522-0393

Ocean Station

2 Point Drive

Waretown, NJ 08758, (609) 693-8371

Point Pleasant Station

2001 Loveland Place

Point Pleasant, NJ 08742, (732) 899-5050

HUNTERDON

KINGWOOD

MONMOUTH

BEACH

LAKE

HOPATCONG

POINT

PLEASANT

ATLANTIC CITY

OCEAN

BIVALVE

NORTH WILDWOOD

NJ STATE POLICE

DIVISION HQ

BURLINGTON

NEWARK

BAY

LIGHTS REQUIRED ON BOATS BETWEEN SUNSET AND

SUNRISE AND AT ALL TIMES OF RESTRICTED VISIBILITY

RANGE AND DEGREE OF VISIBILITY OF LIGHTS

Location Visible Range Degrees

Inland and International

Masthead light 2/3 225/225

All-around light 2/2 360/360

Side lights 1/2 112.5/112.5

Stern light 2/2 135/135

(In Nautical Miles)

Figure 1

Figure 4

Great Lakes

ONLY

Figure 5

Figure 8

Figure 6

Figure 2 Figure 3

Inland

Only

MARINE RADIO INFORMATION

BOATING SAFETY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Boaters seeking information or emergency assistance,

contact:

New Jersey State Police

Marine Law Enforcement

(Closest station to your position)

Call Channel

*Cell phones can also be very useful, however, other boaters

in the area will not be able to hear your call for help. Keep in

mind that you will lose reception quickly when on the water.

Call 911 or one of the Marine Law Enforcement stations from

the phone list on page 46.

The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau

conducts safe boating programs annually. These programs

are presented in schools during the winter months throughout

the state. This program is free to those schools requesting this

service.

For this and other presentation requests, contact:

New Jersey State Police

Marine Services Bureau

PO Box 7068

West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068

609-882-2000, ext. 6173

Channel 16, VHF Marine Band, Emergency Channel

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

1. Valid Registration

2. Registration number properly

displayed

3. Validation decals properly

displayed

4. Required lights

5. Flame arrester properly installed

(where required)

6. Personal flotation devices

(wearable)

7. Personal flotation device

(throwable)

8. Horn or whistle

9. Bell (where required)

10. Adequate bilge ventilation

11. Approved unexpired visual

distress signals

12. Approved fire extinguishers

13. Operator's License (non-tidal

water only)

14. Float plan

15. Boating Safety Certificate

(when required)

New Jersey State Police

Boating

Safety

Manual

HONOR

DUTY

FIDELITY