In New York adults over the age of 18 are not required to take a boating safety course. In New Jersey you have to complete an eight hour course in order to receive the required operating certificate. Rob Alport is with the New Jersey Boating School.

“We teach the course to several thousand people a year and even the most experienced boaters always walk away and say hey thanks we really did learn something here, and I think that’s probably one of the most important things people can do.”

Anyone thirteen or older can get a certificate with certain restrictions based on the size and power of the vessel.

To learn more about New Jersey boating safety and obtaining a certificate visit http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/maritime