PUBLIC BOATING COURSES
Legislation was passed on January 9, 2006 and signed by Governor Codey that requires
all boaters to pass a boating safety course. The boating law, P.L. 2005 C.292 (A2624 - 4R),
applies to all people 16 years or older who operate registered vessels above 12 feet that are defined as power vessels.
This includes PWCs. Mandatory testing phases in by age through June 1, 2009 when the law will apply to all age boaters.
As of June 1, 2007, all boaters born in 1959 and later must possess a safety certificate.
As of June 1, 2008, all boaters born in 1949 and later must possess a safety certificate.
Shrewsbury Power Squadron offers several public boating courses each year. Traditionally, there is a full-length course each spring and fall, as well as several 1-2 day Boat Smart Courses and Test-outs (experienced Boaters only) throughout the year.
These courses, upon successful completion, meet New Jersey State Safety Certification requirements for boats and (PWC) personal watercraft operation,
and also meets the requirements of all other states.
Locate a USPS Safe Boating Class and Register On-Line
THE SQUADRON BOATING COURSE
A comprehensive Boating Class is given each spring and fall in Rumson, NJ at the Forrestdale School.
Classes start at 2000 (8:00 P.M.) and last for two hours an evening for eight
weeks. Registration is at 7:30 PM on a "walk in" basis. This course is an in-depth class which fully covers boating concepts.
It is highly recommended that new boaters as well as experienced boaters who desire to become knowledgeable
about boating consider signing up for the 8 week course.
The $70 fee covers the cost of the informative, color manual and chart plotting materials.
There is often a discount for additional family members taking the course at the same time.
This reduced fee covers supplies for the test at the end of the course and a course completion certificate.
Successful completion of this course qualifies for reduced insurance rates with some insurers.
It also qualifies teens 16 years of age and older, and adults, for their NJ State
Boating Certificate. Completion of the course, the equivalent Coast Guard Auxiliary or any NASBLA approved course,
satisfy the course requirement for membership in the United States Power Squadrons.
SAFE BOATING COURSE
A shorter Boating Safety Course (8 hours over 1-2 days) is also offered which qualifies those
who successfully complete it for their NJ State Boating Certificate.
Continue to visit this webpage for information on new course schedules or call the number given below for more information.
This one-day or two-day class is a brief review of important boating concepts and is recommended for only for boaters with
some previous knowledge of boating.
New boaters as well as experienced boaters desiring to become knowledgeable about
boating should consider signing up for the 8 week course.
The BOATING SAFETY TEST OUT-OPTION
If you are a power vessel operator with at least 100 hours of operating experience and you were born prior to 1979
you may attempt to pass an approved boating safety exam without completing a boating safety course
Proof of age is required as well as self-certification of experience.
You may only attempt to pass this exam one time, if successful, you will be issued a boating safety certificate.
If unsuccessful, you cannot take the exam again, you will have to complete an approved boating safety course and
pass an exam as part of the course to receive a boating safety certificate.
Pass or fail, there is a state mandated $25 fee for the examination payable
to the state which is to be collected by the local Power Squadron.
It is strongly recommended that boaters first study the NJ State Marine Police Safety booklet and the otherlinks below
before attempting to take the "Test Out" exam.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON COURSE OFFERINGS
Contact the Squadron Education Officer, Lt/C Henry Keller, JN, by e-mail
or at (732) 695-2993
Contact the Squadron , P/C Bob Baechle, by e-mail
or at (732) 946-2837
or call any of the Squadron's Officers
for more information.
Shrewsbury Power Squadron is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons(R).
A Not-for-profit Sail and Power Boating Organization.
All instructors are our knowledgeable members who volunteer their time to the boating community.
JUST FOR FUN, TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF BOATING SAFETY WITH THESE QUICK ON-LINE TEST
Safe Boating test
This is a link the NJ State Police -Marine Services site where you can learn more
and also download a
copy of the NJ State Police Boater Safety Manual.
NJ State Police - Marine Services
Interested furthering your boating knowledge or becoming an expert boater?
Find out more about Shrewsbury Power Squadrons Member's Classes
Occasionally Shrewsbury Power Squadron may offer Seminars, which do not require membership and are open to the public.
These Seminars do not count toward the Safe Boating Certificate.
Find out more about Shrewsbury Power Squadrons Advanced Boating Seminars open to the Public.
SPS Home Page
This page last revised September 23, 2009