High Wire
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Ditto. Nj has required a proctored exam since 1996. Reason being “anyone could be at the keyboard.”
The NJSP will generally accept state issued safety certificates from other states that are part of NASBLA.
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California Boating Card
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The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Ditto. Nj has required a proctored exam since 1996. Reason being “anyone could be at the keyboard.”
The NJSP will generally accept state issued safety certificates from other states that are part of NASBLA.
hmason
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In CT there was a limited period of time for anyone with a captain's license to simply obtain a safe boating card. Once that time passed you needed to take the safe boating course even if you had a captain's license.
Wifey B: From DEEP: FAQs Certification
I quote:
If I have a valid U.S. Coast Guard Operating License, do I need a boating certificate to operate my boat (other than a personal watercraft)?
If you have a current master, mate, or pilot license issued through the U.S. Coast Guard, you do not need the Connecticut boating certificate to operate your boat. You must keep the valid license with you at all times. You cannot use the valid Coast Guard License to obtain your Connecticut boating certificate. You would have to take a boating course or provide us with proof that you have taken an approved boating course to obtain a Connecticut issued boating certificate.
If you have a current master, mate, or pilot license issued through the U.S. Coast Guard, you do not need the Connecticut boating certificate to operate your boat. You must keep the valid license with you at all times. You cannot use the valid Coast Guard License to obtain your Connecticut boating certificate. You would have to take a boating course or provide us with proof that you have taken an approved boating course to obtain a Connecticut issued boating certificate.
So you don't need the safe boater's license if you have a valid Captain's license. Now it doesn't give you a CT boating card but you don't need one.
Benthic2
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Thanks to all who addressed my question. This forum rocks !!
psneeld
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Wifey B: From DEEP: FAQs Certification
I quote:
If I have a valid U.S. Coast Guard Operating License, do I need a boating certificate to operate my boat (other than a personal watercraft)?
If you have a current master, mate, or pilot license issued through the U.S. Coast Guard, you do not need the Connecticut boating certificate to operate your boat. You must keep the valid license with you at all times. You cannot use the valid Coast Guard License to obtain your Connecticut boating certificate. You would have to take a boating course or provide us with proof that you have taken an approved boating course to obtain a Connecticut issued boating certificate.
So you don't need the safe boater's license if you have a valid Captain's license. Now it doesn't give you a CT boating card but you don't need one.
Which like NJ proves the utter failure of beuracrats to easily resolve issues. Why one can get another no questions asked id rediculous.
like TWIC cards and Captains licences are notv
official ID documents for proof of citizenship, etc......no mattwr how hard they are to get.
It seems odd and a bit unfair to require that a person actually sits in a class if he or she could pass the test from experience or self study. What seems important is that you know the answers, not how you obtained that information.
Some states do and some don't. However, by your philosophy, then we wouldn't require drivers' training, wouldn't require teachers or lawyers or surgeons have degrees. We require coursework for many things.
I moved from one state to another and the DMV only tested my eyes and gave me a driver's license. No requirement for classes.
Some schools don't require students to go to all the classes, jut pass the test. And then there are home schooled children who never set foot in the classroom. What is important is what you know, not how you came to know it.
I don't think you quite understood my post.
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psneeld
Guru
Yes, but every school I went to over a lifetime or 23 years of various military training sessions, more was learned out of the classroom than in it....
Taking a test and passing it is like looking at a subject through a straw.
Educaters know that and possibly why it is part of some states requirements.
Others cant change the test every day so testing out will be beat by those who will pay for just enough info to pass the test....from other who just took it.
Taking a test and passing it is like looking at a subject through a straw.
Educaters know that and possibly why it is part of some states requirements.
Others cant change the test every day so testing out will be beat by those who will pay for just enough info to pass the test....from other who just took it.
O C Diver
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I find this whole boater safety card nonsense so pathetic. With no requirement to demonstrate the safe operation of a vessel or too have ever been on one, this is nothing more than a feel good meaningless gesture. In the USA we've had automobile driver education requirements for 40+ years. That includes extensive classroom and behind the wheel time followed by a state driving evaluation. I find it so incredible that a person who has never been on a boat, can purchase and operate one capable of going 40+ knots, and the state feels they've made a difference by requiring an online safety course for an all but meaningless card. 
Ted
Ted
Benthic2
Guru
Has anyone heard of someone losing their boating card for bad behavior ( similar to the way a drunk driver or habitual speeder can lose their driver's license ) ??
as an analyst, I put a lot of stock in statistics, and one that has stuck out for me is the following from the 2016 USCG accident report.
Only 13% percent of deaths occurred on
vessels where the operator had received a nationally-approved boating safety
education certificate.
Sure...there are reasons that could be skewed, and the USCG might want to skew the results to make training look more valuable.....but, most folks here have a ton of experience and that may also be skewing the reaction to training requirements. For example, everyone here knows that you need a lot more anchor line than depth....but a total landlubber might not. Things that seem like commons sense to an experienced boater might not be so common to a segment of the population....and THAT segment is who will benefit from training....AND are more likely to do something stupid and cause an accident.
Its a hassle for an old salt to have to jump through a few hoops to run his own boat...but it also a hassle for some novice kayaker to get swept out to sea, or a ski boat operator chew up a skier in his prop because he didn't have an observer, or run over a diver because he didn't know what a dive flag meant.
I find I'm getting more liberal as I get older....but I'm willing to inconvenience a few old salts to save a few lives.
as an analyst, I put a lot of stock in statistics, and one that has stuck out for me is the following from the 2016 USCG accident report.
Only 13% percent of deaths occurred on
vessels where the operator had received a nationally-approved boating safety
education certificate.
Sure...there are reasons that could be skewed, and the USCG might want to skew the results to make training look more valuable.....but, most folks here have a ton of experience and that may also be skewing the reaction to training requirements. For example, everyone here knows that you need a lot more anchor line than depth....but a total landlubber might not. Things that seem like commons sense to an experienced boater might not be so common to a segment of the population....and THAT segment is who will benefit from training....AND are more likely to do something stupid and cause an accident.
Its a hassle for an old salt to have to jump through a few hoops to run his own boat...but it also a hassle for some novice kayaker to get swept out to sea, or a ski boat operator chew up a skier in his prop because he didn't have an observer, or run over a diver because he didn't know what a dive flag meant.
I find I'm getting more liberal as I get older....but I'm willing to inconvenience a few old salts to save a few lives.
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psneeld
Guru
In NJ, you lose it for either a DUI or BUI. I believe the judge determines the length of time.
We need to get marine LEOs to put some teeth into the program...but my guess is the court system and prosecuters are shying away from enforcement on many levels.
Heck, we had a hard time getting the District Attorney to prosecute fishermen for endangering Coasties doing their job, so you can guess how bad boating behavior of prominent citizens rates on their list of crimes.
We need to get marine LEOs to put some teeth into the program...but my guess is the court system and prosecuters are shying away from enforcement on many levels.
Heck, we had a hard time getting the District Attorney to prosecute fishermen for endangering Coasties doing their job, so you can guess how bad boating behavior of prominent citizens rates on their list of crimes.
NY similar to NJ... boating & driving are reciprocal. .. lose one lose both.
Lot of room to argue requirements aren't perfect...won't help etc.
Anything better than nothing IMHO
Recently took NY road test for driving motorhome > 26,000#
NY has no book no online info to help educate drivers.
This is not CDL and 80%? of that doesn't apply...and the real hooker is legally you are on a learner permit and need a properly licensed driver along even when practicing.
At least in the boatong world there is educational material being provided.
Ideally boating shoild be closer to driving... different class licenses...2HP on a dingy very different that a 50' Trawler or a 30' go fast boat but no difference in card reqmts? ??[emoji79]
Lot of room to argue requirements aren't perfect...won't help etc.
Anything better than nothing IMHO
Recently took NY road test for driving motorhome > 26,000#
NY has no book no online info to help educate drivers.
This is not CDL and 80%? of that doesn't apply...and the real hooker is legally you are on a learner permit and need a properly licensed driver along even when practicing.
At least in the boatong world there is educational material being provided.
Ideally boating shoild be closer to driving... different class licenses...2HP on a dingy very different that a 50' Trawler or a 30' go fast boat but no difference in card reqmts? ??[emoji79]
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I've been a boater for over 55 years, graduating in that time from a 9' rowboat to what I now have. Also, over those same years I've taken a boating course 5 times. I started with a USPS course in 1967 and the most recent was a USCGA course in about 2010. I've taken courses online and also in the classroom.
I think a person tends to gain more actual knowledge from taking it in a classroom setting. The reason for this is the exchange of information and ideas between the people in the classroom. Especially when it comes to local knowledge about the waters one is going to be boating on. Those are bits of information that you don't get from a computer.
I think a person tends to gain more actual knowledge from taking it in a classroom setting. The reason for this is the exchange of information and ideas between the people in the classroom. Especially when it comes to local knowledge about the waters one is going to be boating on. Those are bits of information that you don't get from a computer.
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diver dave
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Bac. I’m a new yorker and have a canada TC card. Am i covered for NY? I read NY website and dont understand their reciprocity rules. Also have USCG aux card but dont see that listed.
dd
Hi "neighbor" we live in the Corning area and keep our boat on Seneca Lk
I'm not sure about Canada but first guess doubt it.
NY is sticky about NASBLA certified courses and I see it also requires any card be state issued to be reciprocal.
I looked up info to confirm my understanding that USCG & USPS courses satisfied the NY reqm'ts and was surprised to find this in their FAQs...
I have a US Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety certificate. Can I exchange it for a New York boating safety certificate?
No. The same is true for US Power Squadron boating safety certificate. New York State can only issue a boating safety certificate to persons that have successfully completed a NYS classroom course.
Applicable sites / docs I found
Boating Education Reciprocity
NY Boater Education FAQ
I have successfully used my USPS Certified Instructor Card in other states that require boater cards but it looks like that wouldn't hold in NY. I was under the impression that USPS & USCG courses were acceptable in NY but the info states otherwise...I need to do more checking w/ our Squadron Education officer.
Most jurisdictions try to use language similar to that used in the Canadian regs:
"for a visitor to Canada, an operator card or other document that meets the requirements of his or her home state or country."
Check your State's language to be sure.
diver dave
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"Who needs the NYS Boater Education Course?
All boaters born on or after May 1st, 1996 are required to successfully complete an approved boater education course in order to operate a motorboat."
Looks like no education is rqrd. for most of us.
All boaters born on or after May 1st, 1996 are required to successfully complete an approved boater education course in order to operate a motorboat."
Looks like no education is rqrd. for most of us.
diver dave
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I see now that NJ needs a license for all ages. So, their web indicates my USCGA course in 1992 works for the education end of things, but you still need to get the $24 four year license. IF you operate for over 90 days.
dd
after digging further here is my current understanding...
USCG / USPS certificates are accepted proof of education to satisfy the NYS reqm'ts (note they must be carried on person / aboard)
From the NYS Parks website re:Boater Safety Courses
Motorboats
New Law Effective May 1st 2014
All individuals born on or after 5/1/96 are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. Approved courses include those offered by NYS Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadrons. Individuals less than 10 years of age may not take this course of instruction. Certain allowances to this law have been made for visitors to New York, persons renting a boat from a livery and persons purchasing a new boat for the first time. Please refer to Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Find a Boating Safety Course near you.
I think the source of some of the confusion may be the website I linked in my previous reply. The way I interpret that now is the following:
- USCG / USPS course certificates will satisfy NYS boater education reqm'ts (must be carried aboard)
- USCG / USPS course certificates will allow application for the NY Adventure License Boating Endorsement (must be carried aboard)
- USCG / USPS course certificates can not be exchanged for a NYS Boater Safety Certificate
- USPS online course does satisfy NY Boating Safety Certificate course requirements (accepted for NY Boater Safety Cert and for the Adventure License)
This page has info on applying for the endorsement on your driver license
NY Boater Education & Adventure License
it states :
If you have a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron Boating Safety Certificate, you must bring your original certificate directly to any DMV office.
True for most of us older boaters.
The only exception is for operating a PWC - everyone in NY now needs a certificate.
psneeld
I believe that applies to NJ & CT residents. I won't think any of the states impose those reqmts for transient boaters. Same for driving motorhomes & 5th wheel trailers... if you are legal in home state of your DL you are legal in other states.
psneeld
Guru
I know NJ requires some form of certification.....not to their level but some form of boating safety course.....
If not, they will ask you to leave NJ waters....even if your home state doesnt require you to have a safety card.
Taught their course for 13 years.
Straight from tge NJ manual......
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.
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O C Diver
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It's my impression that most of these cards are good for life? The states that I have looked at will all take my USCG current masters (captain's license ) license in place of their card. It seems that if I let my license lapse, it's no longer a valid substitute. Are others reading it that way also?
Ted
Ted
I stand corrected - that's tougher than my understanding of driver license reqmts for motorhomes >26,000#.
Thanks
That is typically what I've seen. Captain's license good but only if it's valid. Makes sense that it can't substitute when it's no longer in effect.
O C Diver
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This isn't a license (state safe boating card), this is a non expiring certificate of knowledge card. Seems kind of ludicrous to say you have the knowledge when you have a USCG license, but the knowledge magically goes away if you let you license expire.
Ted
psneeld
Guru
Cant say I agree with NJ theory totally, but it is about currency.
I think they could have made it if you were a current licensed captain until say 10 years ago, maybe even 5.....as things do change.....
However, the same can be said with the boating card 10 years from now, how "current" are the recent graduates going to be then?
I think I posted earlier, the beauracratic wheels just get close, they never seem to hit the nail squarely on the head as there are always loopholes and the line gets drawn arbitrarily someplace.
