Compliance Guides

New Jersey Regulatory Guide

New Jersey has regulations related to the operation of vessel, including boats used for leasing. These regulations cover various aspects of vessel operation, such as equipment requirements, safety procedures, and licensing requirements for operators. On this page, we navigate you through everything you need to have in place in order to ensure that your boat rental business is compliant with New Jersey’s regulations, along with some other important things to keep in mind.

Boxes you need to tick

These are requirements as defined by law:

Registration Requirement

Certificate of Number must be carried onboard. Registration numbers and validation decals must be properly displayed on hull of boat.

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Age Requirement

Renter must be minimum 16 years old.

Rental Agreement

Renters must sign a written rental agreement

A written rental agreement for personal watercraft rented shall contain at least the following information:

1.The full name, address, date of birth and telephone number of the renter; 2.The date and time of rental;
3.The name of the agent or employee renting the vessel;
4.The registration number of the rented vessel;

5. The statement “I have received and understand the instruction in safe boating covering the United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules, equipment requirements for Class A vessels, and operation of personal watercraft”; and

6.The signature of the renter.

(b)The written agreement shall be kept on file for at least one year after rental.
(c)Agreements shall be subject to inspection by the Marine Services Bureau during normal business hours.

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Boat Rental Instructions

Before permitting renters to operate the vessel, the boat owner is responsible for providing comprehensive boating safety instructions to ensure each renter is adequately prepared and knowledgeable about safe boating practices.

Instruction shall include at least the following topics:

1.United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules:

i. Meeting situation;
ii.Crossing situation;

iii.Overtaking situation;

iv.Meaning of proper lookout; and

v.Safe speed and distance;

2. Handling characteristics of personal watercraft;

3. Equipment requirements for Class A vessels;

4. Operating instructions for the vessel being rented; and

5. Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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Record Requirement

The boat rental business shall maintain a written record of all individuals who receive approved pre-rental instruction provided by that business

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

In events involving death or disappearance from a vessel, operators must immediately notify the nearest State Police station, providing details like the date, time, location, names of those who died or disappeared, and vessel information.

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If a boating accident results in property damage over $2,000, injury, death, or disappearance of a person, operators involved must file a report with the New Jersey State Police.

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If the operator is unable to give notice or file the report, it is the responsibility of every person on board to ensure that the State Police are notified. If the operator cannot submit the report, the responsibility falls to the vessel's owner.

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A written report must be filed within 48 hours if a death occurs within 24 hours of the accident, or if there is an injury requiring more than first aid, or a disappearance.

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For other cases, such as property damage, the report should be filed within 10 days of the incident.

Rental Boat Accident Reporting Form

Report Accident

New Jersey Regulatory Guide

Boxes you need to tick

Keep in mind when renting out boats

Required

Recommended

Not required

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

Federal Regulation

Compliance by State

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