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HARBOR MASTER 'S OBSERVATIONS

UPDATED HARBOR MASTER REPORT (2008)

"NO WAKE" means "NO WAKE"! Please caution visitors or renters regarding NJ Marine Laws. PWC's are frequent causes of fatalities.

All operators of Personal Water Craft (Jet-Ski etc.) must have a Boating Safety Certificate. The minimum age to operate a power vessel is 16 years.

Persons born in 1949 or later must possess a Boating Safety Certificate(BSC) by June 1, 2008. By June 1,2009, everyone must have a BSC to operate a boat in NJ. Those under 16 but older than 13 that have a BSC can operate a vessel powered by an electric motor or a power vessel not greater than 12 feet in length and not exceeding 10 HP.

Out of State residents must be 16 or older and must present written proof of successful completion of an Approved Boating Safety Course. NO ONE can operate a PWC without a similar proof.

Check your insurance. Both liability and towing insurance are suggested. If you allow a person who does not have a BSC to operate your vehicle, your coverage may not apply.

Boating Safety Courses will be available via the Coast Guard Auxillary and other approved sources.It is expected that courses will be available on Friday nights and Saturday mornings in Ship Bottom during the boating season. Check the Sandpaper for dates. State Law mandates an 8 hour course.

Anticipate purchasing new Personal Flotation Devises (Life Perserves). PWCs and vessels that can exceed 35 MPH will be required to carry PFDs rated 50 mph. by 2009.

Need a vessel check?? Call 494-0543 and the Coast Guard Auxillary will conduct such a check. A list of requirements can be made available. Note that both the NJ Marine Police and the Coast Guard have been active at Barnegat Light checking for correct numbering, flotation devices, distress signals and other related items.Do not permit passengers to sit on the bow or any other location with any parts of their body hanging over the side.

SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH BOATERS, BOATING ACCIDENT?

auxphoto5.jpg First contact should be the NJ Marine Police, The dispatcher is in Atlantic City and the telephone number is 609-693-8371 or cell phone *CG. The second contact is the U.S. Coast Guard, Barnegat Station, 609-494-2680. Third contact is the Long Beach Township Police 609-494-3322. Our local police do not have water transportation and will cooperate with the Loveladies Harbor Organization but cannot pursue violators on the water.

BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED (BWI)

drunk.jpg A BWI is a serious offense. A conviction results in suspension of your boating privileges for one (1) year and suspension of your driving license for Six (6) months. Other details are available through the NJ State Police. We are checking on knowledge regarding points and insurance increases as a result. Please, no drinking, drugs and boating. Boat Safely.

NJ STATE LAWS REGARDING BOATING SAFETY (briefly)

Personal flotation devices (PFDs) of the correct size are required for all on board. Any child 12 years of age and younger must WEAR a properly fitted USCG Approved PFD whenever the vessel they are on is underway, unless the child is inside a fully enclosed permanent cabin

All persons operating a Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski, Seadoo, Waverunner etc.) must have proof of completion of an approved boating safety course. Proof must be in their possession when operating

No person under the age of 13 may operate any power vessel in NJ waters, including Personal Watercraft.

Persons born on or after January 01,1979 must complete an approved boating safety course prior to operating any power vessel. Proof must be in their possession when operating.

All operators on non-tidal waters must have a NJ Division of Motor Vehicle Boat License in their possession.

For more detailed information contact the NJ Marine Police

BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE

certificate.jpg These are awarded upon completion of a “ BOATING SKILLS AND SEAMANSHIP” Course. The USCG Auxiliary, a Power Squadron, an Adult School or something similar may offer this. On Long Beach Island they are usually held at the Ship Bottom Borough Hall and are taught by Flotilla 7-12 of the USCG Auxiliary. Dates will be posted on this page, as they became available. Local Courses are published in the “Sandpaper” The course is also available at many other locations and usually results in a savings on your boat insurance.

COAST GUARD INSPECTIONS OF YOUR VESSEL

For those interested in the “USCGA Boating Vessel Safety Check” we will try to arrange a date, in the spring, when the USCG Auxiliary will be able to come to your vessel, at your request, and check for safety. A decal will be awarded to those passing the check. The date will be posted in this space, or you can contact the Harbormaster and arrangements can be made for the inspection. It is not mandatory.

RIGHT OF WAY

We share the lagoons with a variety of equipment, manually powered, sail, and fossil fuel powered. Remember that vessels under sail have the “RIGHT OF WAY”. This does not apply to sailing vessels while powered by an engine. Please give the sailors a break.

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, BARNEGAT LIGHT

Interested in this organization? Members receive further reductions in their boating insurance. They meet at Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, third Friday of the month at 8:00 PM (2000hr). Contact Tony Durner, Commander Flotilla 7-12, 609-618-1809 or George, 609-242-2882. The Flotilla is actively seeking Boat Crew Trainees. Some Flotillas have an active social program as well. Guests are welcome.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

Mark your boat, trailer, kayak, electronic equipment, and any expensive items in a visible place as well as a place where only you know where it is. Your Drivers license number preceded by NJ DL is the best way to identify your property and can be an easy way for authorities to locate you.

NO WAKE ZONES

Kindly observe these zones, you are responsible for any damage caused by your wake and your neighbors appreciate your courtesy, especially in the lagoons and on the way to the Intercoastal Waterway.

DAYMARKERS

buoy.jpg The State of New Jersey sets the daymarkers (The poles with red triangles and green squares). Missing or damaged markers should be reported to the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Auxiliary who will refer them to the State.

INTERESTED IN A SAFETY CHECK?

This can be done at your convenience! Call the U.S. Coast Guard, Auxiliary Flotilla,7-12, Barnegat Light. Leave your name and local telephone number. A qualified member who will conduct the Vessel Safety Check will contact you. The following items are required for the Safety Decal

# Correct Registration
# Numbering
# Backfire Flame Arrester
# Sound Device
# Visual Distress Signals
# Ventilation Fire Extinguisher
# Required Lights
# Personal Flotation Devices
# Operator's License (where required)


For information contact 609-494-0543 or r-j.dixon@juno.com