Click here to view the new educational video for anyone who floats on the NY/NJ Harbor. This video was produced by a coalition of commercial and recreational boaters in cooperation with the US Coast Guard. Learn about your responsibilities and risks when boating on our great mixed-use Harbor.

The 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey is being conducted with the support of Marine Trades Associations, Boating and Yacht Clubs Association, Sailors for the Sea, and others. SeaPlan, an independent nonprofit organization, is leading the study team, which includes the University of Massachusetts, Ecotrust, and the Northeast Regional Ocean Council. Learn more at www.neboatersurvey.org and click on the particpation button (you do not need an invitation).

The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently selected the NJ Marine Highway Initiative (pdf, 11.2Mb) as one of six plans to begin work on a national network designed to reduce our dependence on highways for shipping domestic freight.

The Bayshore Regional Watershed Association has published a regional dredged material management plan for the Monmouth County Raritan bayshore. The plan is available for download (pdf, 4226kb).

View the film: "A Good Run"

Rules and Regulations

United States Coast Guard (USCG) Local Notice to Mariners - Weekly Edition
The USCG publishes a weekly Notice to Mariners. Information relevant to local waterways and changes to regulations in the Fifth Coast Guard District are posted as notices of Proposed Rule Making (pdf).  The Fifth Coast Guard District covers coastal waters from the Shrewsbury River, New Jersey to Little River, South Carolina.

New Boating Regulations (pdf, 22.8Kb) have been passed by the NJ Legislature (NJAC 1382). These new rules are primarily for safety and include not only boating but also waterskiing, parasailing, diving and swimming.

NJDOT manned and unmanned drawbridge schedule and contact information. Remember that while on the water, boaters need only call Channel 13 for bridge information and to request an opening for "on demand" bridges.

The U.S. Coast Guard has passed an interim rule (pdf, 58kb) regarding the openings of railroad bridges crossing the Arthur Kill at mile marker 11.6 (near Goethels Bridge) and the Raritan River at mile marker 0.5 (near GSP Bridge). These rules are effective now.

UPDATE: Boater Safety Course Deadline Clarified
A 2326 was signed into law on January 15, 2009 as P.L.2009, Chapter 1.  This law clarifies that the State’s mandatory boat safety course required to operate power vessels in this State, including personal watercraft, must be completed by all persons before June 1, 2009.