Interested In Boating Safety? Sparta Course Schedule Announced
SPARTA, NJ — Although it may be cold outside in Sparta, now is the time to take advantage of getting your New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate. Anyone wishing to operate a power boat on any non-tidal body of water in New Jersey is required to successfully complete a boating safety course and possess a BSC and boat license.
This year, due to coronavirus restrictions, the Lake Mohawk Marine Patrol in Sparta is able to offer two options for obtaining a BSC, either online or in person.
First Option: In-Person Boating Safety Course
For several years, LMCC has sponsored and worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary from Lake Hopatcong to provide in-person boating safety classes. However, restrictions were placed on the auxiliary to conduct in-person classes until recently.
They have scheduled three in-person classes at LMCC for April, May and June. The classes are the first Monday and Tuesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost is $65.00 per person and includes text book, all materials and the written exam. Upon successful completion, a temporary BSC will be issued valid for one year or until you receive your permanent BSC from the N.J. State Police Marine Bureau.
The dates for these courses are April 5-6, May 3-4, and June 7- 8. Attendance on both nights is required. The classes will be held at the main LMCC clubhouse, located at 21 Boardwalk in Sparta. Due to the current state COVID-19 restrictions, enrollment is limited to 15 people per class.
For registration and further information, contact Pat Dedeo at flotilla1510pe@gmail.com.
Second Option: Online Boating Safety Course
The New Jersey State Police has approved an online boating safety course with a required in person written exam. LMCC’s Marine Patrol has researched this course and implemented the requirements to offer this online course and in person exam here at the club.
The online course is offered through this link. This course is presently the only online course approved and accepted by the New Jersey State Police. It is also recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as meeting the standards of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program. This course is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and meets U.S. Boating Education Standards.
Members interested in this online course should sign up with BoatEd through this link. For New Jersey, you must be at least 12 years old to take this course. The cost is $39.50. The course takes a minimum of five hours to complete. Once successfully completed, you must print out the online course completion certificate, which is valid for one year. This serves as your admission ticket for the state required in-person exam.
Passing the online course does not guarantee you a spot at the in-person Exam. You must register for the in-person exam.
LMCC will be offering an in-person exam on Feb. 18, 2021 at 7 p.m.. Registration is required by Feb.11, 2021. The exam site will be limited to 15 participants due to the present COVID-19 restrictions of indoor gatherings. All current coronavirus restrictions and requirements will be in place. (Ex: required face masks, temperature checks, COVID-19 warning waivers.)
In addition, just prior to the written exam, a 10-15 minute presentation will be given on LMCC Marine Rules and Regulations. Copies of these club regulations will be distributed. There are no LMCC questions on the state exam.
To register for the in-person exam, email lmboatingsafety@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name, address, contact telephone number, email address and LMCC club number along with a copy of your on-line course completion certificate. The cost for the exam is $40.00. No walk ins will be permitted.
Upon successful completion of the written exam, a temporary New Jersey boating safety certificate will be issued. A permanent boating safety certificate will be issued by the New Jersey State Police.
Information provided by the Lake Mohawk Marine Patrol.
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This article originally appeared on the Hopatcong-Sparta Patch
