SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1342

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 20, 1996

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1342.

      This bill would eliminate the requirement that all persons born before 1979 successfully complete a boat safety course prior to operating a personal watercraft on the waters of the State. Current law, pursuant to subsection c. of section 2 of P.L.1987, c.453 (C.12:7-61), provides that, as of July 1, 1996, such persons cannot operate a personal watercraft in New Jersey without first completing a boat safety course. A person born after 1978, and who is at least 16 years of age, would still be required to complete a boat safety course prior to operating a personal watercraft or any other power vessel on the waters of the State.

      The bill also repeals section 18 of P.L.1995, c.401 (C.12:7-86), which allows persons born before 1979 to operate a personal watercraft without completing a boat safety course within the boundaries of an area designated by a personal watercraft rental business, with certain restrictions. Since the bill eliminates the boat safety course requirement, this exemption from the requirement is no longer necessary.

      The bill also provides that the elimination of the boat safety course requirement could take effect immediately, notwithstanding subsection b. of section 15 of P.L.1962, c.73 (C.12:7-34.50), which requires any changes in boating rules and regulations proposed between May 1 and September 30 of any year to be approved on an emergency basis by the Boat Regulation Commission.