Applying for Safe Boating Certificates (SBC), Certificates of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO), Temporary and Duplicate Certificates
To apply for a Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, fill out the appropriate application (available at town clerks, through the DEP Boating Division or by submitting application request form) and have the application notarized, enclose a copy of your boating course diploma (and Personal Watercraft course diploma, if applicable) or equivalency exam diploma and a check for $50 made payable to DEP. Mail or deliver the application to the address listed on the application. A Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation will be mailed to you in four to six weeks. You may obtain a Limited Durational Certificate immediately at no extra charge by bringing the completed application, supporting documents and $50 fee in person to any DEP Processing Office. The Limited Duration Certificate will be valid until your permanent certificate arrives.
Temporary Certificates
If you purchase and register a new or used boat and do not have a Safe Boating Certificate, you may apply for a Temporary Safe Boating Certificate. It is valid for three months from the date of vessel registration. Within that time, you must qualify for and obtain a permanent Safe Boating Certificate in order to operate after the temporary certificate expires.
If you purchase a new or used personal watercraft and do not qualify for a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, you may apply for a Temporary Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation after you have registered the vessel and have completed an approved Safe Personal Watercraft Handling Course. The temporary certificate is valid for three months from the date of vessel registration. Within that time, you must qualify for and obtain a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, allowing you to operate your craft after the temporary certificate expires. The fee for a Temporary SBC or Temporary CPWO is $50.00. No person shall be issued more than one temporary certificate.
An application for a Temporary Safe Boating Certificate must be obtained at a DEP Processing Office.
Safe Boating Class Schedules
Duplicate Certificate
Any person who has been issued a Safe Boating Certificate or a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation may apply for a duplicate certificate if the original certificate was lost, stolen, destroyed, or the individual wishes to change his/her legal name or any other information on the Certificate. The duplicate certificate fee is $20.00 (payable when the application is sent or carried in).
There is no charge for a name change due to marriage or divorce. You need to supply a copy of the marriage/divorce papers.
Duplicate Certificate Application Form
If you need a certificate immediately, you must appear in person at one of the DEP Processing Offices.
