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Safety Education Certification
New Massachusetts Boating Safety Law
- The Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act was enacted on January 8, 2025.
- This legislation establishes a mandatory boater education program in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for all ages.
- Anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel in Massachusetts will be required to complete an approved boating safety education course and obtain a Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) safe boating card.
- Please note the following timeline regarding certification requirements and enforcement dates:
- If you were born after January 1, 1989, you must complete the course by April 1, 2026
- If you were born on or before January 1, 1989, you have until April 1, 2028 to complete the course.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides Boat America, a one-day course that meets the requirements for this new law.
Current Law in Massachusetts until April 1, 2026:
- Youth who are between 12 and 15 years of age must complete an approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision.
- Upon successful completion of such a course, students are issued a state "boating safety certificate" which must be in the possession of the certified operator when underway.
- Personal watercraft users who are 16 or 17 years of age must also complete such a boating course. Youth less than 16 years of age are not allowed to operate personal watercraft.
All adults are encouraged to also complete an approved basic boating course. Understanding the "Rules of the Road", required safety gear, principles of boat handling, navigation, what to do in an emergency, and other important aspects of boating are critical to ensuring a safe and enjoyable day on the water with family and friends.
Go to: Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Courses website to learn more about the course offerings.
The Woods Hole Flotilla offers a National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved course that meet the Massachusetts requirements for a boating certificate issued by the Massachusetts Environmental Police:
Boat America Course is a one-day boating certificate class that provides the basic knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate.
Some insurance companies will also offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.
Contact the Woods Hole Public Education Staff Officer to learn more