Get the Facts About Massachusetts’ New Boater Safety Law

Massachusetts has more than 1,500 miles of coastline, and for many residents, time on the water is a regular part of life. Whether you own a boat or rent one from time to time, a new state boating law will soon affect who can operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Massachusetts waters.

The Hanson Milone Act introduces a required boater safety education course for most operators, with phased deadlines for compliance beginning in 2026. Since noncompliance may result in fines and other repercussions, the Gilbert Insurance team wanted to share key details about this new requirement, including who it applies to and how to complete the course before heading out on the water.

What is Massachusetts’ New Boater Safety Law?

Massachusetts recently passed a new boating law requiring most people who operate a motorboat or personal watercraft to complete a boater safety education course.

The goal of this new legislation is to ensure that everyone sharing Massachusetts’ waterways has a basic understanding of boating rules, navigation, and safety practices. The course requirement builds on existing boating regulations and applies to both residents and visitors operating boats in state waters.

Once completed, boaters receive a boater safety certificate, which must be carried while operating a vessel.

Who Needs to Complete the New Boater Safety Course?

The law applies to anyone who wants to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Massachusetts waters.

Deadlines for completing the boater safety course are being implemented in two phases:

• Individuals born after January 1, 1989 must complete the course by April 1, 2026.
• Individuals born on or before January 1, 1989 must complete the course by April 1, 2028.

The law also updates age-related boating rules. Beginning in April 2026:

• Ages 12 through 15: You may operate a motorboat without adult supervision only if you have successfully completed an approved basic boating safety course and have the certificate in your possession. If you have not passed the course, you must be directly supervised on board by a competent adult aged 18 or older.
• Age 16 and older: You may operate a motorboat without adult supervision.
• Operators of personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis or Sea-Doos, must be at least 16 years old.

Children younger than 12 may operate a boat only if a competent adult aged 18 or older, who has completed the boater safety course, is on board.

Certain individuals may not need to complete the new boater safety course. For example, those with qualifying professional boating credentials, such as active Coast Guard members or licensed marine merchants, may be exempt from the course requirement.

How Do I Comply with Massachusetts’ New Boating Law?

There are two ways to complete the required boater safety education course: online or in person. Online courses are offered through Boat-Ed, a Massachusetts-approved provider, for a fee. The course can be completed over multiple sessions and includes an exam. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a temporary certificate that can be printed and used until the permanent card arrives in the mail.

In-person courses are offered at no cost and typically take place over multiple days, with a total of about 12 hours of instruction and testing. Course availability varies by season, and more options are often added in the spring and summer months.

Regardless of the format, completing the course ahead of time can make the process smoother once the law takes effect. It is recommended to check course availability early, especially as more classes become available closer to spring and summer.

What Happens if I Haven’t Completed the Course by the Deadline?

If you’re not able to complete the boating safety education course right away, Massachusetts allows for a short grace period as the law rolls out. Enforcement will begin on September 1, 2026, giving boaters additional time to obtain their certification.

During enforcement, Massachusetts Environmental Police may issue a warning, often referred to as a “Ticket to Cure,” if a boater is found operating a vessel without the required certification on board. In those situations, boaters are typically given 30 days to provide proof that they’ve completed the course.

Fines may apply for continued noncompliance, starting at $50 for a first offense and increasing with subsequent violations.

Are You Ready for the Upcoming Massachusetts Boating Season?

Understanding new boating requirements ahead of time can help make your time on Massachusetts’ waterways safer and more enjoyable. Whether you’re out on the water most weekends or just a few times each year, make sure you are ready for the boating season by preparing ahead of time.

While many boaters will need to get their safe boating certification before the start of the season, it is important for everyone to review their vessel’s registration and safety. Seasonal prep should also include reviewing registration and safety equipment, as well as insurance coverage for boats and personal watercraft. This is especially true if anything has changed since last year.

If you have concerns about your current watercraft coverage, or any other insurance-related questions, please contact your local Gilbert professional. We’re happy to help make sure you have the right solutions for your boat, home, car, and more.