New Boater Safety Law Coming to MA

On January 8, 2025 Governor Maura Healey signed the Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act.  The Law is to take effect on April 1, 2026.   This is a huge step to improve the boater safety across the Baystate.  Here is what you need to know:

1.      Mandatory Boater Safety Certification Requirement

Starting April 1, 2026 anyone operating a motorized vessel in MA must possess a valid boater safety certificate. Individuals born after January 1, 1989 are required to have the certificate by April 1, 2026 and enforcement of the law will begin September 1, 2026.  Those born on January 1, 1989 or before, must comply by April 1, 2028.

2.      Educational Course Requirements

The boater safety education program covers topics such as navigation rules, emergency procedures, and environmental protection. Courses are available online and in-person through various providers, including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's "Boat America" course, which meets the state requirement.

3.      Implementation Timelines and Guidance

The Massachusetts Environmental Police are responsible for implementing the law and will publish official guidance by October 1, 2025. Boaters are encouraged to complete the required education before the enforcement dates to ensure compliance.

4.      Exemptions and Reciprocity

Certain individuals are exempt from this requirement, including merchant mariners, active-duty Armed Forces members qualified to operate motorboats, and students in maritime programs operating vessels as part of instruction. Additionally, Massachusetts recognizes boater safety certificates approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) from other states.

The law is named after David Hanson, a young man who tragically lost his life in a boating accident back in 2010 and Paul Milone who was a harbormaster from Weymouth who dedicated his life to boat safety.  Milone was a major proponent and advocate for the legislation.

More information about boat safety courses can be found at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/boat-safety-certificate-course

A copy of your boat safety course should be sent to us as your insurance company may give a discount to the boat policy.