Massachusetts
New boating safety law in effect in Massachusetts
WORCESTER, Mass. — A new boating safety law is now in place in Massachusetts. Operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, are required to take a boater safety course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft. Those born before Jan. 1, 1989, must obtain a certificate by April 2028.
Chris Thomas with BoatMart said the goal is to make the water safer for everyone.
“If you think about a car, you know, we have to have drivers’ licenses,” he said. “If you think about a boat, it’s actually a little bit more scary because there are no brakes. You can’t stop suddenly, and when you’re out on the ocean or even a lake and you start factoring in the wind and factoring in current and things like that, it can be a little tricky.”
Operators are also required to carry proof of their completed course while on the water.