Governor Healey signs a law requiring boat operators in Massachusetts to obtain a safety certificate, aiming to reduce boating accidents and fatalities.

New Massachusetts Law Requires Safe Boating Certificate

Massachusetts boaters must complete safety education under new law signed by Governor Healey to improve waterway safety.

Published on:

13 Jan 2025, 12:41 am

Governor Maura Healey has signed the Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act into law, introducing mandatory boater education to enhance safety on Massachusetts waterways. The legislation, signed on January 8, 2025, requires all boat operators to obtain a boating safety certificate and have it onboard during operation.

The law includes exemptions for merchant mariners, qualified active armed forces members, and students in maritime programs. Existing certificate holders will not need to retake the exam, and out-of-state certificates from states with similar requirements will be recognized.

The law will be implemented in phases:

Individuals born after January 1, 1989: Must obtain a certificate by April 1, 2026; penalties for non-compliance begin September 1, 2026.
Individuals born on or before January 1, 1989: Must obtain a certificate by April 1, 2028.

The legislation has received support from public safety officials, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, and the U.S. Coast Guard. According to Coast Guard data, 75% of boating-related fatalities occur on vessels operated by individuals without formal boating safety education.

This move aligns Massachusetts with other states requiring education to improve safety and reduce accidents on the water.