What Massachusetts’s New Boater Safety Course Requirement Means for You

Massachusetts has been one of the few states that hasn’t required motorized boat operators older than 15 to take a boater safety course before heading out on the water. The Hanson Milone Act, effective April 1, 2026, is a significant change to boating regulations.

There aren’t many things that can ruin a beautiful day out on your boat, cruising up and down the Massachusetts coastline or around one of our many scenic lakes or rivers. However, getting in an accident can quickly put an end to the good vibes. To support more enjoyable boating experiences for all and minimize the number of boating accidents on our waterways, the state has enacted the Hanson Milone Act. This law requires anyone operating a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC), like a Jet Ski or water scooter, in Massachusetts to complete a state-approved boater safety education course.

Currently, Massachusetts does require anyone between the ages of 12 and 15 to complete a boater safety course before they can legally operate a boat without adult supervision. Until now, though, there has never been a comparable requirement for adults—although many other states have them. Before you take off from shore this year, Morse, of course, wants to make sure you have the most important information about this new law, including what you can do to fulfill updated boater safety certificate requirements.

Why Is the State Changing Its Boating Regulations?

As boating’s popularity has continued to grow in recent years, so too has the number of accidents and injuries. According to data from the U.S. Coast Guard, some of the most common contributing factors in accidents are:

• Operator inexperience and inattention
• Improper lookout
• Excessive speed
• Navigation rules violations
• Alcohol use

In a majority of the boating accident scenarios where a fatal injury has occurred, the boat driver had not received proper, if any, boating safety instruction. No matter how long someone has owned and operated a vessel, if they’ve never completed a safety education course, there is a good chance they may not be aware of all current boating safety rules and regulations, including required safety equipment and prohibited or unsafe activities.

By passing the Hanson Milone Act, the state’s goal is to ensure that every boater has the skills and knowledge needed to operate their motorized boat or PWC safely, reducing the risk of an accident and associated injuries and property damage. Additionally, this law ensures that Massachusetts’s safety standards are in alignment with federal U.S. Coast Guard regulations for boats.

What Will I Learn in the Boater Safety Course?

The Massachusetts boater safety education program covers several critical topics, including:

• Navigation rules—e.g., how to safely maneuver on the water and avoid collisions
• Emergency procedures—e.g., what to do in case of an emergency to protect yourself and your passengers
• Environmental protections—e.g., practices that help preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources

Whether you’re an experienced boater or just starting out, you should walk away from the Massachusetts boating safety course with a strong understanding of how to keep you, your passengers, and the waterways you’re using safer.

When Do I Need to Complete the Boater Safety Course?

The Hanson Milone Act goes into effect on April 1, 2026, but the deadline for completing the course depends on your date of birth.

• 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’ll have until April 1, 2028, to complete the course.

Don’t let these far-off-sounding dates delay you from getting the boater certification process started today. The Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP), the division in charge of implementing this law, is offering two easy-to-access boating safety course options:

1. A traditional classroom-based course, offered by numerous organizations, including Boatwise, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, New England Maritime, In-Command Seamanship Training, and America’s Boating Club Cape Cod.
2. A self-paced online education course, offered by Boat Ed and ilearntoboat, that has the same course content you’d find in the classroom version but may be a faster and even simpler way for you to get your certification.

Whichever course option you choose, there will be an exam at the end. When you successfully complete the course and pass the test, you’ll receive a safety certificate.

You must have your original certificate with you anytime you’re out on the water in your boat. Otherwise, you could be subject to fines starting at $50 for a first offense and $100 for second and subsequent offenses.

Is Anyone Exempt from These Boating Regulations?

There are a few exceptions. For example, people who already have built-in training, such as merchant mariners, operators of commercial fishing vessels, public safety personnel, and qualified members of the armed forces, may be able to file an exemption from the new boater safety course requirement.

Also, there are many non-Massachusetts residents who enjoy boating in our area. While these boaters will not have to take a course approved by our state, they will need to have a boater safety education certificate, or similar documentation that was issued by an approved jurisdiction, onboard and available for inspection.

Finally, there are no penalties if a person without a certificate must operate a vessel in an emergency.

Morse, of Course, Supports Boating Safety and Responsibility

We know that protecting your boat, and the friends and family (including the furry ones) you bring on it, is of the highest priority to you, which is why we wanted to share our initial research on the updated boating safety certificate requirements.

Now, we encourage you to take the time to read through the important resources provided by the MEP, or contact them with questions, so you fully understand how the Hanson Milone Act may impact you. Following are a few places you can find additional information on this law, including frequently asked questions and course details:

• About the Boating Safety Course
• Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau
• Boating Safety Course Schedule
• Boating Safety Course Enrollment Form
• Boating Safety Information
• Boating Accident Report

Taking a boater safety education course is just one excellent way to help safeguard your boat and passengers. Having proper boat insurance is another! Please don’t hesitate to call the Morse Insurance team at 508-238-0056, contact us online, or visit us in person at one of our four convenient Massachusetts locations to have us evaluate a current boat insurance policy or assist you in securing a new one.