Massachusetts Boaters Need Safety Certificate Before New Law Takes Effect

Whether you are a salty, old sea captain of a fishing boat or a 12-year-old in a 50-year-old motorboat, there is a new law that every boat operator needs to know about.

All Massachusetts Boaters Will Eventually Need Boating Safety Certificate

Beginning this Wednesday, April 1, 2026, a new Massachusetts law requires many boaters to complete a safety course before operating a vessel.

Starting Wednesday, anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft must have a valid boating safety certificate. The requirement applies immediately to those born after January 1, 1989, though the state says penalties won’t be enforced until September 1, 2026. Boaters born on or before that date have until April 1, 2028, to comply.

New Boating Law Created After Tragedy

The law, often referred to as the Hanson-Milone Act, was created following a fatal boating accident involving a young operator. Since then, there has been a push to improve safety awareness across Massachusetts waterways.

New Bedford Assistant Harbormaster Paul Fonseca says the goal isn’t to overregulate boating, but to make it safer.  The 2-day in person course being offered by New Bedford is absolutely free.

“We all want to have fun and enjoy the water,” Fonseca said. “This isn’t a captain’s license. It’s about basic safety. Things like life jackets, understanding your surroundings, knowing your limits.”

Here's What the Boating Safety Course Covers

Fonseca, who recently taught a free class with 26 participants, emphasized that many boaters lack even basic safety knowledge.

“People will say they have life jackets, but they’re all adult-sized and they’ve got kids on board. That’s not the same,” he said. “This course teaches things that can save your life or someone else’s.”

The state-approved “Boat Massachusetts” course is offered for free through the Massachusetts Environmental Police and typically runs 10 to 12 hours. It covers navigation rules, safety equipment, and how to respond in emergency situations. While the in person courses are no charge, there are also online courses available, though they may come with a fee.

Enforcement of the New Law in the Water

Fonseca says enforcement will increase, especially during safety checks on the water.

“I’ll terminate a trip if someone doesn’t have the proper safety equipment,” he said. “Not to be the bad guy, but to make sure they get home safe.”

"I strongly emphasize boat safety. I know it's for those that have a 100 ton license. I get it if you're a captain, I understand. But you know what?  Even if you take one little thing out of this class, just one little thing and it makes it safer? I won," said Fonseca.