The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association is reminding Bay State boaters of the start of the Hanson Milone Safe Boating law. Beginning April 1, the new law requires all powerboat operators licensed by the state to have completed a boating safety course.
Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1989, must complete the course by April 1. Anyone born on or before Jan. 1, 1989, must complete the course by April 1, 2028. No penalties will be enforced until Sept. 1, 2026. Powerboat and PWC operators must carry proof of completion of an approved education course while on the water.
“The course covers safety rules, boat operation, emergency procedures and more,” MMTA said in a statement. “The focus of this new law is to save lives on the waterways of Massachusetts by helping boaters become more knowledgeable about the rules and regulations on the water. There are several options to obtain the certificate including both in-person and online.”
Click here for more on Massachusetts boating laws.
MMTA has released a video to help inform Massachusetts boaters about the new law.
