A new law requiring boaters to have a boating-safety certificate to operate a vessel within Massachusetts waters will go into effect next week.
Massachusetts governor Maura Healey signed into law the Hanson Milone Safe Boating Act in January 2025. The legislation, which was first introduced more than 10 years ago, establishes a state boater-education program requiring anyone operating a boat in Massachusetts waters to have a boating-safety certificate. It also requires the certificate to be present on the boat while it is being operated.
Anyone born after January 1, 1989, has until April 1, 2026, to obtain their certificate. However, no operator shall be assessed a penalty until September 1, 2026…