This Bureau coordinates boating and recreational vehicle safety programs throughout the Commonwealth. Boat Massachusetts addresses fundamental safety concepts and emphasizes the operator's legal and ethical responsibilities. It targets the boating novice, especially young boaters (12 through 15 years of age), who are required by state law to complete such a course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Additionally, safety and legal demonstrations are offered to groups of boaters, snowmobile riders, and all-terrain-vehicle users, with programs tailored to a group's particular needs. The Bureau informs and educates the public through the development of media campaigns designed for TV, radio, and the print media, in addition to attending trade shows and public events with its safety exhibit. The Bureau is also responsible for the investigation of all motorboat and recreational vehicle accidents that cause substantial property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities.

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Massachusetts Boating Handbook: Boat Massachusetts
• Boat and Recreation Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions
• Boat Massachusetts: Boating Safety Course   (Updated 07/21/2008)

MASSACHUSETTS BOATING AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE LAWS

• Motorboats, Recreation and Snowmobile Laws (Chapter 90B)
• Summary of Boating Laws
• Recreational Vehicle Safety Information
• Summary of Personal Watercraft Laws
• Boat and Recreation Vehicle Regulations (323 CMR)

SAFETY NOTICES

• Coast Guard Recall and Safety Notices
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Press Release:  Sportstuff Wego Kite Tubes Withdrawn from Market after Reports of Deaths and Injuries

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CHECK OUT THESE LINKS:

• National Association of State Boating Law Administrators: www.nasbla.org
• U.S. Coast Guard: www.uscg.mil
• Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety Newsletter: http://www.uscgboating.org/waypoints/
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: www.cgaux.org
• United States Power Squadrons: www.usps.org
• National Safe Boating Council: www.safeboatingcouncil.org
• BoatUs: www.boatus.com
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: www.noaa.gov
• Clean Boating: www.cleanboating.org
• Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts: www.sledmass.com
• Personal Watercraft Industry Association: www.pwia.org
• National Marine Manufacturers Association: www.nmma.org
• MassWildlife--Pond Maps Online! www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_pond.htm
• Massachusetts Marine Trades Association www.boatma.com/mmtaabout.html

MASSACHUSETTS BOAT AND RECREATION VEHICLE ACCIDENT FORMS

• Boat Accident Form  (Adobe Acrobat File)
• Recreation Vehicle Accident Form (Adobe Acrobat File)