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Commonwealth of Massachusetts  
Massachusetts Environmental Police  

Aaron Gross, Director

  
   

Massachusetts Personal Watercraft (PWC) Safety Laws

 
 
The following abstracts summarize some important Massachusetts Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Laws as of May 2003. For further information on boat and PWC laws, contact the Massachusetts
Environmental Police at (508) 759-0002.
 
Personal Watercraft Defined:  A personal watercraft is a Class A inboard motorboat.
 
Follow basic boating safety rules and laws, and protect your privilege to operate personal watercraft.
  • Wear an approved life preserver (PFD) at all times.
  • Attach the safety lanyard to yourself and the cutoff switch.
  • Check throttle control and steering before starting engine.
  • Steering PWC requires thrust, maintain speed when turning.
  • Always operate at slow, no-wake speed (6MPH or less) when within 150 feet of the following:
    • Swimmer
    • Watercraft
    • Raft or Float
    • Shoreline
    • Boat launch
    • Moored or docked boat
  • Never operate at all, within 150 feet of any bathing beach.

     
No person shall operate a PWC except in a safe and prudent manner, so as not to endanger life, limb, or property. The following are examples of negligence or other prohibited operation.
 
You must not operate:
  • If less than 16 years old
  • During the nighttime
  • On waters under 75 acres
  • Under the influence of alcohol
  • At high speed in congested areas
  • While towing a skier, or any person in any manner
 
 
This is only a summary of Personal Watercraft (PWC) laws, which are subject to change. You must
know and observe all local, state, and federal laws. For further information on Personal Watercraft (PWC)
laws contact Massachusetts Environmental Police at (508) 759-0002.
 
 
Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau
5205 Ent Street
Buzzards Bay, MA 02542-9998
Phone: 508-564-4961
FAX: 508-564-4961
 
Page Last Updated:  12/15/2011 Contact Us
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