General Requirements & Applicability
When does the new Massachusetts boater safety law take effect?
The boater safety education provisions in the law will take effect on April 1, 2026. The remainder of the law is currently in effect.
People born after January 1, 1989, must have a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat after April 1, 2026.
People born on or before January 1, 1989, must have a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat by April 1, 2028.
Who is required to have a boater safety certificate?
Anyone wishing to operate a motorboat in Massachusetts will be required to have a boating safety certificate on board and available for inspection, unless they are operating under the direct supervision of a person with a certificate or are otherwise exempt.
How can I get my boater safety certificate?
Boaters can obtain a certificate by successfully completing an approved boater safety course offered by the Massachusetts Environmental Police or one of our approved partner programs.
In some cases, boaters with a USCG or out-of-state credential may be eligible to obtain a certificate without taking a full course. See “Course Details” below.
How old do you have to be to operate or supervise operation of a motorboat?
Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators must be at least 16 years of age, regardless of whether they have a boater safety certificate.
No person under 18 can supervise the operation of a motorboat by another person.
Does the boater safety certificate requirement apply to both recreational and commercial boaters?
The law applies only to recreational boaters.
Commercial operators are subject to the law only when operating a vessel as a recreational vessel. In such cases, recreational boating rules apply, and the operator must carry a valid merchant mariner credential.
Does the boater safety certificate requirement apply to operators of non-motorized vessels?
The boater safety certificate requirements apply to the operation of motorboats. A motorboat is any vessel propelled by machinery, even if it is not the main or only source of propulsion but does not include vessels documented by the federal government.
Personal watercraft (PWC), sailboats with a motor, and motorized canoes are all examples of motorboats.
A boater safety certificate is not required to operate a paddlecraft without a motor.
Does the requirement apply to personal watercraft (jet skis)?
Yes. The boater safety certificate requirement also applies to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). PWC operators must be at least 16 years of age and must have a boater safety certificate.
Are there any exemptions to the boater safety certificate requirement?
Yes. The law provides that the following individuals do not need to have a boater safety certificate, provided that they must have documentation to demonstrate eligibility for the exemption:
- Operators with a valid, unexpired merchant mariner credential or similar license. The license must be on board while operating a recreational vessel.
- Non-residents with a boater safety certificate or similar document from another U.S. state or territory or Canada.
- Active members of the Armed Forces, National Guard, or U.S. Coast Guard who are qualified to operate motorboats through their training and position.
- New motorboat owners who acquired the vessel within the prior six months, if it is numbered by the Commonwealth or documented by the U.S. Coast Guard and the operator has a temporary boater safety certificate.
- Operators participating in an approved boating safety program.
- Operators of commercial fishing vessels.
- Secondary school or maritime school/college students operating a motorboat as part of an approved course of instruction.
Do I need to get a boater safety certificate if I only operate a boat occasionally?
Yes. Anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel is required to have a boater safety certificate.
What if I rent a motorboat – do I still need a boater safety certificate?
All boaters are required by law to have a boater safety certificate; however, MEP is considering options for temporary certificates for lower-power motorboat rentals.
Does the boat owner or the operator need to be certified?
The boater safety certificate requirement applies to the boat operator, not its owner. However, boat owners may be liable if they knowingly permit operation by a person who does not have a boater safety certificate.
Is there a way to oversee someone else if I have my certificate?
A person over 12 years old who does not have a boater safety certificate can operate a motorboat if they are directly supervised by a person with a certificate who is over 18 years of age. The supervisor must be capable of operating the vessel and may not be under the influence of alcohol or any impairing substances.
“Direct supervision” means the supervisor must maintain visual contact and be able to communicate verbally with the operator at all times while the vessel is underway.
Will Massachusetts recognize and accept boating safety education certificates from other states and jurisdictions?
Yes. Non-residents with a valid boating safety certificate issued by any U.S. state or territory or by Transport Canada do not need to have a Massachusetts boater safety certificate.
Massachusetts residents cannot use an out-of-state certificate when operating on the waters of the commonwealth.
MEP has an Out of State Certificate Conversion request form that allows boaters to apply for recognition of prior certification from a NASBLA-approved boater safety course in another state.
Course Details
Can I attend any boater safety education course to get my certificate?
No. MEP has approved only specific course providers of boating safety education courses. MEP will issue a boater safety certificate upon completion of only an approved course.
Where can I find a list of MEP-approved boating safety education courses?
MEP provides a complete, up to date list of approved boating safety education courses.
Is the course available online, in person, or both?
MEP-approved boating safety education courses can be taken either online or in person.
Is there a cost to take a boating safety education course?
Massachusetts does not currently charge a fee to take a boating safety education course. However, course providers may charge a fee.
MEP-taught courses are offered at no charge to participants.
Does MEP offer boating safety education courses?
Yes. The Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) offer a traditional classroom-based education course.
What if I completed a boating safety education course years ago?
Existing boater safety certificates are still good. All NASBLA approved certificates carry no expiration date.
If you lost your certificate or would like a replacement certificate, MEP can issue a boater safety certificate to any person who completed a NASBLA-approved boater safety course before April 1, 2026.
What does the boating safety education course cover?
The education program covers navigation rules to help operators safely maneuver on the water and avoid collisions, emergency procedures for handling unexpected situations, and best practices for protecting Massachusetts’ natural resources.
How long does the course take to complete?
In-person classes typically last 10-12 hours, including the final exam.
Online classes vary in length but can usually be completed in one day.
Is there a limit to in-person classes? Can I drop in or do I have to sign up?
Yes, the MEP’s class size is limited, and in-person classes often fill up quickly.
Registration is required - drop-ins are not accepted. If a class is filled, a waitlist will open. Classes open for registration 30 days before the start date.
Please remember to cancel your registration if you are unable to attend.
How old do you have to be to take a course and receive a boater safety certificate?
Students must be at least 12 years of age at the time of the course.
Is there a test or exam at the end of the course?
Yes. Both online and in-person courses include a final exam. While the questions may vary, all exam content is covered in the course.
What do I receive after completing the course?
After successfully completing the boating safety course, students receive a safety certificate.
A temporary certificate is emailed once the instructor submits and processes the results. The permanent hard plastic card is mailed approximately 4-6 weeks later.
Visual reference for lifetime certificate card:
Enforcement & Compliance
When will MEP start enforcing the boater safety certificate requirement?
MEP will not issue any penalties related to boater safety certificates before September 1, 2026. If necessary, MEP will extend the non-enforcement period.
Do I need to carry my certificate while operating a motorboat?
Yes. Operators will be required to have on board and available for inspection a valid boater safety certificate while boating on Massachusetts waters. MEP is considering whether a copy may be sufficient.
Does the certificate expire, or is it valid for life?
The certificate is valid for life unless it is revoked.
What happens if I operate a motorboat without a boater safety certificate onboard?
Operation of a motorboat in violation of the boater safety certificate requirement after the effective date is an offense and may result in a fine.
Are there fines or penalties for non-compliance?
Violations may result in a fine of $50 for a first offense or $100 for a second or subsequent offense.
Will there be a grace period? And, if so, will warning be issued during that time?
MEP officers will not issue any penalties related to boater safety certificates before September 1, 2026. This applies specifically to those born after January 1, 1989, who must complete the course by April 1, 2026.
During the grace period, MEP will advise boaters to obtain a certificate but will not issue formal warnings.
For those born on or before January 1, 1989, the deadline to complete the course is April 1, 2028.
Replacements & Conversions
I had a card but lost/damaged it. Can I order a new card?
Yes, visit www.ilostmycard.com and enter your information.
If you experience issues with this system finding your information, please reach out to the boating safety office at (508) 564-4961.
I have an out of state certificate, but I am now a Massachusetts resident. Can I convert my certificate to Massachusetts?
Yes. MEP has an Out of State Certificate Conversion request form that allows boaters to apply for recognition of prior certification from a NASBLA-approved boater safety course in another state.
You must submit a copy of your current certificate to be eligible for conversion.
Contact
Phone
Emergency 24/7 Statewide Dispatch
Fax
MEP Chelsea
Address
| Date published: | March 31, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last updated: | March 31, 2026 |