New Massachusetts Boating Safety Law Requires Powerboat Operators to Complete Safety Training

A new Massachusetts law requiring safety training for all powerboat operators is now in effect. Gov. Maura Healey signed the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act into law last month. The law is named in honor of David Hanson, a drowning victim, and the late Weymouth harbor master Paul Milone, who championed the legislation.

Before this law took effect, Massachusetts was the only state in New England without a boating safety law or requirements for people at the helm of recreational boats. Unlike other states in New England, anyone 16 years or older can operate powerboats with engines of any size. The only required safety training has been for children ages 12 through 15 to operate a recreational boat without adult supervision.

Under the new state law, anyone born after 1988 must pass a training course by April 1, 2026, to receive a boating certificate. The document will act like a driving license. Boat operators must carry the certificate to operate any personal watercraft or powerboat. Individuals born before 1989 have until April 1, 2028, to complete the required course and earn the boating safety certificate.

For Edgartown police chief Chris Dolby, the new boating safety legislation has been a long time in coming. “This should have happened a long time ago. How many people have died over the past 13 years?” he questioned in an interview with The Vineyard Gazette. He regularly teams up with Edgartown's harbor master, Charlie Blair, when boaters cause or encounter serious trouble on the water. “Charlie and I have seen some tragic, horrific boating incidents in our harbor over the years,” he added.

Those who choose to ignore the new law will be fined at least $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. Harbor masters and environmental police are responsible for enforcing the new boating safety training requirements.