Massachusetts General Law Chapter 102
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90B
New Boating Law Changes As Of 2025
Massachusetts Boating Law Summary
Minimum Age Restrictions: No person under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat, unless accompanied on-board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older. Personal Watercraft (PWC) users must still be at least 16 years of age to operate, with no exceptions.
Safety Education Certification
Starting April 1, 2026, a valid boater safety certificate will be required for all individuals operating motorboats and PWCs in Massachusetts.
Who needs a Certificate: Persons born after January 1, 1989, must obtain a certificate by April 1, 2026.
No penalties will be enforced until September 1, 2026.
Anyone born on or before January 1, 1989, must obtain a certificate before April 1, 2028.
All operators of motorboats and PWCs will be required to carry proof of completion of an approved boater education course while on the water.
Requirements for Youth Operators
The following regulations are in effect until March 31, 2026
Ages 12 to 15 – Must complete an approved basic boating course to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Upon successfully completing the course, students will receive a state-issued “Boating Safety Certificate”. This certificate must be kept in the possession of the certified operator when on the water.
Ages 16 to 17 – Individuals who wish to operate watercraft must also complete an approved boating course.
Under 16 – Youth under the age od 16 are not allowed to operate personal watercraft.
Under 12 – Youth under the age of 12 are not allowed to operate a motorboat unless supervised b