Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Motorboat
The restrictions below apply to boats propelled by any type of
motor, whether or not the motor is the principal source of propulsion.
- A person under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat on
Massachusetts public waters only if accompanied on board and
directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or
older.
- A person 12 through 15 years of age may operate a motorboat
on Massachusetts public waters only if he or she:
- Has passed a state-approved boating education course or
...
- Is accompanied on board and directly supervised by a competent
person 18 years of age or older.
- A person 16 years of age or older may operate a motorboat
on Massachusetts public waters without age restrictions.
Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
- A person under 16 years of age may not operate a PWC on Massachusetts
public waters under any circumstances.
- A person 16 or 17 years of age may operate a PWC on Massachusetts
public waters only if he or she has passed a state-approved boating
education course.
- A person 18 years of age or older may operate a PWC on Massachusetts
public waters without age restrictions.
- It is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft
to any person under 16 years of age. It is illegal to lease,
hire, or rent a PWC to any person 16 or 17 years of age who does
not have in his or her possession the required Boating Safety
Certificate.
Boating Safety Certificate
A person must be at least 12 years of age to be issued a Boating
Safety Certificate. A person at least 10 years of age may complete
an approved boating safety course but will not be issued a Boating
Safety Certificate until he or she turns 12 years old.
A person required to have passed a state-approved boating education
course must have the Boating Safety Certificate on board and available
for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is
operated.
Massachusetts Boating Law Reference
Massachusetts boating law is contained in Chapter 90B of MA General
Law and in Section 323, Code of MA Regulations. Links to both can
be found at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/boatrvsafe.htm.
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