🚤 Attention all Massachusetts boaters! 🌊
The Massachusetts Environmental Police is launching a statewide awareness campaign for the new boater‐education law – and it’s something you’ll definitely want to know about before hitting the water.

📅 What’s changing?

Starting April 1, 2026, anyone who operates a motorized vessel in Massachusetts will be required to complete a state-approved boater safety education course.
• If you were born after January 1, 1989, you must complete the course by April 1, 2026.
• If you were born on or before January 1, 1989, you’ve got until April 1, 2028.
• The law is known as the Hanson‑Milone Boater Safety Act.

✅ Why this matters
• It’s about making our waterways safer — fewer collisions, fewer accidents, better respect for the rules.
• It brings Massachusetts in line with other states that already require boating safety training.
• If you’re renting, borrowing, or giving others a ride on your boat — now’s the time to make sure everyone at the helm is eligible and certified.

🛠 What you should do right now
• Find out which state-approved course you can take. Many are online, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Plan ahead: Even though the deadlines are 2026 and 2028, getting it done early avoids last-minute stress.
• Share this with your boating friends and family — especially those who haven’t taken any formal safety training yet.
• Keep your certification handy (physical or digital) so you’re ready when the law goes into effect.

Let’s all keep our lakes, rivers, and coastlines safe and fun. Hit the water knowing you’re not just steering a motor — you’re steering responsibly.
Tag your boating buddies and make sure they’re aware too!

https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-environmental-police-raise-awareness-campaign-for-new-boater-education-law