As your trusted insurance partner, we are committed to informing you about changes that may impact your safety and coverage. If you’re a boater in Massachusetts, you must be aware of new regulations that will soon take effect. On January 8, 2025, Governor Maura Healey signed the Hanson-Milone Act into law, introducing updated safety requirements for motorboat and personal watercraft (PWC) operators across the Commonwealth.
These changes aim to improve waterway safety by ensuring all boaters have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate their vessels responsibly. Understanding these new regulations is key to staying compliant and keeping yourself and others safe on the water, whether a seasoned mariner or a casual weekend boater.
What’s Changing?
The primary change under the Hanson-Milone Act is that anyone operating a motorboat or PWC in Massachusetts. must obtain a state-approved boater safety certificate by completing an accredited boating safety course.
Who Needs to Get Certified?
The law sets different compliance deadlines based on the boater’s birth year:
- If you were born after January 1, 1989: You must obtain your boater safety certificate by April 1, 2026. Enforcement of this requirement will begin on September 1, 2026.
- If you were born on or before January 1, 1989: You have until April 1, 2028, to complete a boating safety course and obtain certification.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Certain individuals may be exempt from the certification requirement, including:
- Merchant mariners with valid credentials from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces with documented maritime training.
- Students enrolled in maritime academies or programs that include boater safety training.
If you fall into one of these categories, check with the Massachusetts Environmental Police or another regulatory authority to confirm your exemption status.
How to Get Certified
Massachusetts boaters must complete a state-approved boating safety course to comply with the new law. These courses cover essential topics such as:
- Navigation rules and waterway signs
- Emergency procedures and accident prevention
- Safe boating practices and environmental responsibilities
One popular option is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s “Boat America” course, which is widely recognized and meets Massachusetts’ certification requirements. Other approved courses may be offered by the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and accredited online providers.
Upon completion of a course, you will receive a boater safety certificate, which must be carried on board whenever you operate a motorboat or PWC.
Why This Matters for You
This law enhances safety on Massachusetts waterways by ensuring boaters have the necessary training to prevent accidents and respond effectively to emergencies. According to national statistics, 75% of boating-related fatalities occur on vessels where the operator has not received proper safety education. By becoming certified, you’ll comply with the law and contribute to safer boating experiences for yourself and others.
Additionally, your boating insurance coverage may be impacted by these new regulations. Failing to meet state requirements could affect policy terms or claims in the event of an accident. Some insurers offer discounts to boaters who complete safety courses.
Honoring Hanson and Milone
The new law commemorates David Hanson, a man who tragically lost his life in a boating accident in 2010, and Paul Milone, the late harbormaster from Weymouth who dedicated his life to boat safety and was a powerful advocate for this legislation.
Next Steps
If you haven’t already, now is the time to enroll in a boating safety course to ensure compliance before the deadlines. Please contact us if you have any questions about how these new regulations may affect your boating experience or insurance coverage. We’re here to help you navigate these changes and stay safe and protected on the water.
Stay safe, stay informed, and happy boating!
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Deland, Gibson: a Trusted Choice, Five Star Accredited independent insurance agency. Established in Massachusetts in 1900, Deland, Gibson is a 4th generation family-run insurance agency that has thrived working as a trusted advisor for its client base. We work with individuals and businesses to lower their Total Cost of Risk. We analyze a client’s direct and indirect costs and implement risk reduction plans to address areas of business, hazard, or strategic risk.
