Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Other Equipment and Regulations

Anchor and Bailer

All vessels propelled by a motor of any kind must have an anchor and sufficient line (rope) to anchor in the vessel's normal operating area, and a manual bailer. (PWCs are exempt from these requirements.)

Paddle / Oar

All vessels less than 16 feet in length and propelled by a motor of any kind must carry a paddle or oar on board. (PWCs are exempt from this requirement.)

Ladder

All vessels towing a person on water skis or similar devices must be equipped with a ladder, steps, platform, or similar device that can be used to retrieve the person being towed from the water.

Diver-Down Flag

Persons scuba diving, skin diving, or snorkeling must display a red and white divers flag. Divers or snorkelers must remain within 100 feet of the divers flag. If possible, vessel operators not engaged in the diving operation must stay at least 100 feet from a displayed flag. If not possible, vessel operators must reduce speed to no more than three miles per hour. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.

	Divers Flag: A rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe, at least 12 x 15 inches in size and constructed of rigidly supported material, must be displayed on a vessel or surface float and must extend a minimum distance of three feet up from the surface of the water.
	Alfa Flag: A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) must be flown from a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity. The Alfa flag may be displayed in addition to the divers flag but does not replace the divers flag.

Scuba divers and snorkelers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by other boaters or where their diving operation will impede the normal flow of waterway traffic. Divers also should follow all of the water safety rules themselves.

Marine Events

Permits for regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions to be held on state waters must apply for authorization from the Massachusetts Environmental Police in advance of the event. If the event is being held on federally controlled waters, a permit from the U.S. Coast Guard is required.

Local Regulations

Local waterways may have specific equipment and operational restrictions in addition to those covered in this chapter. Be sure to check for local regulations before you go boating.