It's the Law: Before Going Out
Who May Operate a Vessel
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.
- Persons under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts waters only if accompanied on board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older.
- Persons 12 through 15 years of age may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts waters only if they:
- Have passed an approved boating education course or …
- Are accompanied on board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older.
- Persons 16 years of age or older may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts waters without age restrictions.
Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft
(PWC):
- Persons under 16 years of age may not operate a PWC on Massachusetts waters under any circumstances.
- Persons 16 or 17 years of age may operate a PWC on Massachusetts waters only if they have passed a state-approved boating education course.
- Persons 18 years of age or older may operate a PWC on Massachusetts waters without age restrictions.
- It is illegal to lease or rent a personal watercraft to any person under 16 years of age. It is illegal to lease 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.
A person must be at least 12 years of age to be issued a Boating Safety Certificate. Students must be at least 12 years of age to enroll in the state’s boating safety course.
Persons 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.
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