Massachusetts Online Boating Safety Course

Getting Your Boating Safety Certificate

• Under age 18? You must take a classroom course and proctored exam.
• Over age 18? Certification is not required for adults to legally operate a vessel in Massachusetts. If you want to obtain a safety certificate to operate in another state, it is recommended that you take that state's course.

Be aware that New Hampshire will not accept any card or certificate issued by a Massachusetts online course provider. If you plan to boat in New Hampshire, you should be certified by New Hampshire.

To the Massachusetts Boater

Welcome Aboard! Massachusetts offers a wonderfully diverse spectrum of boating opportunities to residents and visitors alike. With nearly 1,500 miles of coastline, four major river systems, hundreds of lakes and ponds, as well as the beautiful Quabbin Reservoir, if it has to do with recreational boating, you can find it in Massachusetts.

To really enjoy a safe and relaxing day on the water, vessel operators and passengers must know the “rules of the road,” equipment requirements, safe refueling practices, and other basic safe boating practices. These topics and many others are covered in this manual.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) is the Commonwealth’s primary marine enforcement agency, ensuring boater compliance with boating laws and regulations. Additionally, we provide boaters with boating safety courses such as the one on which you are about to embark. Working in partnership with volunteer organizations and private enterprise, we strive to make boating a safer and more enjoyable experience for all.

Completing the Boat Massachusetts course is just the first step in learning more about boating safety. We encourage you to take advantage of other educational opportunities that are available. Contact us for a schedule of advanced courses offered by our partners in boating safety.

We commend your decision to become a safer boater. Enjoy the course!

Everything you need to know about boating in Massachusetts is just a click away!

Visit the Massachusetts Environmental Police website and find out more about boater safety, and register boats and recreational vehicles online. See our web page of frequently asked questions, or call the Boat and R.V. Safety Bureau at 508-759-0002.