What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Massachusetts Boating License?
The minimum age to get a Massachusetts boating license (also called a Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate) is 12 to operate a motorboat. Under the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act, all motorboat and PWC operators in Massachusetts are now required to hold a valid Boater Safety Certificate.
The minimum age to operate a PWC is 16. No one under 18 may supervise the operation of a motorboat by another person. Keep reading to learn the minimum age requirements, who needs a Massachusetts boating license, and how to get one.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law sets 12 as the minimum age to operate a motorboat. No person under 12 may operate a motorboat unless accompanied onboard and directly supervised by a competent person who is at least 18 years old.
Operators ages 12 to 15 who hold a valid Boater Safety Certificate may operate a motorboat independently.
For personal watercraft, the minimum age is 16, with no exceptions. No one under 16 may operate a PWC regardless of whether they hold a certificate.
Additionally, no person under 18 may serve as the supervising adult for another operator. Only persons 18 and older may provide the required supervision.
Who Needs a Massachusetts Boating License?
Do you need a boating license in Massachusetts this season? The Hanson-Milone Act requires all motorboat and PWC operators to hold a valid Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate.
The rollout is phased by birth year:
- Operators born after January 1, 1989, were required to obtain their certificate by April 1, 2026. Penalties begin September 1, 2026.
- Operators born on or before January 1, 1989, must obtain their certificate by April 1, 2028.
The certificate must be carried onboard and available for inspection at all times while operating. Visit the Massachusetts boating law summary for an overview of age requirements and prohibited activities.
For a full overview of our Massachusetts boating laws and regulations resource, visit the Boat-Ed Massachusetts boating law page.
Massachusetts Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
Massachusetts sets age-based requirements that apply regardless of birth year. The table below breaks down who can operate what and under what conditions.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (MA Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Under 12 | Motorboat | Supervised only | Must be accompanied onboard by a competent adult 18 or older |
| 12–15 | Motorboat | Yes | Must hold a valid Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate |
| Under 16 | PWC | No | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| 16–17 | PWC | Supervised only | Must hold a valid Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate |
| 18+ | Motorboat or PWC | Yes | Must hold a valid Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate (born after 1/1/1989 from 4/1/2026; born on/before 1/1/1989 from 4/1/2028) |
| Any age | Non-motorized vessel | Yes | No certificate required |
Exemptions from the Ohio Boating Education Requirement
Certain operators are exempt from the Ohio Boater Education Certificate requirement. The table below summarizes the most common exemptions.
| Massachusetts Boating Education Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| USCG documented vessels | Operators of vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard are not subject to the certificate requirement |
| USCG or out-of-state credentials | Boaters with a qualifying USCG or NASBLA-approved out-of-state certificate may apply for out-of-state certificate conversion through the Massachusetts Environmental Police |
| Out-of-state visitors | Non-residents who hold a valid NASBLA-approved boating education certificate from their home state |
| Non-motorized vessels | Operators of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft |
How to Get Your Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate
Follow these steps to get your boating license in Massachusetts.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 12 years old to take the Massachusetts boating safety course. Operators under 12 may operate a motorboat only when directly supervised by a competent adult 18 or older.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in a Massachusetts Environmental Police–approved course, such as the Boat-Ed Massachusetts course. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace. Free in-person "Boat Massachusetts" classroom courses are also available statewide through the MEP, typically running 10 to 12 hours.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam with a score of at least 80% to earn your certificate.
- Receive your certificate. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate to use on the water right away. Your permanent Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate will arrive by mail and is valid for life. For full details on the phased rollout deadlines and approved course providers, visit the Hanson-Milone Act FAQ page.
- Carry your certificate on the water. Massachusetts law requires you to have your certificate onboard and available for inspection at all times while operating a motorboat or PWC.
Does Massachusetts Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes. Massachusetts recognizes valid NASBLA-approved boating education certificates from other states. Out-of-state boaters who hold a qualifying certificate may apply for out-of-state certificate conversion through the Massachusetts Environmental Police rather than retaking a full course.
Start Your Massachusetts Boater Safety Course Today
Getting your Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate is straightforward. The Boat-Ed Massachusetts course is approved by the Massachusetts Environmental Police and is available entirely online on any device at your own pace.
After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary certificate and get on the water right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum age to get a boating license in Massachusetts?
A: The minimum age to take the Massachusetts boating safety course is 12. Operators ages 12 to 15 who hold a certificate may operate a motorboat independently. The minimum age to operate a PWC is 16. All operators (regardless of age) must now hold a Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate under the Hanson-Milone Act.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Massachusetts?
A: The minimum age to operate a motorboat in Massachusetts is 12. Operators under 12 may operate only when directly supervised by a competent adult who is at least 18 years old.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in Massachusetts?
A: The minimum age to operate a PWC, including Jet Skis and WaveRunners, in Massachusetts is 16. No one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances, even with a certificate.
Q: What is the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act?
A: The Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act, signed into law in January 2025, makes boater safety education mandatory for all motorboat and PWC operators in Massachusetts. Operators born after January 1, 1989, were required to obtain their certificate by April 1, 2026, with penalties beginning September 1, 2026. Operators born on or before January 1, 1989, must obtain their certificate by April 1, 2028.
Q: Can someone under 18 supervise a young boat operator in Massachusetts?
A: No. Massachusetts law specifically prohibits anyone under 18 from serving as the supervising adult for another operator. Only persons 18 and older may provide the required supervision for operators under 12.
Q: Do I need a Massachusetts certificate if I already have one from another state?
A: Massachusetts recognizes valid NASBLA-approved boating education certificates from other states. You may apply for out-of-state certificate conversion through the Massachusetts Environmental Police without retaking a full course.
Q: How much does the Massachusetts boating safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed Massachusetts course fee is $54.95. Free in-person "Boat Massachusetts" classroom courses are also available through the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Course fees across approved online providers generally range from $30 to $80.
Q: Does the Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate expire?
A: No. The Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
Q: Is the Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate the same as a boating license?
A: Massachusetts does not issue a traditional boating license. The Boater Safety Certificate serves the same purpose. It is proof that you have completed an approved boating safety course and are authorized to operate motorboats and PWCs on Massachusetts waters.
