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Massachusetts Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Massachusetts requires a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft under the Hanson-Milone Act.

ConditionalVerified Aug 27, 2026

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Massachusetts requires a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft under the Hanson-Milone Act. The requirement has been in effect since April 1, 2026 for anyone born after January 1, 1989. People born on or before January 1, 1989 must have a certificate by April 1, 2028.

Official source: mass.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Massachusetts

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutConditional
Connecticut requires a state boating certificate (Safe Boating Certificate or CPWO) to operate any motorboat, or a sailboat 19.5 ft or longer, on state waters.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshireConditional
New Hampshire requires everyone 16 and older operating a motorboat over 25 hp to have a boating education certificate.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gc.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
New YorkConditional
Under New York's Brianna's Law, all operators of motorized vessels including PWCs must complete a state-approved safe boating course; fully phased in for all ages as of 2025.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: parks.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandConditional
Rhode Island requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born after Jan 1, 1986 operating a boat over 10 hp, and for all PWC operators regardless of age.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dem.ri.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
VermontConditional
Vermont requires any motorboat/PWC operator (12 or older) born after Jan 1, 1974 to pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education card.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: vsp.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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