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Massachusetts Boating Regulations
Youth ages 12 through 15 are required to pass a state and nationally approved boating education course
and obtain a state Safety Certificate, before they can operate a motorboat without adult supervision.
Persons 16 years of age and older may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts’ waters without any education
requirements.
Exception for boaters who operate a PWC (personal watercraft): youth 16 and 17 years old must
pass a state and nationally approved boating education course and obtain a state Safety Certificate.
Youth under 16 years of age are not allowed to operate a PWC. Persons 18 years of age and older may operate
a PWC without any safety education requirements.
For complete Massachusetts boating regulations, visit:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-90b-toc.htm
Education Requirement
A Massachusetts Boating Safety Certificate is required for all persons 12 through 15 years of
age who wish to operate a motorboat and for all persons 16 or 17 years of age who wish to
operate a PWC on Massachusetts waters.
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