Massachusetts boating laws
What you need before you launch in Massachusetts: boater education, age limits, life jackets, safety gear and registration.
Boater education
Anyone born after Jan 1 1989 needs a boating safety certificate starting April 1 2026, and all operators by April 1 2028 (Hanson-Milone Act). Official course info
Who can drive a boat
Operators under 12 need adult supervision.
Life jackets
Children under 12 must wear a life jacket. Everyone in a canoe or kayak must wear one Sept 15 to May 15.
Required safety gear
Federal U.S. Coast Guard minimums apply:
- A wearable life jacket for each person aboard, plus a throwable cushion or ring on boats 16 feet and longer
- A fire extinguisher on most motorboats with an enclosed engine or fuel tank
- A whistle or horn
- Navigation lights if you are out between sunset and sunrise or in poor visibility
- Visual distress signals (flares or a flag) on coastal waters and the Great Lakes
Registration
Motorboats must be registered.
Boating under the influence
It is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.
Before you launch in Massachusetts
🧼 Private boats on Quabbin Reservoir must be decontaminated and sealed to the trailer before launching.
Links go to official Massachusetts agency pages.
Summary checked 2026-10-27. Rules change, so confirm with the official Massachusetts source before you go. This is not legal advice.