Massachusetts requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Massachusetts Environmental Police Boat and Vehicle Safety Bureau. The card is mandatory for boat operators between the ages of 12 and 15 years who wish to operate a motorboat and for those who are 16 or 17 years of age who wish to operate a PWC.

There is no restriction on the age of the boat operators. If you are under 12 years of age, you can only operate a boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult. If you are between 12 and 15, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard to operate a motorboat without supervision. You must be at least 16 to operate a personal vessel.

The boating laws of the state require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of such convictions.

[edit] BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course and exam approved by the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience.

There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the card:

1. Classroom options offered by the Massachusetts Environmental Police.
   • The course duration is 10-12 hours, usually spread over a few days.
   • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you.
3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
4. You can contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police for details on the classes at 508-759-0002.
5. Approved online option offered by Boat Ed.
6. The provider may charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
7. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.
8. The option of studying at home using approved course material provided by Boat Ed, and passing a proctored exam. The charges for the course and exam are provided in the website.

[edit] RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

[edit] REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, write to the Massachusetts Environmental Police Boat with proof of course completion at Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau, 1 Trowbridge Road, Bourne, MA 02532 or call them at (508) 759-0002. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting their providers, and for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Massachusetts, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
• Read the course material for the Boater Education Course.
• Read the Massachusetts Boating Law Summary.
• See how to register your boat in Massachusetts.
• Check the contact information of the Massachusetts Environmental Police Boat and Vehicle Safety Bureau.