Boating Safety Course

The Massachusetts Environmental Police are offering a basic boating safety course on April 14th and 21st from 10am to 3pm at the Mt. Greylock Visitor Center. Advance registration is required.

Youth 12 through 15 years of age who successfully complete the course will be issued a Safety Certificate allowing them to operate a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law.

BOAT MASSACHUSETTS is offered to the public at no charge. The primary purpose of BOAT MASSACHUSETTS is to foster safe boat operation through increased awareness of required safety equipment, safe boating practices and legal responsibilities. Youth 12 through 15 years of age who successfully complete the course will be issued a Safety Certificate allowing them to operate a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. This course will also satisfy the state requirements for personal watercraft users who are 16 or 17 years of age. All graduates will be issued a Safety Certificate. Taking the class as a family is encouraged and has proven to be highly rewarding. *Students must be at least 12 years of age.

The Boat and Recreation Safety Bureau coordinates boating and recreational vehicle safety programs throughout the Commonwealth. Our boating safety training course, called "Boat Massachusetts", addresses fundamental safety concepts and emphasizes the operator's legal and ethical responsibilities. It targets the boating novice, especially young boaters (12 through 15 years of age), who are required by state law to complete such a course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Additionally, safety and legal demonstrations are offered to groups of boaters, snowmobile riders, and off-highway vehicle users, with programs tailored to a group's particular needs. The Bureau is also responsible for the investigation of all motorboat and recreational vehicle accidents that cause substantial property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities.