Boating and Sailing
I am a little confused at the law in Massachusetts. I know that up to age 15 you need a special boating license and that if you are 16 or 17 you need a special license to operate a jet ski, but if you are between the ages of 16 and 18 and have a driver's license can you operate a boat legally?
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Persons 16 years of age and older may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts’ waters without restrictions.
Massachusetts law requires that youth aged 12 through 15, who wish to operate a motorboat of any horsepower without adult supervision, pass a state and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating course. Upon successful completion, they will be issued a Safety Certificate which they are required to have in their possession when operating.
Persons under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts’ waters only if accompanied on board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older.
Massachusetts law requires youth 16 and 17 years of age who wish to operate a PWC to pass a state and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating course.
You should still take a boaters safety course to be a better boater.
Good Luck – Boat Safe!
If you have a drivers license, you are good to go.