Join Dick Hurd and Representatives from New Bedford Flotilla as they teach and administer the below boater safety certificate class.  Why? Because starting April 1, 2026, a valid boater safety certificate will be required for all individuals operating motorboats and PWCs in Massachusetts.

Details from the web: Click the links below for more information

Massachusetts Environmental Police Raise Awareness Campaign for New Boater Education Law

Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act signed into law

Who Needs a Certificate?

• Born after January 1, 1989: Must obtain a certificate by April 1, 2026. No penalties will be enforced until September 1, 2026.
• Born on or before January 1, 1989: Must obtain a certificate before April 1, 2028.

All operators of motorboats and PWCs will be required to carry proof of completion of an approved boater education course while on the water.

Training: Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate. Some insurance companies will also offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.

• Introduction to Boating – Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddle boats, powering boats, and engine types.
• Boating Law – Boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, Federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents.
• Safety Equipment – Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment.
• Safe Operation and Navigation – Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water.
• Boating Emergencies – Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather.
• Trailering – Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer.
• Sports and Boating – Water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips.