The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Tri-State Flotilla, Massachusetts will be instructing 

THE BOAT AMERICA COURSE that meets current and future state mandated educational 

requirements offered in a two-night format developed to provide the skills and confidence 

needed to explore the coast and inland waters by boat. Basic knowledge and skills are needed to 

have safe and enjoyable boating experiences. This course is perfect for families that have just 

purchased any type of boat or are planning to in the future, and for the boater keeping up with 

changes to boating regulations and laws. Basic marlinespike seamanship (knots etc.) will also be 

included.

 

Successful completion of the BA course will certify any minor, from 12 to 16 years of age, to 

operate a powerboat, including a Personal Water Craft / Jet Ski (for 16 & 17-year-old operators), 

on all Massachusetts waters; in conjunction with the Mass. Environmental Police. Approved by 

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) it will also cover the 

requirements to operate a vessel in most other states & many countries where boating safety 

education is mandatory including RI and CT. 

 

The Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act, signed into Mass. Law January 8, will now require ALL 

Mass. motorboat operators to complete an approved Safe Boating Certificate course before April 

1, 2026 for anyone born after 1/1/1998, and by April 1, 2028 for boaters born before 1/1/1998. 

Enforcement of the new law will begin on September 1, 2026. The BA course meets the future Mass. requirement. Most boating insurance companies offer a discount on premiums for 

successful completion of this course. Participants 16 years old and under must be accompanied, in person, by a registered parent/guardian. SPACE IS LIMITED, please register soon!