With boating season well underway in Marblehead, some people are looking ahead to next spring when new safety and licensing rules take effect across the state. The Hanson Milone Act kicks in April 1, 2026, and requires all motorboat operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, to complete a boating safety course to operate motorized vessels or personal watercraft (like jet skis).
Anyone born before Jan. 1, 1989, will have until April 1, 2028, to get certified.
“This provides an amazing level of safety to all boaters in the Commonwealth,” Marblehead Harbormaster Mark Souza told the Current. “It brings us to a consistent requirement with all other states.”
Souza continued, “All and all, this is a great act for the public’s safety and well-being. A safer waterway is a goal for all to make the most of days out on the water.”
According to Coast Guard statistics, there were 41 accidents involving nine deaths, 14 injuries and approximately $590,800 in damage to property due to recreational boating accidents in Massachusetts in 2023.
Nationally, 75% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction.
The Marblehead Harbormaster’s Office responds to 200-300 calls for service a year, with half being “boating safety related,” Souza said.
“This new law will certainly help in incidents going forward,” he added.
To help people get ahead of the new requirements, Marblehead company Satori Sailing is offering one- and two-day power boat proficiency courses on customers’ own boats. The two-day course includes a free voucher to take the proficiency exam through Satori partner Boatwise.
The goal, according to Capt. James Ashton, who owns Satori, is to “get out on your boat and learn the basics on boat handling. We want to build confidence and competence so you can safely take your family out onto the water.”
Satori’s private classes are for adults and teens. The syllabus includes the following:
- Engine operation and troubleshooting
- Basic electrical and water systems
- Close-quarter maneuvers
- Docking, mooring and anchoring
- Person overboard procedures
- Fueling procedures
- VHF radio operation
For more info on the new Safe Boating certification requirement, click HERE.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
