"The Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act applies to anyone operating recreational motorboats and personal watercraft, like jet skis. As of April 1, boaters born after Jan. 1, 1989, must complete a state-approved safety course and obtain a certificate to legally operate a motorboat."
"According to State Rep. Kathy LaNatra, the law is named after David Hanson and Paul Milone. Hanson was 20 years old when he was killed in a boating accident in 2010 off the coast of Plymouth."
"Harbormaster Chad Hunter told WCVB the courses cover the basics of trailering, registering a vessel, safe boating operations, and other basic rules. 'I always tell people... if there's one thing you take out of this course, have a life jacket, wear your life jacket,' Hunter said."
"Massachusetts Environmental Police will begin enforcing the law in September. Those who don't adhere to the law could be fined $50 for a first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses."
A new law in Massachusetts mandates that motorboat operators born after January 1, 1989, complete a safety course and carry proof of certification. The Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act aims to enhance boating safety and is named after two individuals connected to boating incidents. Boaters born before this date have until April 1, 2028, to comply. The law will be enforced starting in September, with fines for non-compliance. Certification obtained is valid for life unless revoked, and courses are available online or in-person.
#boating-safety #massachusetts-law #hanson-milone-act #motorboat-certification #watercraft-regulations
Read at Boston.com
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