Powerboat Courses
Safe Powerboat Handling
Safe Powerboat Handling is a 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boathandling skills. No previous experience is required! The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course, and Massachusetts has recognized it as meeting their requirements for a State Boating Education Certificate.
On-the-Water Sessions
- Engine & electrical systems
- Starting procedures
- Docking
- Leaving & returning to a slip
- Close-quarters maneuvers
- Anchoring
- Steering a range
- Proceeding to a destination
- Person in Water rescue
Classroom Sessions
- Safety, preparation & weather
- Maneuvering concepts
- Registration & capacities
- Equipment requirements
- Preparation & fueling procedures
- Navigation rules of the road
- Aids to navigation
- Environment regulations
Prerequisites
- None, no experience necessary!
Age
- 12–adult (Must be 12 years old by the day of the course)
Certification(s) Earned
- US Sailing/US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate (NASBLA Approved)
- Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate (NASBLA Approved Boating License)
Massachusetts Boating License
The Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate is a one-day, 8-hour course for anyone who knows how to operate a small motorboat safely but has yet to receive a Massachusetts Boating License. The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course.
Who Must Be Certified
Starting April 1, 2026, a valid boater safety certificate will be required for all individuals operating motorboats and PWCs in Massachusetts.
- 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.
Age
- 12–adult (Must be 12 years old by the day of the course)
Certification(s) Earned
- Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate (NASBLA Approved Boating License)
Materials
- We require the use of US Powerboating’s Start Powerboating Right book for the course
- The material is not include with registration and can be purchased through US Powerboating
Testing
- Online courses require an in-person proctored test scheduled with Bourne Community Boating after completion of the course to receive your Boater Safety Certificate.
- In-person courses will be tested on the day of the course.