Bill > H729

This bill amends Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90B to require individuals operating a motorized vessel of any power or a non-motorized vessel over fifteen feet in length on public waters to obtain a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. This certificate can be earned by completing training from the United States Coast Guard/United States Coast Guard Auxiliary's Boating Skills and Seamanship Course, the United States Power Squadron's Americas Boating Course, or approved courses offered by Massachusetts Harbor Masters. Those required to have the certificate must carry it while operating such vessels and present it to a marine patrol officer upon demand, with a grace period of 48 hours to present proof of prior certification if initially cited. Enforcement of this requirement will primarily occur as a secondary action when a boater is cited for another offense or as a primary action if involved in an accident, with penalties of a $50 fine for a first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses, and these provisions will take effect three years after the bill's passage.