Updated 03-Apr-2011

Public Course Details

Safe Boating Courses are an excellent opportunity for beginning boaters as well as the experienced skipper and crew. In the America’s Boating Course, topics include boat handling, knots and lines, trailering, safety equipment, aids to navigation, navigation rules, adverse conditions, and basic chart work.  In the Boat Smart Course, the same topics are taught with the exception of basic chart work.

Graduates are invited to join the Marblehead Sail & Power Squadron and take advantage of the many opportunities and benefits, including more Member Courses and Seminars. If you are interested in learning more about us, please click here. If you are unable to take one of our scheduled courses,  please check our National Site for courses taught by other Squadrons.

• Who should take a Safe Boating Course? We encourage everyone who goes out on the water, regardless if they own a boat. Your knowledge of boating safety and boating equipment may save your own life as well as someone else.
• Is there a minimum age? We ask that students be at least 12 years old and if under 16, that a parent (or another adult) accompany the student to maximize the learning experience.  (See also, On Youth and Boating)
• Do I get a Certificate? During the Course, you will take an examination based on a course material plus some questions of the Massachusetts State Boating Laws. You must pass with a score of 80% on both parts of the exam to be awarded a Certificate of Completion. This Certificate can often result in a discount on your boat insurance.

Massachusetts State Boating Laws. Each state has its own boating laws and regulations; several have their own boater guides, many are online.  We discuss the safety rules, laws, and regulations of Massachusetts as part of our Safe Boating Courses. 

On Youth and Boating. In Massachusetts, persons under 12 years of age may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts' waters only if accompanied and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older. Persons 12 through 15 years of age may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts' waters only if they have passed an approved boating safety course or are accompanied on board and directly supervised by a competent person 18 years of age or older.

Our Safe Boating Courses are approved and students (ages 12 through 15 years) who pass either Course plus the State quiz can apply for a Boating Safety Certificate. Students may obtain the application form from a Course chairman; there  is no fee. The form must be completed by the parent (or legal guardian) and the Course chairman. It is the responsibility of the student to send the form to the State. Normal processing time is less than four weeks. The Boating Safety Certificate must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever operating a vessel.

Return to the Public Courses page where you can register for an upcoming course.