Boating Safety Course

The Winthrop Harbormaster Marine Unit in partnership with The Massachusetts Environmental Police will be holding a Basic Boating Safety course. 

These in-person classes are sponsored by the Massachusetts Environmental Police at no cost to the public.

This course is nationally approved, and course completion will allow persons to legally operate a boat in states requiring the Basic Boating Safety Course.

Who needs a Boating Safety Certificate?

Massachusetts will require a Basic Boating Safety Certificate to legally operate a boat starting in 2026.

  • Anyone born before 1989 operating a motorized vessel needs to possess a Boater Safety Certificate by April 1 of 2028
  • Anyone born after January 1 of 1989 operating a motorized vessel needs to possess a Boater Safety Certificate by April 1 of 2026

For more information regarding the updated laws governing Boater Safety Certificates, click here.

Course Information

Courses are nationally approved, and course completion will allow persons to legally operate a boat in states requiring Basic Boating Safety Courses. Everyone who completes the course will be issued a Basic Boating Safety Certificate. All graduates in the 12 through 15-year-old age group will be legally allowed to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. The same is true for 16 and 17-year-old youth who wish to operate a personal watercraft (jet-ski, wave runner, etc.) In addition, some insurance companies offer policy discounts for customers that complete a Basic Boating Safety Course.

Who is eligible to attend a Boating Safety Course?

Anyone age 12 and up.

Current Courses

Class ID
Dates
Time
Location
5090
May 3, 10 & 17 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Senior Center, 35 Harvard St.,  Winthrop, MA
5091
May 24, 31 & June 7 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Senior Center, 35 Harvard St., Winthrop, MA

Check back on this page periodically for additional course availability.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police will post courses for Boater Safety Certificates 1 month prior to the course start date.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police offers courses outside of Winthrop and an Online option. To find out more, click here.

Course Sign-up

To sign up for a boater safety course, take the class ID from above and go to the link below and fill out the form. Courses are populated on a first come, first serve basis.

Massachusetts Environmental Police Boater Safety Course Sign-up

Questions?

For any questions or concerns regarding this course, reach out to the below staff from the Winthrop Harbormaster Department

Captain Dennis DeCarney
Phone: 781-922-6464
Captain Kevin Janielis
Phone: 617-895-9342