WASHINGTON, D.C., January 13, 2024 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that after more than a decade of advocacy and legislative effort, the Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act (H.4941) was signed into law on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, marking a monumental step in improving boating safety across the state. This legislation establishes a mandatory boater education program, requiring all boat operators in the Commonwealth to obtain a boater safety certificate. With its passage, Massachusetts joins 45 other states in mandating boater education, a move celebrated by the recreational boating community.

“The MRAA applauds the dedication and hard work of all those responsible for passing the Hanson-Milone Act in the final hours of the 193rd session and ultimately creating a safer environment for recreational boaters on Massachusetts waters,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “With more than 129,000 registered boats throughout the Bay State and the long history of and heritage on the water, we are pleased to see steps being taken to ensure the continued safety of our recreational boaters and their families.”

A Safer Future on Massachusetts Waters
Initially drafted more than a decade ago by former Rep. Thomas Calter, the bill was championed in recent years by Rep. Kathleen LaNatra (12th Plymouth) and former Sen. Susan Moran. The law, named in honor of David Hanson, a young man who tragically lost his life in a boating accident in 2010, and Paul Milone, a longtime Weymouth Harbormaster and boating safety advocate, aims to create a safer environment on Massachusetts’ waterways.
“I am so proud to see the Hanson-Milone Act finally become law,” said Rep. LaNatra. “Massachusetts is home to some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. Unfortunately, too often, a day of fun on the water ends in tragedy because someone operates a boat without proper safety training. This legislation ensures anyone operating a boat in the Commonwealth has the necessary knowledge to keep themselves and others safe.”

Advocacy and Support
The MRAA, alongside organizations such as the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), BoatUS and the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), played a pivotal role in advocating for the legislation. The combined efforts demonstrated the recreational boating industry’s commitment to safety and were instrumental in helping the legislation get past the finish line.

“The signing of the Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Bill provides a gateway to further education for the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts, leading to lives saved on the waterways for years to come. Thank you to many involved in passing the bill, especially Rep. LaNatra and Christopher Jean, her Chief of Staff, for their many years of working on this bill,” said Randall Lyons, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. “Thank you also to Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, and Chairman Michael Rodrigues for their support and final approval of the bill. An element of the new law can be directly related to a recent statistic released by the US Coast Guard – ‘Where instruction was known, 75% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety education.’ As the late great Paul Milone frequently said – ‘Safe Boating is no Accident.’”

Key Provisions of the Hanson-Milone Act
The law mandates that boat operators pass a boater safety education program and examination to obtain a safety certificate. This certificate must be present on the vessel during operation. While the law provides exemptions for certain groups, such as merchant mariners and qualified members of the Armed Forces, it emphasizes inclusivity by recognizing certificates from other states and prior certifications.

Additional updates to Massachusetts boating regulations include requiring the use of engine cutoff switches provided by manufacturers and mandating that vessels like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.

The timeline for implementation is as follows:

• Guidance will be published by the office of law enforcement no later than October 1, 2025.
• Boaters born after January 1, 1989, must obtain certificates by April 1, 2026, with enforcement beginning on September 1, 2026.
• Boaters born on or before January 1, 1989, must comply by April 1, 2028.

Honoring Hanson and Milone
The act pays tribute to the lives and legacies of David Hanson and Paul Milone. Hanson, who tragically died in a 2010 boating accident at the age of 20, was remembered as a young man dedicated to the safety of others, aspiring to become a firefighter. Milone, who passed in 2020 at age 74, served as Weymouth’s Harbormaster for 29 years and taught over 30,000 people boating safety throughout his career. Their families, who were instrumental in advocating for the act, joined state officials at the Discover Boating New England Boat Show to commemorate the signing.

Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll presented the signed bill to Lisa Milone, Paul’s widow, and Eric Hanson, David’s brother. “This legislation stands as a testament to their passion for ensuring safer waters for all,” said Lyons.

Looking Ahead
The passage of the Hanson-Milone Act underscores the importance of collaboration and perseverance in achieving legislative milestones. As implementation progresses, the MRAA and other organizations will work to educate boaters and promote compliance with the new safety measures.

For further details on the Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act, visit Amendment S.3011. Questions about boater education and the legislative process can be directed to Chad Tokowicz at Chad@mraa.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.