Marion Police Department and Harbormaster’s Office to Host Boating Safety Certification Classes

MARION — The Marion Police Department and Harbormaster’s Office are offering two free sessions of boating safety certification courses in accordance with new laws impacting recreational boating.

WHERE: 
Marion Police Department, 550 Mill St., Marion

WHEN: 

• March session: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22
• April session: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12

Attendance is required on both days of the session to receive certification.

WHAT: 
The Massachusetts Legislature passed a law, The Hanson Milone Act Of 2024, requiring anyone operating a motorized vessel in Massachusetts to possess a Boater Safety Certificate. Starting April 1, 2026, all motorboat operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, must complete a boating safety course to operate motorized vessels or personal watercraft such as a jet ski. Anyone born before Jan. 1, 1989, will have until April 1, 2028, to obtain their boater safety certificate.

In response, the Marion Police Department and Harbormaster’s Office are offering Boating Safety Courses to anyone ages 12 and older during March and April. The classes are being offered at no cost.

Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers certify instructors, provide classroom materials and additional support.

The courses are nationally approved. Course completion will allow anyone to operate a boat in states requiring Basic Boating Safety courses. 

“Education is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent boating tragedies,” said Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli. “We’re proud to offer this free course to help our community meet the new education requirement while gaining the knowledge that keeps everyone safer on the water. I also want to thank our staff for their commitment to providing this important instruction.”

Community members can register for the March session here or the April session here. Registration opens for the March class on Feb. 21 at 1:30 a.m., and on March 11 at 1:30 a.m. for the April class.

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