Frequently Asked Questions

• Where Do I Get Information About Boat Registration Issues?

  In Massachusetts the Office of Environmental Police's Boat, Recreation Vehicle and Snowmobile Registration Division handles all boat registration matters. The website is http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/elereg.htm. This site will provide you with contact information and other details.

• Can I Register My Boat Online?

  In many situations you can register online. The aforementioned website has information to help you determine if you are eligible to do so.

• Does Massachusetts Law Require That Boaters Take Safety Courses?

  Currently the MA Legislature is considering Mandatory Boater Education legislation, but at this time Boat Massachusetts "addresses fundamental safety concepts and emphasizes the operator's legal and ethical responsibilities. It targets the boating novice, especially young boaters (12 through 15 years of age), who are required by state law to complete such a course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Additionally, safety and legal demonstrations are offered to groups of boaters, snowmobile riders, and all-terrain-vehicle users, with programs tailored to a group's particular needs. The Bureau informs and educates the public through the development of media campaigns designed for TV, radio, and the print media, in addition to attending trade shows and public events with its safety exhibit. The Bureau is also responsible for the investigation of all motorboat and recreational vehicle accidents that cause substantial property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities."

• Can MMTA Assist Me With A Boat Repair Issue?

  The MA Marine Trades Association assists the general public by providing information on and advocating for navigational freedom. The Association website, www.boatma.com, lists all our members and the services and locations they provide, as well as Massachusetts tide charts, and news about various other boating related events and opportunities (ie: National Marina Day, www.StayLocalBoatMA.com).

  MMTA does not, however, intervene on behalf of individual boaters in relation to a service or purchase issue. Our members apply and are approved by a diverse, committed, all-volunteer Board of Directors from throughout the Commonwealth. Applications are not approved without the support of a solid sponsor and a positive reputation within the boating industry.

• I Am Interested In A Career Change to the Marine Trades. Any Opportunities?

  MMTA is deeply involved in expanding marine technical training opportunities, as the industry is in serious need of growing a skilled employee pool to fill countless year-round, full-time, well-paying jobs. Efforts to expand marine technical training opportunities are well underway on the North Shore of MA and several high schools already offer marine trades training.

  Currently the most comprehensive marine technical basic training in place in MA is a 350 hour course held at Massasoit Community College, Canton Campus. There are three semesters to the entire course, beginning in September and ending the following May. The class is held evenings and Saturdays in order to complement students' full-time employment schedules.

• Can I Be Placed On The MMTA Mailing List?

  Not unless you are a member in good standing. MMTA is comprised of member-businesses, not individual boaters. Our email distribution list is reserved for members only, as often times the Association is asked for access to our mailing list (which is not made available under any circumstances) by non-member marine businesses. MMTA members make a financial commitment each year to this non-profit to maintain and grow the MA marine trades and to receive members-only benefits, which include being a part of our distribution list.