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Safety Laws for Massachusetts Rowboats

Taking your rowboat out on the lake may seem simple, but that is not always the case. The state of Massachusetts has laws and regulations that you must follow before you take your boat out into the river, sea or water in general. These rules are necessary to protect you, and others who want to enjoy a safe and fun trip on the lake. Remember the rules that apply to motor operated boats don't necessarily apply to your non-motor operated rowboat.

Drug and Alcohol Restrictions
- Your rowboat does not need a boat registration, also known as a Massachusetts Certificate of Number. Although your boat doesn't have a motor, any person under the influence of alcohol and drugs should not operate a boat, even rowboats. If your blood alcohol level is .08 percent or higher, you should not be a operating your rowboat, according to the website Boat-ed. Once you go out on the water in your rowboat, you are giving consent alcohol testing should you be arrested for boating under the influence. You're breaking the law if you are under the influence of a controlled substance of any kind, but legal and illegal. Breaking these boating laws could require you to pay fines, and face possible jail time.
Personal Floatation Devices
- Falling off the boat is not something you want to think about, but it could happen. In cases of the boat tipping or sinking, you want to have personal floatation devices, such as a life-jacket, just in case. According to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, all boats operating in Massachusetts must carry PFDs. Massachusetts law only requires consists and kayakers to wear the PFDs while on the boat between September 15 and May 15. Although you're not required to wear the protective floatation devices any time outside of those dates, you should as your own safety precaution.
Recreational Fishing
- If you're thinking about going fishing in your rowboat in Massachusetts, there are some regulations as to where you can fish at in your boat. According to Massachusetts the Department of Conservation and recreation, rowboats that are a minimum of 12 feet long are permitted on off-watershed ponds and regulating ponds. You must have a valid fishing license as well. Boats less than 16 feet long can only have two occupants, three occupants may be permitted in some cases.
Boat Cleanliness
- Having a dirty boat on off-watershed and regulating ponds is not permitted. Boats must be clean in compliance with the Commonwealth boating laws. According to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Commission personnel have the right to inspect your private rowboat. The safety of other occupants are important, as well as the water quality of the facility you wish to enter into. Therefore, Commonwealth facilities may deny your access to enter if your boat to protect the occupants and water quality.

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