Massachusetts Sets Boating Guidelines

The state of Massachusetts released guidelines Tuesday for boating and other marine activities during the stay-at-home advisory. Ramps will remain open subject to available parking. Once a ramp is full, it is considered closed. Boaters must abide by these rules or the facilities and their access to the water will be closed, so it is imperative that they be vigilant and encourage others to do the same.

Ramp Rules

Inland boat ramps and canoe launches within state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, boating access facilities and other state-owned facilities will remain open to launching by tow vehicles registered in Massachusetts, except where access has been already been closed. All other inland ramps that are currently managed by local municipalities are open subject to the discretion of the city or town.

At the coast, ramps managed by the state remain open, but again the tow vehicle must have Massachusetts plates. All other coastal ramps owned by municipalities are subject to the discretion of the city or town.

On the Water

Once underway, only persons from the same household should be on a boat. No gatherings of groups from multiple households will be allowed on docks and rafting up is not allowed. All recreational boating is subject to the discretion of local officials, harbor masters and law enforcement.

All boaters shall practice social distancing. Users should ensure that they are ready to depart quickly after launching and move away from the ramp area. Fishing tournaments aren’t allowed. Masks should be worn in public in accordance with the Department of Public Health’s advisory when social distancing isn’t possible.