Boater Safety Course Required in 2024

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) announced a few reminders of rule changes for boating and hunting enthusiasts.

First, Maine will join 44 other states in requiring some level of boater education for those operating a boat on Maine’s waters beginning in 2024. The new requirement became law through the enactment of LD 1807, which was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in June.

Beginning in January, a person born after 1998 may not operate a motorboat of 25 horsepower or greater for recreational boating purposes on inland or territorial waters unless that person is aged 12 and older and has completed a boater safety and education course. There are a few exceptions, such as for registered Maine guides (hunting, fishing, and recreational guides only), the commercial fishing industry, daily boat renters and merchant mariners.

Anyone under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat alone on Maine waters as long as the engine is less than 10 horsepower. For engines rated 10-25 horsepower, operators under 12 must have supervision.

The course teaches participants Maine’s boating laws, how to safely operate and maintain a boat, how to prepare for boating emergencies, environmental concerns including how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and more. The course may be taken in-person or online.

For more information about course offerings, please visit the boating safety and education website.