New Boating Laws Take Effect
This summer, Maine has two new boating laws. These laws restrict where one can engage in wakesurfing and require some boaters to take a boating safety course before operating a motor boat on a Maine lake or pond.
Wakesurfing Activity
Beginning on August 9, 2024, a new law goes into place that prohibits the operation of a motorboat engaged in a wakesurfing activity in less than 15 feet of water or within 300 feet of the shoreline.
“Wakesurfing activity” is defined as an activity that involves using a surfboard, wakeboard, or similar device while being propelled by a motorboat’s wake or while on or in a motorboat’s wake directly behind that motorboat.
Watercraft dealers who sell a motorboat in the State must provide the purchaser of that motorboat with information related to the boater safety and education courses offered by the department as well as information related to those operators who are required to complete those courses.
Boater Safety and Education
Participating in a recreational boating safety education course will teach you how to safely operate and maintain a boat and introduce you to Maine boating laws and resources. Beginning January 1, 2024, a person born on or after January 1, 1999, may not operate a motorboat greater than twenty-five (25) horsepower for recreational boating purposes on inland waters of this State or territorial waters, unless that person is 12 years of age or older and has completed a boater safety and education course. These persons must possess and present a boater safety and education course certificate for inspection upon request to a law enforcement officer. Exceptions: registered Maine guides (hunting, fishing, and recreational guides only), commercial fisherman, daily boat renters, and merchant mariners.
A person born after January 1, 1999 is also required to complete a boater safety and education course and be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (such as a jet ski) on inland waters and territorial waters of the State or to supervise a person under 12 years of age who is operating a motorboat.
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