Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, a person born on or after Jan. 1, 1999, will not be allowed to operate a boat powered by an engine 25 hp or larger in the state of Maine without completing a boater safety and education course. If the person is 12 years of age or older and has already completed a course, he/she is exempt. The boat operator must possess and present a completion certificate upon request to a law enforcement officer.
In a statement, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said there are other exemptions including registered hunting, fishing and recreational guides, commercial fishermen, daily boat renters and merchant mariners.
There are currently three vendors that provide Maine online boating education courses. Once a person has successfully completed the self-paced online course, he/she will be issued a boater safety and education course certificate. The on-line courses are:
BoatUS Foundation: The foundation is a nonprofit and the course requests a $10 donation.
Boat-Ed: The online course costs $34.95.
Boattests101: The online course costs $24.95
Additionally, MDIFW volunteers throughout the state will teach the in-person boating education course. Upon successfully completing and passing a final exam, a person will be issued a boating education certificate that is recognized in all 50 states and six U.S. territories.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers its Boat America in-person course. It meets National Association of State Boating Law Administrators standards and is approved to be taught in Maine. Enter a zip code in the search feature and select only the Boat America courses. Check this link to find a course. USCGAUX: Public Boating Courses
