The Boater’s Guide to Maine: Boating Laws and Responsibilities

The Boater’s Guide to Maine: Boating Laws and Responsibilities is the official boating handbook developed for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The handbook introduces you to Maine laws governing boating and provides general information about safe vessel operation.

Use this handbook to familiarize yourself with steps to make all your boating outings safe and enjoyable. Remember, safety on Maine waterways is the responsibility of all boaters.

Topics include:

• Vessel Basics
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• Emergencies
• Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Boating Laws and Regulations
• Required Equipment
• Skiing
• And much more…

Boater education prevents accidents and saves lives. Whether or not their state requires it, all boaters have a responsibility to learn about boat operation, communications, navigation, and life-saving techniques before taking to the water. Statistics bear out what logic suggests—those without boater education put themselves and others at risk.

Free Version

This Maine boating handbook is also available in a free PDF version.