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Boating Safety
Participation in a boating education course will teach how to properly operate and maintain a boat. There are a few options of course types to choose from. NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved online courses that are recognized in Maine are available as well as classroom courses.
Note: Currently, Persons 16 years of age and under 18 years of age MAY NOT operate a personal watercraft unless they possess on their person, identification showing proof of age and proof of successful completion of a NASBLA approved boating safety course unless they are accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who physically occupies the personal watercraft.
Online Boating Education Courses
Maine currently offers (3) approved online courses. Each varies in presentation and functionality, providing options that may work better for you. You can begin the course and work at your pace, with the ability to save, and go back to it to fit your schedule. Modules are timed in many cases, and each includes multi-media content including text, pictures, photos, and video content, including quizzes and a final exam. All course options are NASBLA approved and currently meet the Maine standard for course content.
BoatUS Foundation Online CourseThis is a free course that can be completed online. Provider suggests a $10 donation. Certificate provided upon successful completion including a passing score on exam.
Boat-Ed This course can be completed online. Cost is $34.95 charged by the online provider. Certificate provided upon successful completion including a passing score on exam.
BoatTests101This course can be completed online. The cost is $24.99 charged by the online provider. Certificate provided upon successful completion including a passing score on exam.
Hybrid Boating Education Course
America's Boating Education Course This course can be completed in any one of three ways: Online or Home study-studying an 80-page course manual or with a CD. Cost is $34.95 charged by the online provider. Certificate provided upon successful completion including a passing score on exam.
Paddle Sports Education Course
Paddlesports Safety Online - Please Note: This course is NOT approved to replace a NASBLA approved boat operator course. This is an optional safety program specific to paddlesports. View the Paddlesports Safety Flier (PDF).
In-person/Classroom Courses
Successful completion of a final exam is required. You must fully attend in order to receive your certificate.
Total Course = 6 Hours
- Proper Operation & Safety (Boating Handling-Equipment-Trailering)
- Laws and Regulations
- Emergencies & Survival (cold water)
- Self Help/ First Aid
- Environmental Concerns/Ethics
Can't find a course for your area? Contact the Recreational Safety Division Office at (207) 287-5220.
When registering either by telephone or email, please be sure to include your full name, telephone number, and which course, date and location you are signing up for.
New courses will be posted below as they become available.
Current Courses
| County | Location | Contact | Date/Time | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland | Portland - Portland Yacht Services | Tom Russell - (207) 774-1067x7 or marina@portlandyacht.com for questions/information | June 17, 8am-4pm | |
| Cumberland | Portland - Portland Yacht Services | Tom Russell - (207) 774-1067x7 or marina@portlandyacht.com for questions/information | July 15, 8am-4pm | |
| York | Acton - Acton Town Hall | Dick Jagger - MLRABoatsafety@gmail.com for questions/information | June 17, 9am-3:30pm | |
| York | Acton - Acton Town Hall | Dick Jagger - MLRABoatsafety@gmail.com for questions/information | July 15, 9am-3:30pm | |
| Somerset | Smithfield - Fairview Grange | Charles Shaffer - (207) 446-4132 or Charles.B.Shaffer@maine.gov for questions/information | June 24, 9am-3pm |