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 approved online courses that are recognized in Maine are available as well as classroom courses.

Note: 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 Courses

These online courses are approved by NASBLA and are recognized in the state of Maine.

America's Boating Education Course This course can be completed in any of three ways: on the Internet, by studying an 80-page course manual or with a CD. No matter how you like to learn, when you sign up you'll receive a complete package which includes the course manual, the boating course CD, and a PIN number giving you access to the Internet course. This course requires successfully completing the final exam online. There is a fee to complete this course.

BoatUS Foundation Online Course This is a free course that can be completed online by participating in six lessons and successfully completing the final exam. Choose when and where to take your course. Take it on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.

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).

Classroom Courses

Passage of a final exam is required. You must attend every day of the class in order to receive your certificate.

Total Course = 6 Hours

  • Proper Operation & Safety (Boating Handling-Equipment-Trailering) = 3 Hours
  • Laws = 30 Minutes
  • Emergencies & Survival (cold water) = 40 Minutes
  • Self Help First Aid = 20 Minutes
  • Environment/Ethics = 1 1/2 Hours

Can't find a course for your area? Contact the Regional Safety Coordinator for your area or 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
York Acton - Acton Town Hall Robert Anderson (207) 477-8588 August 11, 2018 7am-2pm
York Hollis - Buxton-Hollis Rod & Gun Club Shawn Sage (207) 329-7096 for information only.
Register online		 July 7, 2018 8am-5pm
Cumberland Portland - Portland Yacht Services Tom Russell (207) 774-1067 ext 7 or marina@portlandyacht.com June 24, 2018 8am-3:30pm
Cumberland Gray - Warden Service Headquarters Stephen Barr (207) 446-4173 for information only.
To register email Stephen.L.Barr@maine.gov		 June 23, 2018 8am-4pm
Cumberland Portland - Portland Yacht Services Tom Russell (207) 774-1067, ext. 7 or marina@portlandyacht.com June 24, 2018 8am-3:30pm
Cumberland Brunswick - Brunswick High School Merrymeeting Adult Education (207) 729-7323 or adulted@link75.org September 11, 2018 6:30pm

Wawenock PS Boating Course - $70 for individuals or $95 for couples sharing materials. Additional information available from John McMullen at (207) 433-7848 or postms@comcast.net
Cumberland Raymond - Raymond Public Library Jay Ward - ward351@yahoo.com July 15, 2018 9am-4:30pm