Maine and New Hampshire Boater Safety Rules and Life Jacket Laws

MAINE BOATER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND PRECAUTIONS

Life jackets and personal flotation devices: State law requires each person on board to have a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved serviceable life jacket. (Children 10 and under must always wear a life jacket.) Also, boats longer than 16 feet must have a throwable PFD. The Maine Warden Service recommends that everyone wear his or her lifejackets while on the water.

  • If your boat has any enclosed compartments or a false floor you must carry a Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher. Make sure it is charged and accessible.
  • Always test your boat lights before the boat leaves the dock and carry extra batteries.
  • Keep emergency supplies on board in a floating pouch complete with maps, flares, and a first aid kit.
  • And make sure you have an anchor and can properly use it.

Never drink and boat.
Leave alcohol on shore and never use drugs or alcohol before or during boat operation. Alcohol's effects are greatly exaggerated by exposure to sun, glare, wind, noise, and vibration. Alcohol use is dangerous for passengers too. Intoxicated passengers can easily slip, fall overboard or suffer other life-threatening incidents.

Remember, boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal. Operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is against Maine law. Boating under the influence applies to drugs, as well as alcohol. Even some prescription medications can make operating a recreational vessel unsafe. Check with your doctor about the effects of any medications you may be taking.

Be weather wise, incident preventive, and emergency prepared.

  • Regardless of the season, keep a close eye on the weather and tides.
  • Bring a weather radio and electronic communication device that will work without cellular service.
  • Document the area's emergency response phone numbers and radio frequencies. 
  • Sudden wind shifts, lightning, and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing--be proactive in avoiding these encroachingly dangerous conditions.
  • Do not exceed 500 yards from any shoreline so that you and your party can rush back to shore in the case of a weather event.
  • If bad weather is approaching, get off the water early to avoid a long waiting line in inclement weather.
  • Cold water temperatures, particularly in spring and fall, increase the risk of hypothermia. Remember that northern Maine holds on to winter as long as it can, and it often feels like winter well into spring.
  • In an Accident -- Personal safety comes first; report all injuries and damage.
  • Water and Alcohol Don't Mix -- Boating while intoxicated is against the law.
  • Use Your Lights -- All boats operating after sunset until sunrise must display visible lights.
  • Hunting is Prohibited while under power from a motor, as is carrying a loaded firearm (unless you possess a pistol permit).
  • Dumping and Littering are Illegal, and punishable as a misdemeanor (up to a year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine).
  • Don't Harass Wildlife -- Killing or deliberately harassing water birds through the operation of a boat is "Taking" wildlife (fines of $1,000 or more, and loss of fishing license).

 Be sure to take these steps before getting underway.

  • Check each other's life jacket fitment to ensure the life jacket cannot be pulled up over the user's head or otherwise slip around. Zip and tighten for snugness. The life jacket must be sized to the user's age range and weight range. Please inspect these requirements and make adjustments before  entering the watercraft or water.
  • Do not overload your boat. Abide by the listed weight capacity and make sure all equipment is working and that the drainplug is tightly sealed.
  • Release the drain plug when not in use to relieve air pressure or else the kayak could expand and rupture during higher temperature weather.
  • Release the drain plug and tip the kayak upright and to its side to release any interior condensation build up or external water that has seeped in.
  • Know the Water -- always carry a chart (map).

NEW HAMPSHIRE BOATER SAFETY LAWS AND PRECAUTIONS

  1. Wear Life Jackets or Vests -- State law requires one wearable life preserver for each person in a boat. All children age 12 or under must wear an approved vest or jacket.
New Hampshire’s Life Jacket Requirements. New Hampshire law requires the following with respect to life jackets (PFDs):
  • All vessels must carry one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) USCG–approved life jacket for each person on board. Type V life jackets must be worn to be acceptable.
  • All life jackets must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible. The life jackets must be of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size and can be determined by the manufacturer’s label.
  • In addition to the above requirements, vessels 16 feet in length or longer (except canoes and kayaks) must have one Type IV USCG–approved throwable device on board and immediately available.
  • Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG–approved life jacket at all times while underway on a vessel, unless the vessel is completely enclosed by railings at least three feet high and constructed such that a small child cannot fall through them. It is strongly recommended that children of all ages wear their life jackets.
  • The operator of a “ski craft” must wear a USCG–approved life jacket.
  • Each person being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG–approved life jacket.
  • A person using a stand-up paddleboard must have a Type I, II, or III life jacket on board. New Hampshire law requires any person under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket.

Your utmost safety and enjoyment is of critical importance to us.