Boating Rules & Regulations




Boating Rules & Regulations - UPDATE on Headway Speed

"Headway Speed" means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and control of the watercraft. 

You must operate a watercraft at "headway speed" while:

  1. Within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands. 
  2. Within a marina or an approved anchorage in coastal or inland waters.

This law was designed to keep everyone on the water safe, reduce erosion, and to help protect wildlife such as loons that nest on the shoreline.


Boating Rules & Regulations
 
Meaning of Lake Marker Symbols
  • Hazard Area, Shallow Area, Rocks = White marker with orange identifications.
  • Headway Speed Only = White marker with orange identifications. Headway speed is defined as the minimum speed required to maintain navigation – NO WAKE.
  • Black & White Vertical Stripe = Boats should not pass between marker and nearest shore/land.
Maine Boating Rules and Regulations
Motor Boats
  • Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore, rafts, other boats or swimmers.
  • Must be 12 years or older to operate a boat with more than 10 hp, unless supervised by someone at least 16 years of age.
  • Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.

Personal Watercraft
(Jet Ski or similar type)
  • Must be 16 years or older to operate.
  • Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore and from specially marked buoy areas.
  • No operation between sunset and sunrise.
  • Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.

Lake environments are very fragile. For their protection and yours, please keep in mind these basic rules:
  • Before launching your boat, please make sure that it has been washed clean of any possible plant material that could endanger the lake.
  • Be careful of spills when refueling or mixing gas.
  • Keep a container aboard your watercraft for trash and take it with you when you leave.
  • Always use headway speed only in channels or as otherwise indicated by markers.
  • Use the toilet facilities provided at the public boat launch ramp or the public beach at the foot of the lake.
  • Be aware of water skiers and tubers who may cross your path when boating.
  • Remember to turn on your anchor and navigating lights at dusk.
  • Please respect the rights and privacy of waterfront property owners by not abusing their property.
  • Keep a safe distance (100 feet) away from wildlife such as loons and their chicks to prevent injury.
 
 
 


Boating Rules & Regulations - UPDATE on Headway Speed

"Headway Speed" means the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and control of the watercraft. 

You must operate a watercraft at "headway speed" while:

  1. Within 200 feet of any shoreline, including islands. 
  2. Within a marina or an approved anchorage in coastal or inland waters.

This law was designed to keep everyone on the water safe, reduce erosion, and to help protect wildlife such as loons that nest on the shoreline.

 
 
 
 


Boating Rules & Regulations
 
Meaning of Lake Marker Symbols
  • Hazard Area, Shallow Area, Rocks = White marker with orange identifications.
  • Headway Speed Only = White marker with orange identifications. Headway speed is defined as the minimum speed required to maintain navigation – NO WAKE.
  • Black & White Vertical Stripe = Boats should not pass between marker and nearest shore/land.
Maine Boating Rules and Regulations
Motor Boats
  • Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore, rafts, other boats or swimmers.
  • Must be 12 years or older to operate a boat with more than 10 hp, unless supervised by someone at least 16 years of age.
  • Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.

Personal Watercraft
(Jet Ski or similar type)
  • Must be 16 years or older to operate.
  • Headway speed only (minimum speed required for navigation – NO WAKE) within 200 feet (2/3 of a football field) from shore and from specially marked buoy areas.
  • No operation between sunset and sunrise.
  • Imprudent operation, including prolonged circling, racing and wake jumping is prohibited.

Lake environments are very fragile. For their protection and yours, please keep in mind these basic rules:
  • Before launching your boat, please make sure that it has been washed clean of any possible plant material that could endanger the lake.
  • Be careful of spills when refueling or mixing gas.
  • Keep a container aboard your watercraft for trash and take it with you when you leave.
  • Always use headway speed only in channels or as otherwise indicated by markers.
  • Use the toilet facilities provided at the public boat launch ramp or the public beach at the foot of the lake.
  • Be aware of water skiers and tubers who may cross your path when boating.
  • Remember to turn on your anchor and navigating lights at dusk.
  • Please respect the rights and privacy of waterfront property owners by not abusing their property.
  • Keep a safe distance (100 feet) away from wildlife such as loons and their chicks to prevent injury.