Responsible + Safe Boating

We hope you are having a wonderful summer and enjoying your time on Maine's many lakes, ponds, and rivers. Remember, you are sharing these water bodies with other boats, paddlers, and wildlife; just like driving a car, there are rules of the road. Meeting head-on: When two powered watercrafts are head-on, always stay to the right.

Passing: The powerboat being passed by another powerboat must maintain its course and speed. The powerboat passing another boat must change its speed and course to avoid collision (give way). Crossing: The powerboat approaching the port side (left side) gives way (slows down + changes course). The port/left side can be identified by red navigation lights at night (red=stop).

These situations change when a sailboat is involved - please view Maine's boating laws (PDF) to learn more.