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New age requirement for personal flotation devices (sometime
Effective January 1, 2026, children 12 years of age or younger, including a boat operator who is 12 years of age or younger, must wear a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on any watercraft that is underway and being used for recreational purposes. Exceptions to this requirement include if the child is below the decks, in an enclosed cabin or if the watercraft has a USCG certificate of inspection.
This change, initiated and passed by the Maine State Legislature, increased the required age from 10 years of age or younger to 12 years of age or younger to improve youth safety on Maine's waters. The updated age requirement now aligns with federal law.
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife encourages everyone aboard a watercraft to always wear a life jacket. Additional laws regarding personal flotation device requirements can be found in the boating law book. We understand that every angler is unique. That's why we offer customizable fishing trips that can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you want to fish for a specific type of fish or explore a particular area, we'll make it happen.