How old must a person be to legally operate a personal watercraft in Maine?

In Maine, the legal age to operate a personal watercraft is indeed 16 years of age. This requirement is established to ensure that individuals have a sufficient level of maturity and understanding to safely navigate watercraft, which can be powerful and require a good deal of skill and responsibility. Operating a personal watercraft also entails understanding local laws, safety regulations, and being able to assess conditions on the water effectively.

Individuals under 16 years of age can use personal watercraft, but only if they are under the supervision of an adult or someone of legal age. This approach helps promote safety on the water by ensuring that more experienced individuals are present to guide younger operators. Therefore, the age requirement serves to protect both the individual operating the watercraft and others on the water.