BOATING SAFETY RULES GUIDeLINES
1. State and Federal Laws and Regulations: The State of Maine and the U.S. Coast Guard have laws and regulations which relate to the use of watercraft. The IHC adheres to all of these and expects that all Islanders will do the same. However, it remains the responsibility of the individual to know about and conform to these laws.
2. Children (Under the age of 13 years)
a. Current State of Maine law and US Coast guard requires children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket when aboard any watercraft. Accordingly, life jackets should be worn on all ramps and floats, in boats, and on rocks outside the boardwalk, except at the Basin or Paradise beach with adult supervision. Typically, before a child is allowed on ramps and floats without a life jacket—with parental consent— they must first swim across the harbor accompanied by a rescue boat.
3. Rowboat and Outboard Guidelines.
a. Do not use boats belonging to others without specific permission.
b. No overloading of boats.
c. Parental permission and supervision is required for children under the age of 13.
d. No fooling around, rocking, or unsafe behavior in boats.
e. Town Ordinance states that a slow speed (no wake) should be used in the harbor. Be considerate of boats moored in the harbor and boats tied at the dock.
f. If you borrow a boat or equipment, return them immediately.
4. Boat Float Rules
a. Main float: Use only for landing, loading, and unloading. No unattended tie ups on front of the main float for prolonged periods.
b. The space between the posts should be available for those needing assistance with getting in and out of boats.
c. Island side of the finger floats are for tying up dinghies, skiffs, outboards and other small boats (generally under 16’).
5. Storage: Boats stored at Government Center should be restricted to offseason. Boats are not allowed to be kept there year-round.
6. IHC boat use:
a. Off season (spring and fall): The two Island boats, one should be left on the mainland and one on the Island. If you need to borrow a boat, it should be returned. Shuffling boats may be required
b. In Season: Cookhouse boat is used by the caretaker. The workboat can be used to shuttle families and for larger projects. Be courteous of others that may need to use it.
c. In the winter months a boat stored on the fisherman’s float is to be managed by the Island Engineer. The Island Engineer should be contacted and informed of any use of the boat.
7. Contractors and Boats: Any contractor working on the Island, the homeowner is responsible to inform the contractor of the IHC boat policies.
8. General
a. Tie all boats using as little line as possible to keep them close to the float, preventing them from swinging toward the front or blocking other boats’ access to the back.
b. Inside Boat Tie ups: Space for tying up boats inside the finger floats is available on a first come first serve basis. Where outhauls are available, it is recommended that boats be secured bow and stern.
c. Fishing: No fishing on the Georgetown Island float or the main and finger floats on Malden Island.
d. To ensure safety, all dock areas must be promptly cleared of belongings like kayaks, luggage, boating gear, and similar items. Nothing is to be left unattended if not actively being used.
