This one day on-water workshop will teach you proper transport of a sea kayak, strokes for most efficient paddling in different conditions, proper boat launch etiquette, safety on the water, where you should and shouldn’t paddle, using a chart while paddling, common rescues and tows. There will be capsizing involved so you are required to wear a wetsuit or drysuit to participate. Limited rentals are available with advance notice. You will bring your own lunch, sea kayak at least 14’ long with two bulkheads, paddle, life jacket, bilge pump, paddle float, and enthusiasm.

Learn boating skills from experienced boaters who patrol midcoast coastal waters from Small Point to Port Clyde. TOPICS INCLUDE: Introduction to Boating: types of power boats, boating terms, sailboats paddle boats, and engine types. Boating Laws: Boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, Federal boating laws, state boating laws, and reporting accidents. Safety Equipment: life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment. Safe Operation and Navigation: buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water. Boating Emergencies: hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather. Trailering: types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer. Sports and Boating: water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, personal watercraft operation, and other boating tips. New Maine Boating Law Maine now requires persons born on after January 1, 1999 in order to operate a boat over 25 hp on inland and coastal waters to have taken the course Boat America, pass an exam, have the state’s Boat America card, and be registered in Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife database. Completing this course satisfies the requirements.

Mid Coast Maine has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but within the beauty are hazards that can quickly ruin your day on the water. Geography, tides and weather can combine to make even the most experienced mariner opt to stay ashore. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5, located in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, offers an introduction to navigation course that can help recreational boaters cruise the area. The basics of coastal navigation are covered using the chart of the Boothbay area. What we cover applies to all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) navigation charts. Navigating Mid Coast Maine covers the basics of navigation and trip planning while taking you to the far corners of the local “Cape Small to Pemaquid” #13293 chart. Our experienced instructors have hundreds of hours cruising the waters covered in this course as recreational boaters and on the water conducting Coast Guard Auxiliary patrols. They are certified CG Auxiliary Small Boat Coxswains and Boat Crew members as well as local residents. Topics include basic navigation using both traditional paper charts and various electronic chart formats, understanding navigational aids, and buoy systems. Problem sets will help you understand the building blocks of course planning including exercises on tides; time, speed, distance; and course layout and labeling. To take the course you need either a printed chart or access to an electronic chart of the Boothbay Harbor area. Paper Chart and Nav Tools: We recommend charts printed on quality paper so you can draw (and erase) course lines using a pencil and add information easily. The NOAA chart of the area is The Three Rivers Chart (#13293). In addition two charting tools are recommended. The chart and tools may be purchased separately at the start of class. The chart costs $30. Along with a paper chart you should have two navigational tools. One is a divider (compass) cost: $10. The other is a roller plotter or parallel rule cost $35.

Join Master Maine Guide Alice starting early morning to avoid the winds on Mere Point Bay. While we’re paddling in solo and tandem sea kayaks, you’ll learn about aquaculture in Maine – fishing, clamming, scallop and oyster farming. You’ll learn about the area’s natural and human history. We’ll be visiting an oyster farm and then land on an island where you’ll learn to shuck oysters and then taste your success. This tour is beginner and family friendly. Sea kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are provided. You provide water and snacks.

Are you interested in obtaining a USCG Captain's License? Do you want to learn the difference between an Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) license and a Master 100GT license, and what experience the Coast Guard requires for each?

This informational session will help answer these questions and others about the two licenses. The different methods for completing the course requirements will also be discussed.

We plan to offer both courses in Maine during the Fall 2025, representing the Captain School Key West / Miami.

This information session is free, but please register in advance, so the instructor knows how many individuals will attend and can send login instructions.