AUGUSTA – A Maine legislator is proposing mandatory, once-in-a-lifetime boating safety courses.

Rep. Thomas Watson said Maine has the highest recreational boating fatality rate in New England. The Bath Democrat said 16 people died in 2007 from boating accidents in Maine.

Watson’s proposal would be phased in over eight years. It would require the youngest and least-experienced boaters to take a boating safety course or pass a safety test. Older and more experienced boaters would face similar requirements by certain deadlines.

The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee has scheduled a public hearing on the bill for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15.