Recreational classification means that a person has met the qualifications to guide boating, snowmobiling, and camping. Specialized Sea-Kayaking classification means that a person has met the qualifications to guide sea-kayaking on the State's territorial seas and tributaries of the State up to the head of tide and out to the three mile limit, including overnight camping trips in conjunction with sea-kayaking. Specialized Tide-Water Fishing classification means that a person has met the qualifications to guide sport fishing on the State's territorial seas and tributaries of the State up to the head of tide out to the three mile limit, including overnight camping trips in conjunction with tide-water fishing. To earn a specialized rating Registered Maine Guides must complete a written examination in each license classification. In addition all Maine Guides have passed an oral examination. The oral exam is overseen by a panel of State of Maine Game Wardens and experienced Maine Guides. The oral exam includes map and compass or navigation, lost person or catastrophic event scenarios, general navigation, survival, ethics, first aid, wildlife identification as well as questions to ensure the professional knowledge in the Guide's area of specialization. The process of obtaining a license as a Registered Maine Guide is one of the most difficult in the country due to the need to specifically know and prove woods knowledge, which is why Maine Guides are held in such high regards over other states. Master Maine Guide Master certification means that a person has acquired experience in a specialized classification that exceeds the minimum requirements necessary to be licensed as a guide in that classification. To become a Master Maine Guide, a guide must have been working as a guide for ten years and have had at least five years professional experience in their specialized classification. See also Outfitter Guide References Maine culture Guides