Sorry you are confused, but
maritime is defined at Dictionary.com as, "
connected with the sea, especially in relation to seafaring commercial or military activity".
As anyone can see at the above photograph, Lake Winnipesaukee is considered "protected inland waters" by the USCG; nonetheless, rules for a proper watch, proper lighting, and keeping crew and passengers safe still apply.
Scoured long ago by glacial epochs, Lake Winnipesaukee is a highly-fractured freshwater lake, shaped into scores of
mini-lakes consisting of many bays, inlets, ports, coves and harbors. The "Big" lake is further constricted by boulders, rocks, shoals, islands, and perhaps
hundreds of navigational markers to delineate them. These natural- and man-made features effectively shrink the lake for boaters.
These bays, inlets, ports, coves and harbors should be sanctuaries for wildlife, nature-watching, and safe boating. BUT two "experienced" boaters—who
definitely should have known better—changed all that.
Now look at Sebago Lake:
Sebago Lake is nearly empty most of the season, has no speed limit, but is spared the tragic history of Lake Winnipesaukee's alcohol-fueled boaters.
Maybe we can explore the difference?
.