Maine fishing regulators says a change in state law will make it easier for students who want to become lobster fishermen to get into business.The state has extended the age by which Maine residents must fulfill apprenticeship requirements to get a lobster fishing license without first going on a waiting list.The old rules state that students had to finish the apprenticeship by age 18.New rules say students can bypass the waiting list if they finish the apprenticeship requirements and get a high school diploma or equivalent before age 20.Another option says the age will be extended for residents who are enrolled at least half-time in post-secondary education. Those students must finish the apprenticeship before age 23.Gov. Paul LePage signed the changes into law this week.

Maine fishing regulators says a change in state law will make it easier for students who want to become lobster fishermen to get into business.

The state has extended the age by which Maine residents must fulfill apprenticeship requirements to get a lobster fishing license without first going on a waiting list.

Advertisement Related Content Lobster license changes up for debate in Maine State House

The old rules state that students had to finish the apprenticeship by age 18.

New rules say students can bypass the waiting list if they finish the apprenticeship requirements and get a high school diploma or equivalent before age 20.

Another option says the age will be extended for residents who are enrolled at least half-time in post-secondary education. Those students must finish the apprenticeship before age 23.

Gov. Paul LePage signed the changes into law this week.