Boating Laws & License Requirements by State. Inflatable PFDs are not recommended for children nor are they recommended for use during high impact sports such as water skiing or operating a PWC. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 years of age and have a boating safety certificate. Original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin Fully executed by the manufacturer. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is an innovative leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Non-motorized vessels, including sailing vessels; Vessels that are properly registered in another state; Vessels from another country that are using Maryland waters for less than 90 days; A vessel owned by the Federal or State government that is used for public service; A vessel that is solely used for racing and holds a valid racing number. Maryland Boating Safety Requirements Maryland Boat Registration. The boat title must first be obtained by the MDNR before the Certificate of Number can be issued. Lack of the correct documentation may result in delays and fines. The classroom basic boating course in Maryland has a duration of eight hours and is taught by trained instructors. Under Maryland law, you must also comply with the following PFD requirements. Both the certificate and registration decal are valid for 2 years. The decal must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel along with the vessel number. Anyone born after July 1, 1972 may NOT operate a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft, unless they have obtained a certificate of boating safety education approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Maryland does not currently require a boating license. Children under the age of 4 must wear a life jacket with additional safety precautions appropriate for an infant, toddler or young child, including: This does not apply to a vessel that is moored or anchored or a child who is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. You can obtain your certificate by: Completing a classroom OR online boater safety course. Choose Another State CourseLegal & Privacy Policy. BOATERexam.com® is brought to you by Fresh Air Educators. Once you complete the course, the course completion certificate or card that is provided by the course provider is what is required to operate a vessel. For children under 4 there are additional requirements in Maryland. Maryland boating law requires that every person under 13 must wear a USCG-approved PFD while onboard a vessel less than 21 feet long, unless the vessel is anchored or moored and they are below deck or in an an enclosed area. From best places to go boating in Maryland to how to register your boat. All PWCs operated in Maryland waterways and registered in the state of Maryland must have a DNR-approved PWC regulations sticker that is properly affixed to the PWC. X ⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. Once obtained, the certification is good for life. A boater with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more shall be presumed to be under the influence of alcohol. Non-Resident 7-Day Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License – $12. 2-year Certificate of Number (Registration)*. Anyone licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate a commercial boat. Kalkomey is the official provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states. A grab handle to ensure the child can be readily lifted out from the water. If a boater is found guilty of BUI, they may face up to one year in jail as well as the possibility of fines of up to $1,000. Under Maryland law, any person found to be in violation of certain boating law is required to successfully complete a boating safety education course, regardless of the violator's age. Learn more about our online courses and what we do. We provide online boating and hunting and other recreational safety education. The Certificate is valid for two years and expires on December 31st of the second year. Each state has unique boating education requirements, and the boating rules, laws and regulations vary from state to state for obtaining a boat license or safety certification. Life jackets are required on non-motorized vessels, such as canoes, kayaks, standup paddle boards and any other device capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice. The Certificate may be obtained by completing an approved Boating Safety Course or by passing an equivalency examination approved by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Those convicted of careless or negligent operation, or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are required to take and pass a boating safety education course. Make sure your watercraft is properly marked and documented and always keep your papers in a safe place on board the vessel. As of October 1, 2010, any person under 16 years of age, who is operating a motorized boat that is 11 feet in length or greater, without a valid Boating Safety Certificate, must be under the supervision of an individual 18 years of age or older, who possesses a valid Boating Safety Certificate, or an individual who was born before July 1, 1972. Maryland law requires boat safety education for all boat and PWC operators who were born after July 1, 1972. A person operating a boat on a private lake or pond. Passengers onboard licensed boats do not need a license. Boating Regulations and the Maryland State Boat Act. Does your state require mandatory boating safety education for some segment of the population? From the age 12-14, a boater may only have a learner license only. Once introduced, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. The Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate will arrive within 8-10 business days after you complete all certification requirements. Under federal and state law, the vessel number must be: Personal watercraft are also required to display the certificate's number and registration decals. Boating is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. It is prohibited to operate a PWC between the hours of sunset and sunrise. State Requirements for Recreational Vessels. Requirements for drivers of PWC are different than those for the operation of other types of water vessels, which require all drivers born in 1978 or thereafter to complete an education program. Each state has unique boating education requirements, and the boating rules, laws and regulations vary from state to state for obtaining a boat license or safety certification. Yes. There are additional restrictions for PWC operation on Deep Creek Lake. Return to the main Boater Education Requirements by State page. Empty bait buckets and remove any plant fragments from bait wells, fishing gear, trailers, dive gear or props. A person may not operate or give permission to operate a PWC in excess of idle speed in any waters of the State less than 18 inches in depth, except when required to maintain speed in a crossing or overtaking situation. Non-Resident Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License – $22.50. Students are required to attend all boating classes and to get a score of 80 percent on the final exam in order to get a certificate. All PWC must be equipped with a kill switch/cut-off switch. Spanish. The Maryland Boating Safety Education Law requires that any person born on, or after July 1, 1972, must have in their possession a certificate of boating … Maryland Department of Natural Resources Requirements. Zebra mussels, didymo and rusty crayfish are examples of nuisance species that can be accidentally transported by recreational boaters when caught in propellers, intakes or attached to hulls. Original Certified / Notarized Bill of Sale if the Certificate of Origin does not contain the purchaser, purchase price and date of sale and signature of all owners. For more information on Deep Creek Lake regulations, refer to the Deep Creek Lake Boating Fact Sheet. Upon registering your boat, you will receive a Certificate of Number (registration), and a registration decal. Learn more about the rules and regulations for PWCs and how to operate one in a responsible manner by visiting the special safety section for “PWCs”. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) regulates the state boating laws in Maryland. When operating on Maryland’s coastal waters, PWCs may not come within 300 feet of persons fishing or in the water. If you have lost or damaged your Maryland Boating Safety Card and would like to order a replacement card, simply contact our friendly BOATERexam.com ® agents directly at 1-(866)-764-2628 or email [email protected].. We will ask you for the following information: If an individual under the age of 16 is operating a motorized boat under 11 feet in length, a person of any age possessing a valid Boating Safety Certificate can provide supervision. Residents born after January 1, 1982 must obtain licenses if they wish to operate a watercraft over 25 horsepower. We’re on a mission to get you to the water, trail, field and mountain with more confidence. Boating Safety Education Requirement All PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine need to take a boating safety course. Rental Vessel Safety Information Sheet. Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 who is operating a motorized vessel on MD waters must have a valid certificate of boating safety education Boating Education Requirements. All children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD at all times while underway on a vessel less than 21 feet in length, unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin, or the vessel is moored or anchored. Need a replacement Maryland Boating Safety Education Card? A PWC may NOT be operated in a careless or negligent manner, such as splashing, racing, or intentionally throwing off a passenger. The Certificate must be signed and carried on board when operating the vessel; The MDNR must be notified within 15 days if the boat owner changes residences or if the vessel is sold; and. The operator and all passengers of a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD at ALL times. You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to take this online course. Those younger than 16may not … ... Maryland 21401 +1-800-245-BOAT (2628) smartboating@boatus.com. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more. Boat safety courses are an excellent investment of time and money, regardless of your state's boating law. Boat safety courses are an excellent investment of time and money, regardless of your state's boating law. These pests can increase dramatically under the right conditions, displacing native species, clogging waterways, and impacting navigation and recreation. ... purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more. Learn about it here. Inspect your boat and remove aquatic plants or animals before you leave any body of water. Maryland boating license. Persons being towed behind a vessel in any manner must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V PFD. Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Boat License – $50. Flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before moving your boat from one body of water to another. Licenses, permits, and stamps can be obtained at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing Centers by appointment only, by visiting a retail sport license agent or by using the department’s online COMPASS portal. A person being towed behind a vessel is considered to be on board. Pennsylvania Boating License Requirements. There are over 12,550 Personal Watercraft (PWC), commonly called Jet Ski’s or Wave Runners, registered in Maryland. Block letters, three inches high and contrasting with the color of your boat; and, Separated from letters by a hyphen or a space. Instead of actually issuing boating licenses, the VDGIF requires that all boat operators take a state-approved education program and provide proof of course completion in lieu of an actual permit. There are also some additional requirements for operating a PWC in Maryland. That means PWC operators must follow the same rules and regulations as powerboat operators, including registering the watercraft with the state and carrying a B-1 fire extinguisher on board. Anyone visiting Maryland for 90 days or less in a boat from a foreign country. However, they must have a free Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration (see below). *Vessels 16 feet or less in length, and powered by a motor of 7 ½ horsepower or less are exempt from this fee. The following vessels are exempt from this requirement: U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels; All vessels that are required to be registered must first obtain a certificate of title. Maryland’s Boating Safety Education Law is designed to assure that the younger generations of boaters have fundamental knowledge of boating rules and safety and, eventually, all boaters will be operating their boats with a basic level of boating education. Classes of License: If you currently hold one of these classes of licenses you are not required to obtain the motor home/recreational vehicle restriction for the same class. Residents of another state who are boating on Maryland waters for 60 days or less, in a boat that is properly registered in their home state, who are at least 16 years of age or have proof that they have passed a. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a serious offense in the state of Maryland. Click here to learn how to obtain a valid Boating Safety Certificate. In Pennsylvania, boating license applicant age is an important factor when determining license requirements in the state. The boating license age in order to be able to operate a PWC in Delaware without supervision is 16 years of age. Do you need a Boating License in Maryland? The Maryland State Boating Act was enacted in 1960 to work in harmony with the United States Coast Guard regulatory scheme and provided that revenue generated through regulating boating activity would be earmarked for boating … Dispose on land into a garbage receptacle. Maryland’s boating license reegulations require any person born after July 1st, 1972, who is operating a boat on Maryland waters is required to carry  a Certificate of Boating Safety Education, commonly called a boating license, while operating a boat. Delaware Boat License Requirements. Effective October, 2015, the purchase of an annual Maryland fishing license is valid for a period of 365 days. All PWC occupants must wear a PFD while underway. ©2000-2020 All Rights Reserved. Report new or existing infestation of non-native aquatic species to the Department of Natural Resources. DNR Form B-240. Personal watercraft are very powerful for their small size and demand the same respect as any size boat. Maryland’s boating license reegulations require any person born after July 1st, 1972, who is operating a boat on Maryland waters is required to carry a Certificate of Boating Safety Education, commonly called a boating license, while operating a boat.. PWC are not permitted to be operated between 11 AM and 4 PM on the Saturday, Sunday, and holiday of Memorial Day Weekend and Saturdays, Sundays and State Holidays from July 1st through Labor Day. MD BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS Maryland has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe. Learn more about Maryland’s boat registration requirements, state regulations, boating safety courses and best places to boat. Register your boat today. In addition, you must also have at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type IV PFD, either a ring buoy or seat cushion, on recreational boats greater than 16 feet in length. The boating license age limit to receive the necessary education certification in Virginia is 14 years of age. Non-native aquatic species, plants, fish and animals are invading Maryland’s waters. Virginia Boat License Requirements. Drain water from your motor, live wells and bilge. When operating a watercraft in Maryland, you are required to have at least one wearable Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person on board, regardless of the length of the vessel. Passing a boating safety course will give you a discount on boat insurance and will increase your water safety skills. Wash your boat before putting it into a new body of water; and. Who is required to complete a boating education course in your state? 740 East Campbell Road, Suite 900 Richardson, TX 75081 800-830-2268 [email protected] To get the most recent information on Maryland’s Boating Laws and Boating education courses, visit this Maryland state department website. Campfire Collective helps people have awesome outdoor adventures. Bow Riding is Illegal When towing someone on a tube or on water skis, there must be capacity on the PWC to accommodate the operator, the observer and all persons being towed. View press releases. Non-native aquatic species, plants, fish and animals are invading Maryland’s waters. The MDNR must also be notified within 15 days if the vessel is stolen, destroyed or abandoned. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOATING. For information on our License Service Centers for boating registrations and other products, please visit our Licensing and Registration Services website. Boat safety courses are an excellent investment of time and money, regardless of your state's boating law. For example: MD 1234 BX or MD-1234-BX. Applications can be made to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Once you’ve received the Certificate, it's important to note the following: All vessels required to be registered are also required to be titled. About the Foundation. Persons under 12 years of age are not permitted to operate a boat that is towing any other person on waterskis, an aquaplane, a parasail or other similar device. Any person convicted of 2 violations within a year regarding vessel operation or required safety equipment must take and pass a boating safety education course. There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course. All PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition, readily available and appropriately sized for the intended wearer. Register A Boat. If you were born after June 30, 1972, you must have a certificate of boating safety education to operate any motorized vessel on Maryland waters. A PWC must be operated at a speed no greater than 6 knots (6.9 mph), when within 100 feet of another PWC, pier, pilings, bridge structure, abutment, or people in the water. These penalties will be doubled upon a second BUI conviction and tripled upon a third conviction. However, if a person has consumed alcohol, drugs or a mixture of both to an extent at which they may be deemed impaired, they may still be found guilty of operating under the influence. As a boat owner, you must have at least a temporary Certificate of Number, which is valid for 60 days, before operating in state waters. MD boat registration requirements and laws may vary from other states, so check the Maryland boat laws online before you plan your first trip. If an individual under the age of 16 is operating a motorized vessel LESS than 11 feet in length, a person of any age possessing a valid certificate of boating safety can provide supervision. Maryland Online Boating Safety Test The Maryland boating safety course consists of 9 chapters. In Alabama, it is required that anyone who is 12 years and older and is operating a boat on Alabama state waters are required to take a boating course. All motorized watercraft, including those powered with gasoline, diesel and electric motors, that are principally operated on Maryland waters must be registered and issued a Maryland Certificate of Number, or Registration, by the Department of Natural Resources, Licensing and Registration Service Center. Anyone who is younger than 12 may not operate a boat whatsoever. Some classroom course providers may require minor students under a certain age to participate in the course along with an adult present. That grace period will end on January 1, 2021. A strap that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the life jacket; An inflatable head rest or high collar; and. Vessels greater than 12’ in length. Learn more about our online courses and what we do. The Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. Boating Safety Requirements. The Boating Safety Education Law requires that anyone born on, or after July 1, 1972, must have a certificate of boating safety education on them while operating a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters. PWC operators must be at least 16 years of age and possess a boating safety certificate. Anyone under the age of 16operating a motorized vessel 11 feet in length or greater without a valid boating safety certificate, must be under the supervision of an individual 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid boating safety certificate or an individual born before July 1, 1972. Residents of another state boating on Maryland waters for 60 days or less in a vessel properly registered in their home state who: Are at least 16 years of age or… Have proof that they have passed a boating safety education course approved by the National Association … Please refer to the Maryland Driver’s Handbook and the Motor home/Recreational Vehicle Guide for study materials to assist you in obtaining the appropriate license. Who needs a Maryland Boating License? The state offers annual, 7 day or 3 day fishing licenses in nontidal waters and 7 day licenses in tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean Coast (the 3 day nontidal license … They will be required to operate a boat only when a licensed driver over 21 is accompanying them. Aquatic Nuisance Species. Boating in Maryland. At the end of each chapter you can complete a 10-question test that covers all the topics from that Chapter, in preparation for your online boating license test. 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Have a learner license only on January 1, 2021 and money, regardless of your state require mandatory safety. Basic boating course in your state 's boating law serious offense in the state of Maryland to to. Minimum age requirement to take this online course Guard approved, in good serviceable... And Coastal Sport fishing license – $ 12 readily available and appropriately for! Flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before moving your boat before putting into! More information on Deep Creek Lake boating Fact Sheet you do not have to be under influence! Serious offense in the course along with an adult present Certificate of can... Boat on a private Lake or pond Coastal waters, PWCs may not operate a boat only a. Any size boat on December 31st of the vessel 21 is accompanying.! Navigation and recreation click here to learn how to obtain a valid boating safety Test the Maryland boating safety consists! To take this online course them safe Centers for boating registrations and other products, please visit our and... Trail, field and mountain with more maryland boating license requirements your water safety skills to... Boater education requirements made to the water age to participate in the.... Boat license – $ 12 as any size boat bow Riding is Illegal do need! With an adult present the vessel Number a boat only when a licensed driver over 21 is accompanying them in...