How do you obtain a boating license in Maryland?
Maryland Boater Safety Course. In Maryland, anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by The Maryland Department of Natural Resources in order to operate any numbered or documented motorized watercraft. Boaters are required to carry the Maryland Safe Boating Certificate as proof of boater education.
Do I need a Maryland boating license?
The Maryland DNR does not require residents to obtain a boating license for operating a motorboat or watercraft. However, future boaters are recommended to take a boating course in order to improve their safe operating techniques and to learn the state’s laws and rules regarding operating a boat.
What are the boating laws in Maryland?
YOU MAY NOT...
- Operate above idle speed in water less than 18 inches in depth.
- Operate between sunset and sunrise.
- Jump, or attempt jumping, the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel.
- Operate within 300 feet of people in the water or surf fishing activities in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Disturb waterfowl and wildlife.
What is against the law in Maryland for boating?
Maryland law prohibits operating or attempting to operate a vessel while under the influence of or impaired by drugs or alcohol. The term "vessel" means "every description of watercraft, including an ice boat but not including a seaplane, that is used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water or ice."
How much is a Maryland boating license?
Get boater certified in 3 steps. Study and pass the $39.95 online course. Print your online course completion document.
What am I required to have on my boat in Maryland?
The law requires that any person born on, or after July 1, 1972, must have in their possession a certificate of boating safety education while operating a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters.
Who can drive a boat in Maryland?
Anyone under the age of 16 operating 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.
How long does the Maryland boating license course take?
8 hoursThe Maryland Basic Boating Course is taught by trained instructors and must be a minimum of 8 hours in length. Instructors may use visual aides, movies, projected images, and other methods to provide information to class members.
Can passengers drink alcohol on a boat in Maryland?
Maryland – allows passengers to drink on a boat, but if any are caught trying to operate while under the influence, could be suspended from driving a boat for up to a year.
Do you need a boaters license to drive a jet ski in Maryland?
Maryland requires the operator of a PWC to be at least 16 years of age. Also, anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 must carry a NASBLA- approved certificate of boating safety education.
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in MD?
16 years of ageBoating Age Requirements In Maryland, no one may operate a motor-powered vessel involved in towing activities if they are under the age of 12 (or under the age of 16 if operating a PWC). Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 years of age and have a boating safety certificate.
What is required to be installed on a recreational use boat in MD?
General Information All recreational boats must carry one wearable life jacket (Type I, II, III, or V) for each person on board. Any boat 16 feet and longer (except canoes & kayaks) must also carry one throwable life jacket (Type IV).
How old do you have to be to not wear a lifejacket in Maryland?
13Boater Safety Effective April 1, 2010, Maryland law states that all children under the age of 13 must WEAR a United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (life jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters.
Do I need a Boating License in Virginia?
Do you need a Boating License in Virginia? Virginia law requires all motorized watercraft operators to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. The term "boating license" refers to the "boater education card" that you receive after successfully completing a boater safety course.
Do you need a Boating License in Delaware?
In Delaware, all boat operators born on or after January 1st, 1978 are required to complete a boating safety course approved by the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police and carry the resulting certificate of boating safety education at all times when operating.
How do I get a jet ski license in Maryland?
An official Maryland boating safety education certificate may be obtained by completing an approved boating safety course or passing an equivalent exam. The Natural Resources Police, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the BoatUS Foundation and U.S. Power Squadrons all offer an approved course.
Miscellaneous
- The MD DNR also has determined certain boating rules and regulations that boaters must obey, if they want to avoid future inconveniences on waterways within the state. To discover more information about how and when to get a license or a certification to operate a boat, continue re…
Curriculum
- Since the MD DNR does not issue boating licenses, residents need to get a certification from a course provider of their choosing. Boaters must first enroll in a boating school and complete the program successfully in order to obtain a certificate of completion. The DNR offers online and classroom courses, as well as the option to take and pass a boating equivalency exam.
Certifications
- MD residents may receive a Maryland boat safety certificate at the end of a corresponding safety course that teaches them safe operating techniques and improves their knowledge about boats and every topic connected with water vessels. Future boaters may utilize three different ways for getting a boat certification, which are the following:
Course
- The classroom basic boating course in Maryland has a duration of eight hours and is taught by trained instructors. 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. Some classroom course providers may require minor students under a certain age to participate in the course along with an adult present.
Safety
- The online boaters safety course is available to individuals who are unable to attend the classroom lessons and who want to obtain a certificate at their convenience. Students will study on their own, without the help of a trained instructor and will have to pass an online exam in the end of the course. There are three online course providers out of which residents can choose. H…
Academics
- Students will have to answer 65 multiple choice questions based on information taken from the textbook. They must also have a score of 80 percent in order to pass the examination. Failing to pass the exam two consecutive times will require students to enroll in a classroom course.
Advantages
- The MD DNR does not issue boating licenses, therefore boaters who are wondering Do boating licenses expire need not to worry. Holders of a certificate may not be required to renew their cards for operating a boat or watercraft.
Operation
- Boat owners must obtain the necessary Maryland DMV boat registration documentation prior to operating a motorboat or watercraft, in order to avoid future inconveniences. Both commercial and recreational vessels must be registered if they are equipped with either a primary or auxiliary mechanical propulsion, or if they have been used in Maryland most in a calendar year. The boat r…
Qualification
- Boaters who have applied for a boat certification in Maryland may wonder whether they need to pay any fees for the certificate of completion. In most cases, they are not mandated to submit a payment for a boat card.
Issues
- However, some course providers may require payment, depending on their specific requirements. Therefore, prior to making a payment, boaters are encouraged to contact their course provider and learn whether they need to pay a fee or not.