what course do i need to operate an inflatable boat in maryland

by Dr. Rasheed Abshire V 5 min read

​Boating Safety Education Requirement
In Maryland, the law states that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel. This certificate is non-renewable and must be carried by the student at all times while operating a vessel.

Full Answer

Do I have to take a boat safety course in Maryland?

Maryland law requires boat safety education for all boat and PWC operators who were born after July 1, 1972. There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course. You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to take this online course. Great! It's been great! Learned A lot. I think every boat owner should be required to take this

How much does the Maryland boat ed course cost?

How much does the Maryland Boat Ed Course cost? The Maryland Boat Ed Course fee is $34.95. Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Maryland?

What do you need to know about renting a boat in Maryland?

This safety information sheet is required reading for those renting a motorized vessel (not a PWC) on Maryland waters if born on or after July 1, 1972. After reading this document, the rental company will then issue a 10 day temporary boating safety certificate stating that this document was read and understood by the renter.

How do I get a boating equivalency certificate in Maryland?

When individuals are prevented from attending the eight-hour boaters safety course, the Maryland Natural Resources Police Safety Education Section allows them to take a boating equivalency examination. Students will have to get a copy of the Maryland Boat textbook and learn the material on their own.

Do inflatable boats need to be registered Maryland?

In order to operate any vessel in Maryland waters, you must have registration, either state registration and decals or the documented use decal.

Who can operate a boat in Maryland?

Maryland Boating Laws and Regulations 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. Those younger than 16 may not operate a PWC, even with 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 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.

Do I need a license to operate a boat in Maryland?

​Boating Safety Education Requirement In Maryland, the law states that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel. This certificate is non-renewable and must be carried by the student at all times while operating a vessel.

Do u need a boat license to drive a boat in Maryland?

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.

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.

What is required on a 12 ft dinghy?

There must be a personal flotation device for everyone on board. All PFD's must be a Coast Guard approved Type, I,II,III or V. Children under 13 must wear a correctly fitted PFD. All other passengers do not have to physically wear it.

Do you need a license to kayak in Maryland?

Do you need a license to kayak in Maryland? You do not need a license to operate a kayak or canoe with no attached primary or auxiliary mechanical propulsion in Maryland. Kayaks and canoes with no attached motor do not require operator licensing or education.

How much does a Maryland boaters license cost?

A. You can obtain your Maryland Boating Safety Certificate in 4 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam. Study the Maryland Boating Safety Course.

Do you need a license to drive a jetski 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.

Is a PA boating license valid in MD?

Good news! If you've successfully completed an official boating safety course such as boat-ed or ilearntoboat, your boater education card is welcome in every state that requires mandatory boater education.

How much does the Maryland Boat Ed Course cost?

The Maryland Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Maryland?

See the restrictions here.

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay...

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Maryland Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to take this online course.

Is the Maryland Boat Ed Course approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources?

The Maryland Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Is my Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Final Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts t...

What is the boating law in Maryland?

According to the MD boating laws, individuals who are born on or after July 1st, 1972 will have to possess a boating education certificate of completion in order to operate vessels. Boating without a license or certificate may result in a fine of $25 for the first offense and fine ...

What is a Maryland boat safety certificate?

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:

How old do you have to be to sail a boat in Maryland?

From October 1st, 2010, the Maryland boating rules require individuals who are younger than 16 years of age and who want to operate a motorized vessel of 11 feet in length or more without a boat safety certificate to operate the vessel only when supervised. The supervised person must be at least 18 years of age and to possess a valid certificate, ...

How old do you have to be to get a boating license?

The minimum boating license age limit for operators of personal watercraft is 16. Individuals who are at least 16 years of age must possess a certificate in order to operate their personal watercraft. Boaters who have a personal watercraft must operate it at six knots or less when within 100 feet of another vessel, people, ...

How many questions are asked in the boating equivalency exam?

When they are prepared for the boating equivalency examination, they need to schedule an appointment to take the exam. 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.

What is the minimum score required to get a boating certificate?

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.

How old do you have to be to drive a boat?

When boaters younger than 16 years of age operate a motorized vessel that is less than 11 feet in length, they can be accompanied and supervised by a person of any age who possesses a valid certificate.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat?

Age and Operator Restrictions. 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.

Do you have to carry a boater education card?

Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.

Do all states recognize boating education cards?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Maryland Boater Education Card requirements

Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must obtain a certificate of boating safety education before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft.

Maryland Boating Safety Course Discounts

Take advantage of our group discounts for family and friends. Register together and get a discount of up to 30% for the online boating course!

FAQ - Maryland Boating license

Do I need a boating safety education certificate to operate a watercraft in Maryland?

What are the boating requirements in Maryland?

Maryland Boating Education Requirements. All persons born on, or after July 1, 1972, must complete a boater safety course and have in their possession proof of completion while operating a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters.

What is a Maryland boater license?

The Boater Education Card (often referred to as "Maryland boating License" or "Maryland Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.

Is Maryland a NASBLA?

The Maryland Interactive Boat Safety Course is approved by the NASBLA. NASBLA is a national nonprofit organization that develops and maintains set standards for boating education in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

Do you need a boating license in Maryland?

Do you need the Maryland boating license? Boater safety education is often referred to as a boating license, but what you really need is the Boater Education Card. You can get the Boater Education Card by taking a NASBLA- and Maryland-approved online course.

How to get a boating safety certificate in Maryland?

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. Once obtained, the certification is good for life.

What is the law for boating in Maryland?

Boating laws and regulations in Maryland are enforced by the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Patrol boats can be identified by the blue emergency light, the ‘POLICE’ identification on the side of the boat, and the uniformed officers on board.

What is a boating license in Maryland?

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. The Certificate may be obtained by completing an approved Boating Safety Course or by passing an equivalency examination approved by ...

How old do you have to be to sail a boat in Maryland?

Exemptions. 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 NASBLA-approved Boating Safety Education Course. Persons under 12 years of age are not permitted to operate a boat ...

What age do you have to wear a life jacket in Maryland?

Maryland Life Jacket Requirements. All children under the age of 13 must WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters.

How many knots should a PWC maintain?

Maintain 6 knots or slower within 100 feet of another PWC, vessel, shore, pier, piling, bridge structure, abutment or people in the water. Have PWC equipped with an operating self-circling device or kill switch. You may not: Operate above idle speed in water less than 18 inches in depth.

How long does it take to report a boat accident in Maryland?

Additionally, if a boat with Maryland registration is involved in an accident which results in the death, disappearance or injury of a person, or in property damage exceeding $2,000, the accident must be reported to the MDNR within 30 days.

What age do you have to be to take a boating course in Maryland?

See note and Maryland boating regulations. Massachusetts residents 12 to 15 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course. Home study is not accepted for this age group.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Indiana?

Operators who are at least 15 years of age and don’t have a driver’s license may operate a motor vessel if they take a NASBLA-approved Boater Education course and have an I.D. Card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Home study is accepted – Indiana boating regulations. No mandatory education requirements.

What age do you need a boating safety certificate in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificates are required for: all operators of personal watercraft; youth 12 to 15 years of age when operating boats powered by motors of more than 10 horsepower, and; boat operators born after January 1, 1982 that operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower.

Do you need a boater education card in Missouri?

At that point, you will need to have a Missouri Boater Education card or another state’s NASBLA approved card if your birthday is after January 1, 1984. Yes. Montana. Montana residents 13 to 14 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course.

Is there a boating education requirement in Oregon?

No mandatory boating education requirements. N/A. Oregon. Oregon’s Mandatory Boater Education Program will be phased in beginning January 1, 2003 when persons age 30 and younger who operate boats greater than 10 hp will need to apply for and carry an Oregon Boater Education Card.

Can you take a boating course online in Pennsylvania?

After successfully completing an approved course, boaters should submit an official application form, $10, and a copy of their boating safety course certificate to the Oregon State Marine Board. Yes. Pennsylvania.

Is boating in Pennsylvania approved for out-of-state residents?

boat operators born after January 1, 1982 that operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower. This online course is not approved for Pennsylvania residents meeting the above requirements. It is, however, approved for out-of-state residents boating in Pennsylvania. Not for PWCs.

How cold can water be for boating?

Cold water is extremely dangerous and many boaters do not realize that cold water immersion can occur in water as warm as 77 degrees Fahrenheit!

Do paddlers float?

Preferably, they should be WORN by the intended wearer – They float, you don’t! Paddlers are boaters too and it is very important to know understand all the rules of the waters you are paddling on. Learn more about what paddlers need to know when sharing the waterways - Rules of the Road.

What is the Maryland boating safety certificate?

All persons born on or after July 1, 1972, must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education in their possession in order to operate a numbered or documented motorized Maryland vessel. The certificate must be NASBLA–approved and readily available for inspection by law enforcement officers.

What vessels must be registered in Maryland?

Vessels an attached trolling motor including kayaks, canoes and paddle boards must be registered. There are three (3) distinct requirements for all vessels with primary or auxiliary mechanical means of propulsion: They must be registered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

How old do you have to be to paddle a kayak?

Motorized Kayaking Age – No one under 12 years of age may operate a watercraft or paddlecraft with an attached motor of more than 10 horsepower unless under direct supervision of a person at least 16 years old.

What are the laws for kayaking in Maryland?

Maryland Kayaking Laws (Rules and Regulations) Maryland kayaking laws are regulated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and enforced by Maryland Natural Resources Police. And with 3,190 miles of inland coastline along the Chesapeake Bay, numerous inland lakes, not to mention the Susquehanna River, they’ve got their work cut out for them.

How far away from the masthead should the lights be on a kayak?

These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night.

What is the BAC for a life jacket in Maryland?

A Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more is considered under the influence in Maryland. Kayaking Life Jacket Law – One Type I, II, III, or V life jacket on board per person. Maryland law requires children 10 and under to wear a type I, II, or III life jacket at all times and on any watercraft.

What light is needed for a paddleboard?

Unpowered vessels – All vessels less than 39.4′ long that are paddled, poled, or rowed, such as kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, including unpowered sailboats, must have: Red and green light visible from at least one mile away. A white stern light visible from two miles away.

Miscellaneous

Recreation

  • 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 states laws and rules regarding operating a boat.
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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.
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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:
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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 ...
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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