Who needs a boating license in Maryland
Maryland requires anyone operating a motorboat to hold a boating safety certificate, regardless of age. A motorboat is any vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more. If you operate a sailboat, rowboat, canoe, or kayak without a motor, you do not need a certificate. If your motorboat is under 10 horsepower, you also do not need one — but the boat's owner is responsible for making sure whoever operates it knows the rules.
The certificate itself is not a "license" in the traditional sense. Maryland does not issue a separate boating license document the way it issues a driver's license. Instead, you take a boating safety course, pass a test, and receive a certificate of completion. That certificate is your proof that you meet the state's requirement. You must carry it with you whenever you operate a motorboat in Maryland waters.
If you are caught operating a motorboat without a valid certificate, you can be cited and fined. The fine varies depending on whether it is your first offense and the circumstances, but Maryland Natural Resources Police actively enforce this requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland requires a boating safety certificate to operate any motorboat with 10 horsepower or more, regardless of your age.
- You obtain the certificate by completing an approved boating safety course and passing the course exam.
- The course can be taken online, in person, or through a combination of both, depending on the provider.
- Your certificate must be carried with you on the water and is valid for your lifetime in Maryland.
- Sailboats, rowboats, canoes, and kayaks do not require a certificate, and neither do motorboats under 10 horsepower.
Approved boating safety courses in Maryland
Maryland recognizes courses offered by several organizations. The most common are courses from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadrons, and the American Red Cross. Each organization offers similar content covering navigation rules, safety equipment, weather, and emergency procedures.
You can find a list of approved providers and their current course schedules on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. Some courses are offered online only, some in person only, and some use a hybrid model where you watch videos at home and attend a classroom session or proctored exam in person. The cost ranges depending on the provider and format, but typically falls between $30 and $75.
Online courses can usually be completed in one or two days of self-paced study. In-person classroom courses are typically one full day or two half-days. Hybrid courses usually require a few hours of online work followed by a shorter in-person session.
How to complete and pass the course
Once you choose a provider and course format, you will register directly with that organization. You do not register through the state. The provider will give you access to the course materials, which cover Maryland boating laws, navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, weather hazards, and what to do in an emergency.
At the end of the course, you take a test. The test is typically multiple choice and covers the material from the course. You must pass with a score of at least 70 or 80 percent, depending on the provider — check with your specific course provider for their passing score. If you do not pass on your first attempt, most providers allow you to retake the test, sometimes for a small additional fee.
Once you pass, the provider issues you a certificate of completion. This certificate is your proof of compliance with Maryland's requirement. Keep it in a waterproof container on your boat or with you when operating a motorboat. You do not need to register the certificate with the state or renew it — it is valid for your lifetime in Maryland.
Out-of-state boating certificates
If you hold a boating safety certificate from another state, you can operate a motorboat in Maryland waters. Maryland recognizes certificates issued by other states as long as they were issued by an approved course provider. You do not need to take the Maryland course if you already have a valid certificate from another state.
However, if your out-of-state certificate is from a provider that Maryland does not recognize, you will need to take an approved Maryland course. The safest approach is to contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before operating a motorboat in the state if your certificate is from outside Maryland.
What to bring and carry on the water
When you operate a motorboat in Maryland, you must carry your boating safety certificate with you. You should also carry your boat's registration and proof of ownership. Maryland requires motorboats to be registered with the state, which is a separate process from the boating safety certificate.
Beyond documentation, Maryland law requires certain safety equipment on board: a personal flotation device (life jacket) for each person on the boat, a fire extinguisher, a sound-producing device (horn or whistle), and navigation lights if you operate at night. The specific requirements depend on the size and type of your boat, so check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for your vessel's requirements.
Boat registration separate from the safety certificate
Getting a boating safety certificate is only one part of operating a motorboat legally in Maryland. You also need to register your boat with the state. Boat registration is handled by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and requires proof of ownership, the hull identification number, and payment of a registration fee. Registration is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
You can register your boat online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, by mail, or in person at a Natural Resources office. Registration is separate from the safety certificate — you need both to operate legally.
Enforcement and penalties
Maryland Natural Resources Police patrol waterways and check for boating safety certificates. If you are operating a motorboat without a valid certificate, you can be cited. Penalties for operating without a certificate typically start at a fine, with amounts varying based on whether it is a first offense. Repeat violations can result in higher fines and potential criminal charges.
In addition to state enforcement, local police and sheriff's deputies may also check for compliance. The safest approach is to complete an approved course before you operate any motorboat in Maryland waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a boating safety course online?
Yes. Several approved providers offer fully online courses that you can complete at your own pace. Some online courses require you to attend an in-person exam session or proctored test, while others are entirely online including the test. Check with individual providers for their specific format.
How long is my boating safety certificate valid?
Your certificate is valid for your lifetime in Maryland. You do not need to renew it or take the course again. However, if you lose your certificate, you can request a replacement from the provider who issued it, or you can take the course again.
Do I need a boating license if I rent a boat?
Yes. If you operate a motorboat with 10 horsepower or more, you must have a valid boating safety certificate, whether you own the boat or rent it. The rental company may require proof of your certificate before allowing you to take the boat out.
What if my boat is under 10 horsepower?
You do not need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat under 10 horsepower. However, the boat's owner is responsible for making sure anyone operating it understands basic boating safety and Maryland water laws.
Can I use a boating certificate from another state in Maryland?
Yes, as long as it was issued by an approved provider. Maryland recognizes boating safety certificates from other states. If you are unsure whether your out-of-state certificate will be accepted, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before operating in Maryland waters.