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How to Apply For a Boating License in Maryland

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Maryland requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is the Department of Natural Resources. The card is mandatory for all boat operators born after July 1, 1972.

There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. You must always carry the boater education card onboard when operating a motorboat. If you are found operating a motorboat without it, you can be charged a fine up. If you are below 16 years of age the state does not permit you to operate a personal watercraft. If you are below 12 years of age you cannot operate a boat towing a person on water skis, parasail or an aquaplane.

The boating laws of the state require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of such convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

The following persons are exempt from the above requirements:

  • Boat operators possessing a valid boaters' license issued by the U.S Coast Guard.
  • Operators renting a motorboat for 90 days or lesser. The boat rental company must instruct such operators on how to operate the boat safely and give them a summary of the boating law.
  • Residents from another state above the age of 16 operating a boat registered in their home state. They must also possess proof of having completed a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources, or pass an approved equivalency test. In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience. There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the card:
  1. Classroom options offered by the Department of Natural Resources.
    • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
    • The department offers the course free of charge.
    • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
  2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you.
  3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
  4. Approved online course offered by Boat Ed.
  5. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete.
  6. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
  7. A temporary card that is valid for 30 days may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you within 5-7 business days.
  8. You can also take the equivalency exam conducted by the Maryland Natural Resources Police Safety Education. The course consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and you must obtain a score of 80% to pass the test. The questions are based on the Boat Maryland Textbook. You can call 443-534-5604 to fix a time and day for the exam.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, write to Maryland Natural Resources Police, 305 Marine Academy Drive, Suite 1, Stevensville, MD 21666 with year and name of the county you took the course, full name as provided in the course, current mailing address, date of birth, and a day time telephone number. You can also call 410-643-8502. The card will be mailed to you within two weeks. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting their providers, and for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Maryland, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
  • Read the course material for the Boater Education Course.
  • See how to register your boat in Maryland.
  • Check the contact information of The Maryland Department of Natural Resources.