Maryland Boating Regulations and Laws

In Maryland, no one born after July 1, 1972 may operate a motor powered vessel, including personal watercraft, if they have not yet obtained a certificate of boating safety education approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The only time operators are not required to have their Boater Education Certificate is under the following conditions:

• If the operator is from out of country, operating a boat from out of country and is not in the state of Maryland for more than 90 days.
• If the operator is from out of state and has fulfilled the vessel registration requirements set forth by his/her state and is not in Maryland for more than 60 days. They must also be at least 16 years of age and have proof they have completed a boater education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
• If they hold a commercial vessel operator’s license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.