Maryland does not require a driver's license to boat, but it does require a boating safety certificate

A driver's license has no connection to boating in Maryland. Instead, the state requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1978 to hold a Maryland Boating Safety Certificate before operating a motorboat of any size. If you were born before that date, you can boat without a certificate, though taking the course is still a good idea and may lower your insurance costs.

The certificate proves you have passed a boating safety course approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is not a license in the traditional sense — you do not renew it, and it does not expire. Once you pass the course and receive your certificate, you keep it for life.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1978 who operates a motorboat, regardless of engine size.
  • The certificate is permanent and does not expire once you receive it.
  • You can take the course online through approved providers, then pass a proctored exam, or attend an in-person class.
  • The course covers boat operation, navigation rules, safety equipment, and what to do in an emergency.
  • Boaters born before January 1, 1978 are not required to hold a certificate but may still take the course.

Who needs a boating safety certificate in Maryland

If you were born on or after January 1, 1978, you must have a Maryland Boating Safety Certificate to operate any motorboat in Maryland waters. This applies whether the boat is yours, rented, or borrowed. The rule covers boats of all engine sizes — there is no minimum horsepower threshold.

If you were born before January 1, 1978, you are not required to hold a certificate. However, many insurance companies offer discounts to boaters who complete the course, and some rental companies may require it even if the law does not.

How to get your boating safety certificate

Maryland approves two main routes: online courses with a proctored exam, or in-person classroom instruction. Both lead to the same certificate.

For the online route, you take the course material through an approved provider at your own pace, then schedule a proctored exam. The exam is administered either online through a proctor service or in person at a testing location. Approved online providers include the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, as well as third-party vendors like the United States Power Squadrons and the American Red Cross. The course typically takes four to six hours to complete, and the exam is usually 50 multiple-choice questions.

For the in-person route, you attend a classroom course, usually offered by local recreation departments, boating clubs, or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. These courses typically run eight hours and are often held on weekends. You take the exam at the end of the class.

After you pass the exam, you receive your certificate by mail or in person, depending on the provider. Keep this certificate on board whenever you operate a motorboat — you must show it to a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer if asked.

What the boating safety course covers

The course teaches the rules and practices you need to operate a boat safely and legally. Topics include how to start and steer a motorboat, navigation rules and right-of-way, required safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares), and how to respond to emergencies like capsizing or running aground.

You will also learn about Maryland-specific boating laws, such as speed limits in different areas, where you can and cannot boat, and what to do if you are involved in an accident. The course explains how to read navigation charts, understand buoys and markers, and recognize hazards like shallow water and submerged objects.

Cost and time to complete

Online courses typically cost between $15 and $40, depending on the provider. In-person classroom courses usually cost $30 to $60. Some local recreation departments offer free or reduced-cost courses to residents.

Online courses can be completed in a single day if you work through the material without breaks, though most people spread it over a few days. In-person courses are usually one full day (eight hours) or two half-days. After you pass the exam, receiving your physical certificate by mail takes one to two weeks.

What to bring when you boat

Once you have your certificate, keep it with you whenever you operate a motorboat. Maryland Natural Resources Police can stop and inspect any boat, and you must produce your certificate on request. A digital copy on your phone is not sufficient — you need the physical certificate.

You should also carry other required safety equipment: a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board, a fire extinguisher, a throwable flotation device, and a sound-producing device (whistle or horn). These requirements do not depend on your certificate — they are separate legal requirements for all motorboats in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I boat in Maryland with a certificate from another state?

Maryland recognizes boating safety certificates from other states and from the U.S. Coast Guard. If you hold a valid certificate from another state or the Coast Guard, you do not need to take the Maryland course. Bring your out-of-state certificate with you when you boat in Maryland.

What happens if I boat without a certificate when I am required to have one?

Operating a motorboat without a required certificate is a violation of Maryland boating law. You can receive a citation and fine. The amount varies, but violations typically result in fines of $50 to $500 depending on the circumstances.

Do I need a certificate to operate a sailboat or kayak?

No. The certificate requirement applies only to motorboats. Sailboats and human-powered vessels like kayaks and canoes do not require a certificate. However, all boaters must follow safety rules and carry required safety equipment.

Can I take the course if I am under 18?

Yes. There is no age requirement to take the boating safety course. Many young people complete it before their first boating experience. Some in-person courses may require parental permission for minors, depending on the provider.

How long is my certificate valid?

Your Maryland Boating Safety Certificate does not expire. Once you pass the course and receive your certificate, it remains valid for your entire life. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.