How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in Maryland?

Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Maryland

Maryland does not set a single age limit for operating a boat. Instead, the rules are based on boater safety education and adult supervision.

Rule 1: Boater Safety Certificate (Most Important Rule)

To drive a boat in Maryland, you must meet the boater education requirements. If you were born on or after July 1, 1972, you must have a boater education certificate.

Rule 2: If You Are Under 16

Boaters under 16 years old may operate a motorized boat only if one of the following is true:

• They personally hold a boating safety certificate, or

• They are operating a boat under 11 feet long and are supervised on board by someone who holds a boating safety certificate, or

• They are operating a boat 11 feet or longer and are supervised on board by someone who is at least 18 years old and certified, or

• They are supervised on board by someone who was born before July 1, 1972 (and is therefore exempt from the education requirement)

Rule 3: If You Are 16 or Older

If you are 16 or older, you may operate a motorized boat on your own, as long as you meet the boater education requirement (if you were born on or after July 1, 1972).

Non-Motorized Boats

Boating safety education is not required to operate:

• Canoes

• Kayaks

• Paddleboards

• Sailboats without motors

However, all other boating laws and safety equipment rules still apply.

Supervision and Adult-Onboard Requirements

For younger boaters, Maryland law spells out when a supervising person must be on board:

• Under 16 operating a motorboat
  • If the vessel is under 11 feet long: a supervising person of any age who holds a valid boating safety certificate may be on board.
  • If the vessel is 11 feet or longer: the supervising person must be at least 18 and hold a boating safety certificate, or must have been born before July 1, 1972.
• Definition of a “qualified adult” supervisor
  In practice, a “qualified adult” supervisor is usually:
  • Someone 18 or older who has a Certificate of Boating Safety Education and is on board, or
  • Someone born before July 1, 1972 who is on board (they are exempt from the education requirement).

No matter the exact legal minimum, Maryland Natural Resources Police can still cite operators of any age for unsafe or negligent operation, so supervision should always be based on experience and conditions, not just the law.

Age Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses

Maryland law includes several important exceptions and “grandfather” rules:

• Born before July 1, 1972
  If you were born before this date, you do not have to complete a boating safety course under state law, although training is still strongly recommended.
• Visitors from other states
  Non-residents visiting Maryland for a limited time may operate using an equivalent NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate from another state, or under certain short-term exemptions provided by Maryland law.
• Commercial operators
  Some commercial vessel operators and holders of appropriate U.S. Coast Guard licenses are exempt because they meet separate licensing and training standards.
• Private waters
  A person operating a vessel on a body of water located entirely on private property may be exempt from the certificate requirement.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski (PWC) in Maryland?

Minimum Age to Operate a PWC

Maryland has specific rules for personal watercraft (PWCs), including jet skis, WaveRunners, and similar vessels:

• Minimum age: You must be at least 16 years old to operate a PWC in Maryland.
• Boater education: If you were born on or after July 1, 1972, you must also hold a Certificate of Boating Safety Education and carry it while operating the PWC.
•  

There is no “under-16 with supervision” exception for PWCs. Even with a certificate and an adult on board, a person under 16 may not legally operate a PWC in Maryland.

Penalties for Violating Age Laws

Violating Maryland’s age and education rules can lead to citations and fines. Consequences may include:

• Failure to hold or show a boating safety certificate:
  Operating when you are required to be certified, or failing to produce your certificate when asked, is a misdemeanor. A first offense can bring a fine of up to a modest amount (often around $25), while later offenses within two years can lead to fines up to $500.
• Underage or unqualified operation of a PWC or motorboat:
  An operator who is too young, unsupervised when supervision is required, or operating without the required certificate may receive a citation and fine. Serious or repeated violations can be considered negligent or reckless operation, which may carry higher penalties.

Maryland Natural Resources Police have the authority to stop and cite boaters for violations of age, education, equipment, and operating laws.

Boating Safety Tips for Young Operators

• Always wear a life jacket.
  Make sure every person on board—especially children and PWC riders—wears a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
• Never operate without required supervision.
  If Maryland law requires you to be supervised (for example, you are under 16 operating a motorboat), make sure a qualified adult is on board and ready to take control.
• Learn the navigation rules early.
  Study channel markers, no-wake zones, and right-of-way rules so you can safely share the water with other boats, paddlers, anglers, and swimmers.
• Take your boating safety course as soon as you’re eligible.
  Completing a course early not only keeps you legal but also builds confidence and good habits from the start.
• Stay alert and sober.
  Avoid distractions and never operate any boat or PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Check conditions before heading out.
  Review the weather, water levels, and any local advisories or special rules for the area you plan to boat.