Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick Answer:
In Maryland, if you were born on or after July 1, 1972, you must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education to operate a motorized vessel on Maryland waters. You get it by completing a Maryland-approved (NASBLA-approved) boating safety course (online or in-person) and passing the final exam, then carrying your certificate while operating.
Start by selecting a boating safety course that is approved for Maryland. Maryland accepts NASBLA-approved courses, including approved online options and classroom instruction.
Finish all required lessons and pass the final exam.
After you pass, you will receive a Certificate of Boating Safety Education (often called a “boater education card” or “boating safety certificate”). This certificate does not expire, but you must carry it (printed or as an accepted digital copy) while operating when you are required to have one.
Maryland allows approved online boating safety education. This option is popular if you want to study at your own pace. After passing the final exam, the course provider will issue your completion certificate and provide instructions for accessing it.
Maryland offers classroom boating safety courses taught by trained instructors. These classes are often hosted by boating safety organizations and community partners. You usually need to register in advance, attend all sessions, and pass the final exam to earn your certificate.
Maryland recognizes boating safety education certificates from other states as long as the course is NASBLA-approved. If you’re visiting and already have a NASBLA-approved boater education card from your home state, you generally do not need to get a separate Maryland certificate.
If you’re visiting Maryland and renting a boat, you may have additional requirements depending on what you rent:
In Maryland, anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education to operate a motorized vessel on Maryland waters. If you are required to have the certificate, you should carry it while operating and be prepared to present it to law enforcement if asked.
Maryland’s main boating education rule is based on your birth date, but age can still matter for how someone may legally operate:
Maryland does not issue a “driver’s license” for boating, but it does require many operators to carry a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. If you were born on or after July 1, 1972, you must have this certificate to operate a motorized vessel on Maryland waters.
Maryland’s boating education requirement is primarily based on your birth date (July 1, 1972), not a single minimum age to earn a certificate. However, age-based rules still apply—most importantly, you must be at least 16 to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski) in Maryland, and operators under 16 may be subject to onboard supervision requirements when operating certain motorized vessels.
Maryland generally does not charge a state fee for the boating safety certificate itself, but the course may have a cost depending on the provider and format. Some approved options may be free, while others charge for training and/or certificate processing.
Yes. Maryland accepts approved online boating safety courses. To qualify, complete an approved (NASBLA-approved) online course, pass the final exam, and obtain your completion certificate. Remember to carry your certificate when operating if you are required to have one.
