1. Study and Pass the Maryland Boater Safety Course

   Study the free online course material. After completing the course, you’ll take the Maryland Final Exam. (You have 2 attempts to pass the Final Exam. If you fail the 2nd attempt, you will be required restart the course.)

2. Pay and Print Your Temporary Certificate

   After passing and paying the $29.50 course fee, you’ll instantly print out a temporary certificate, which is your temporary operating permit to operate legally on Maryland waters while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.

3. Receive Your Boater Education Card in the Mail

   Your lifetime Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate will arrive by mail in 8-10 business days. (Use your Temporary Boating Safety Education Certificate to get on the water immediately after passing the course and until your permanent card arrives.)

   Ready? Start the Course Today →

Quick Links

Boating Basics Instruction

The Boat Maryland Course features easy-to-understand boating safety instructions and hundreds of detailed illustrations to help you improve your boating skills and become a better, more prepared skipper.

This online boating safety course is based on the Boat Maryland - A Course on Responsible Boating, which was developed and printed by Boat Ed specifically for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for use in classroom instruction.

Boat Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops print materials on behalf of state government boating and boater safety agencies.

• This boater safety course is based on the Boat Maryland - A Course on Responsible Boating manual.
• Boat Ed is the only boating safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Comprehensive Boater Education Content

This Maryland boater education course covers a range of topics—from safety instructions to boat handling to reading the weather—and prepares you for a variety of situations you could find yourself in while on the water.

Although you are not required to complete Maryland’s boating safety course, all boaters have a responsibility to learn about boat operation, communication, navigation, and life-saving techniques before taking to the water.

Because educated boaters are safer boaters, completing this Maryland-approved online course can also earn you a discount on your boat and PWC insurance.

• Learn the rules of the water to have a safe and enjoyable day boating in Maryland.
• 
  Free boat safety exam training material recognized by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Video Instruction

The Maryland online boater education study guide and course feature context-based video instruction to enhance your retention and motivation. You will watch live-action videos of boat and PWC operators preparing for an outing, using good judgement, and reacting to unexpected changes.

• Sample course instructional video, “Casting Off”
• Sample course instructional video, “Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard”

Interactive Animations

Learning in this Maryland boater safety course is reinforced by the use of interactive animations that help students understand safe boating skills such as casting off and docking, understanding traffic laws on the water, dealing with emergencies, and more.

• Sample course instructional animation, “Tying Knots”
• Sample course instructional animation, “Personal Watercraft Overtaking”

It’s Official and Approved!

This online boater education course is approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as an approved online boating license course.

It’s the Law!

Maryland law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the Maryland boating laws and guidelines in this course.

It’s Fast and Easy!

With this complete boater course, finish your classroom boating safety educational requirement at your own pace on your mobile device or computer in a just a few hours. Complete the course in one sitting or a little at a time. It’s up to you.

It’s Made in the USA!

This Maryland boat license safety course is proudly made in Dallas, Texas, USA, and our servers and data storage facilities are located within the USA. Recreational boating is truly one of America’s favorite pastimes and a freedom we all should continue to enjoy.