Welcome from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Mission

Enforce all natural resources laws of the State including all rules and regulations pursuant to the Natural Resources Article. Assist in the protection of life and property and serve as the primary search and rescue agency on the waters and in the rural areas of the State. Preserve the peace, assist in the prevention of crime, detect and apprehend violators, safeguard individual rights and perform miscellaneous service functions as requested by the citizenry.

Maryland Boating Safety Education Act

Maryland’s Boating Safety Education Act requires that any person born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates a registered or documented pleasure vessel on Maryland waters be in possession of a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. The Certificate must be shown, on request, to any Maryland Natural Resources Police Officer or other law enforcement officer.

The Certificate is obtained by passing a Department of Natural Resources–approved boating safety course or by passing an equivalency examination. The Certificate is valid for life.

The Natural Resources Police offer the Boat Maryland Course through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local jurisdictions. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, and private companies offer other approved courses. An equivalency exam is given statewide to those who wish to take the exam in lieu of a course. This book is the text for the equivalency exam and the Boat Maryland Course.

Further information on the Boating Safety Education Act, the Boat Maryland Course, and the equivalency examination is available by calling the Natural Resources Police, Safety Education Division at 410-260-3280. Information about Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadrons courses is available from the BOAT/U.S. Foundation Courseline at 1-800-336-BOAT.

Law Enforcement

Maryland Natural Resources Police Officers are on the water for your protection and are charged with enforcing the Maryland State Boat Act. Patrol vessels are easy to identify. Most are marked, and personnel are in uniform. A vessel underway, when hailed by a Maryland patrol boat, is required to stop immediately or maneuver so as to permit an officer to come on board. All vessels, including documented ones, are subject to Maryland’s rules and regulations. A vessel does not have to be underway to be boarded or inspected.

The Natural Resources Police utilize one fixed-wing aircraft, two helicopters, 26 cruisers, and 100 outboards—stationed throughout Maryland. In addition, 17 Mobile Enforcement Teams (MET) respond to high-complaint areas and special enforcement problems. All cruisers are equipped for search and rescue with radar, LORAN C, VHF and police frequency radios, and emergency pumps. Each year, Natural Resources Police make between 2,000 to 3,000 rescues and assists.

A continuous radio watch is maintained by the Natural Resources Police on VHF channels 16 and 9. The telephone number for emergency assistance or to report violations is 410-260-8888. For additional numbers, look in the telephone directory or call 911. By combining education and enforcement, the Maryland Natural Resources Police hope to make Maryland’s waters safer for all to enjoy.

Everything you need to know about boating in Maryland is just a click away!

Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website and find out about:

• Boat registration
• Boating safety
• Public boating facilities
• Clean Marina Initiative
• Pump-out station locations
• Boating advisories
• And much, much more

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Service Centers

Registration may be applied for at any of these Service Centers.

Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (except Dundalk)