How Long Does the Maryland Boater Safety Course Take?
The Maryland boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online. That minimum is set by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and enforced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Natural Resources Police.
Those three hours cover the required instructional content. However, your total time in the course depends on your reading pace, how long you spend reviewing each unit, and how quickly you work through the final exam. Most students complete the full online course, including the exam, in three to four hours.
In-person classroom options are also available through Maryland DNR-approved providers, including free courses offered by the Natural Resources Police, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and U.S. Power Squadrons. Keep reading to learn what the course includes, how Maryland's requirements work, and how to get your Maryland boating license.
What's Included in the Maryland Boater Safety Course?
The Maryland DNR-approved course covers the knowledge every boater needs to operate safely and legally on Maryland waterways.
Topics include:
- Navigation rules
- Right-of-way
- Required safety equipment
- Maryland-specific boating laws
- Emergency procedures
- And more
The course is structured in units, each ending with a quiz. Maryland requires you to score at least 80% on both unit quizzes and the final exam. Both allow unlimited retakes, so you can review any unit and try again as many times as needed.
For a full overview of what the course covers and what the law requires, visit our Maryland boating laws and regulations resource.
How Long Does Each Course Format Take?
First, find out if you need a boating license in Maryland. Then, choose a course that fits your schedule.
Maryland Boater Safety Course Formats: | ||
| Format | Minimum Time | Notes |
| Online | 3 hours | Self-paced (save your progress and return as you have time) |
| Classroom | Varies | Free options available through Maryland DNR, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and U.S. Power Squadrons |
Online is the most flexible option, available on any device across as many sessions as you need. The Maryland DNR boating safety education page has information on scheduled classroom courses statewide.
How to Get Your Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education
Follow these steps to complete the course and receive your Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education.
Step 1: Enroll in a Maryland DNR-approved boating safety course.
Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard right away. The Maryland boating safety course from Boat-Ed is fully online, self-paced, and can be completed in as little as three hours on any device.
Step 2: Pass the final exam.
After completing all course units, take the final exam. You need a score of at least 80% to pass, with unlimited attempts available.
Step 3: Print your temporary certificate.
After passing, print your temporary Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education immediately. It is valid for 90 days while your permanent card is processed and mailed.
Step 4: Receive your permanent card.
Your permanent Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education will arrive by mail. The card is valid for life and must be carried on board whenever you operate a qualifying vessel on Maryland waters.
How Much Does the Maryland Boater Safety Course Cost?
The Boat-Ed course fee covers everything you need to take the course, pass the final exam, and get your card. Maryland does not charge a separate state fee for the Certificate of Boating Safety Education.
Maryland Boater Safety Course Costs | |
| Course | Cost |
| Boat-Ed online course | $54.95 |
| Boat-Ed+ online interactive (virtual) course | $79.95 |
| Other approved providers | $30–$80 |
| Classroom (DNR, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadrons) | Free |
Free classroom courses are offered year-round by the Maryland Natural Resources Police, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and U.S. Power Squadrons. Check the Maryland DNR website for scheduled courses in your area.
Can You Split the Course Into Multiple Sessions?
Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time. Once you enroll, you have 90 days to complete the course.
Maryland requires a Certificate of Boating Safety Education for anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates any motorized vessel on Maryland waters. There is no horsepower threshold.
Anyone under 16 without a valid certificate must be supervised by a qualified adult when operating a motorized vessel 11 feet or longer. However, no one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances, regardless of certification status.
Start Your Maryland Boater Safety Course Today
From the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac River, Maryland offers some of the most diverse boating on the East Coast. The online course takes as little as three hours to complete, and your certificate is valid for life.
Take the Maryland boating safety course on Boat-Ed and get on the water ready and legal.
Upgrade to a virtual experience with our new Boat-Ed+ interactive course!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the Maryland boater safety course take?
A: The Maryland boater safety course takes a minimum of three hours to complete online, as required by NASBLA and enforced by the Maryland DNR Natural Resources Police. Most students finish the full course and exam in three to four hours. Free classroom courses are also available and are typically completed in a single day.
Q: Can I take the Maryland boater safety course in multiple sittings?
A: Yes. The online course saves your progress automatically after each lesson. You can log out and return at any time. You have 90 days from enrollment to complete the course.
Q: What score do I need to pass the Maryland boater safety exam?
A: You must score at least 80% on both the unit quizzes and the final exam. Both allow unlimited retakes, so you can review the material and try again as many times as needed.
Q: How much does the Maryland boater safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed online course is $54.95, or choose the Boat-Ed+ interactive virtual course for $79.95. Other approved providers typically range from $30 to $80. Free in-person classroom courses are available through the Maryland Natural Resources Police, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and U.S. Power Squadrons. Maryland does not charge a separate state fee for the certificate.
Q: How long does it take to receive my Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education?
A: You can print a temporary certificate immediately after passing the exam. It is valid for 90 days. Your permanent card will arrive by mail after processing.
Q: Does the Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education expire?
A: No. The certificate is valid for life and does not require renewal.
Q: Who is required to have a Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education?
A: Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates any motorized vessel on Maryland waters must carry a certificate. There is no horsepower minimum. The requirement applies to all motorized boats and personal watercraft. No one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances, and operators under 16 without a certificate must be supervised by a qualified adult when running a motorized vessel 11 feet or longer.
