What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Maryland Boating License?
The minimum age to get a Maryland boating license (also called a Maryland Boater Education Certificate) is 16 to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) such as a Jet Ski.
For motorboats, Maryland ties the education requirement to your birth date: anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must carry a Certificate of Boating Safety Education to operate any numbered or documented motorized vessel on Maryland waters.
Operators under 16 may operate motorboats under specific supervision conditions depending on the vessel's length.
Today, we cover the minimum age requirements, who needs a certificate, and how to get a Maryland boating license.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Maryland?
Maryland law does not set a hard minimum age for motorboat operation, but it does impose supervision requirements for operators under 16.
Operators under 16 who do not hold a valid boating safety certificate must be supervised by someone who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid certificate, or by someone born before July 1, 1972.
The supervision requirements vary by vessel length.
- For motorized vessels 11 feet or longer, the supervising adult must be at least 18 and hold a valid certificate (or be born before July 1, 1972).
- For motorized vessels less than 11 feet in length, a person of any age who holds a valid certificate may provide supervision.
No one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances, even with a boating safety certificate.
Who Needs a Maryland Boating License?
Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates any numbered or documented motorized vessel on Maryland waters must carry a Maryland Boater Education Certificate, issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This requirement applies to all motorized vessel types, including PWCs.
The certificate must be carried on board and made available for inspection by a law enforcement officer at all times while operating.
For a full overview of our Maryland boating laws and regulations resource, visit the Boat-Ed Maryland boating law page.
Maryland Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
Maryland's boating regulations set requirements based on vessel length, operator age, and birth date. The table below breaks down who can operate what and under what conditions.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (Maryland Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Any age, born before 7/1/1972 | Any motorized vessel | Yes | No certificate required |
| Any age, born on/after 7/1/1972 | Any motorized vessel | Yes | Must carry a Maryland Boater Education Certificate |
| Under 16, no certificate | Motorized vessel (11 ft or longer) | Supervised only | Must be supervised by someone 18+ with a valid certificate or born before 7/1/1972 |
| Under 16, no certificate | Motorized vessel (under 11 ft) | Supervised only | May be supervised by any age person who holds a valid certificate |
| Under 16, holds certificate | Motorized vessel (any length) | Yes | May operate with a certificate (PWC still prohibited) |
| Under 16 | PWC | Yes | Not permitted under any circumstances, even with a certificate |
| 16+, born on/after 7/1/1972 | PWC | Yes | Must carry a Maryland Boater Education Certificate |
Exemptions from the Maryland Boating Education Requirement
Certain operators are exempt from the Maryland Boater Education Certificate requirement. The table below summarizes the most common exemptions.
Maryland Boating Education Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| Born before 7/1/1972 | Operators born before July 1, 1972, are not required to hold a certificate |
| Out-of-state residents | Residents of another state boating on Maryland waters for 60 days or less, in a boat registered in their home state, who are at least 16 years of age or have proof of completing a NASBLA-approved course |
| Foreign visitors | Boaters visiting Maryland for 90 days or less in a vessel from a foreign country |
| USCG license holders | Anyone licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate a commercial vessel |
| Private waters | Operators boating on a body of water located entirely on private property |
| Non-motorized vessels | Operators of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft |
How to Get Your Maryland Boater Education Certificate
Follow these steps to get your boating license in Maryland.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. There is no minimum age to take the Maryland boating safety course. However, operators must be at least 16 to operate a PWC. Operators under 16 operating motorboats without a certificate must be under qualifying adult supervision.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in a Maryland Department of Natural Resources–approved course, such as the Boat-Ed Maryland course. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace on any device.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam to earn your Maryland Boater Education Certificate.
- Receive your certificate. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate valid for 90 days to use on the water right away. Your permanent Maryland Boater Education Certificate will arrive by mail within 4 to 6 weeks and is valid for life.
- Carry your certificate on the water. Maryland law requires you to have your Boater Education Certificate on the vessel and available for inspection by a law enforcement officer at all times while operating a qualifying vessel.
Does Maryland Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes, with conditions.
Residents of another state who are boating on Maryland waters for 60 days or less, in a boat properly registered in their home state, are exempt from the Maryland certificate requirement if they are at least 16 years of age or have proof of completing a NASBLA-approved boating safety course.
Foreign visitors boating in Maryland for 90 days or less in a vessel from their home country are also exempt. Maryland recognizes NASBLA-approved boating safety certificates from all states and provinces, as well as Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOC).
Start Your Maryland Boater Safety Course Today
Getting your Maryland Boater Education Certificate is straightforward. The Boat-Ed Maryland course is approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and is available entirely online on any device at your own pace.
After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary certificate and get on the water right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum age to get a boating license in Maryland?
A: The minimum age to operate a PWC in Maryland is 16. For motorboats, there is no hard minimum age, but operators under 16 who do not hold a valid boating safety certificate must be supervised by a qualifying adult. Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must carry a Maryland Boater Education Certificate to operate any motorized vessel.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Maryland?
A: Maryland does not set a hard minimum age for motorboat operation. Operators under 16 who do not hold a valid certificate must be supervised by someone who is at least 18 and holds a valid certificate, or by someone born before July 1, 1972. Supervision requirements vary based on the length of the vessel.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in Maryland?
A: The minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), including Jet Skis and WaveRunners, in Maryland is 16. No one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances, even if they hold a valid boating safety certificate.
Q: Can a child under 16 operate a boat in Maryland without a certificate?
A: Yes, with supervision. Operators under 16 who do not hold a valid boating safety certificate may operate a motorized vessel under adult supervision. For vessels 11 feet or longer, the supervising adult must be at least 18 and hold a valid certificate or be born before July 1, 1972. For vessels under 11 feet, any person who holds a valid certificate may supervise, regardless of age.
Q: Does a child under 16 with a certificate still need supervision in Maryland?
A: Operators under 16 who hold a valid Maryland Boater Education Certificate may operate a motorboat independently. However, even with a certificate, no one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances.
Q: Do I need a Maryland certificate if I was born before July 1, 1972?
A: No. Operators born before July 1, 1972, are exempt from Maryland's boating education requirement. The Maryland DNR strongly encourages all boaters to complete a safety course, but it is not legally required for those born before that date.
Q: Do I need a Maryland certificate if I already have one from another state?
A: Out-of-state residents boating on Maryland waters for 60 days or less in a boat registered in their home state are exempt if they are at least 16 or have proof of completing a NASBLA-approved course. Foreign visitors boating for 90 days or less are also exempt. Maryland recognizes NASBLA-approved cards from all states and provinces.
Q: How much does the Maryland boating safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed Maryland course fee is $54.95. Course fees across approved providers generally range from $30 to $80.
Q: Does the Maryland Boater Education Certificate expire?
A: No. The Maryland Boater Education Certificate is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
