| Features |
|
Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 | Competitor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Approved |  |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Instructor | |
No | No | No |
| Modern Content | |
Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
| Hands-On Learning | |
No | No | No |
| Mobile-Friendly | |
Partially | Yes | No |
| Self Paced | |
Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements | Minimum time requirements |
| Free Year of Wavve! |
|
No | No | No |
|
|
|---|
| Maryland Approved |
| Virtual Instructor |
| Modern Content |
| Hands-On Learning |
| Mobile-Friendly |
| Self Paced |
|
Free Year of Wavve! |
| Competitor 1 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| Partially |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 2 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
| Competitor 3 |
|---|
| Yes |
| No |
| Sometimes |
| No |
| No |
| Minimum time requirements |
| No |
In Maryland, certain operators must have a Maryland Boater Education Certificate to legally operate a vessel on Maryland waters. Maryland does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but it does require boater education for specific operators.
Maryland boating safety education requirements are administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland DNR).
Maryland law requires boater education for the following operators:
Operators who are required to have proof of boater education must be able to provide it when requested by law enforcement.
You can earn your Maryland Boater Education Certificate by completing a Maryland DNR-approved boating safety education course and passing the course exam.
Approved formats include:
Maryland recognizes boater education certification for compliance when it meets accepted standards. When boating outside Maryland, operators should always review the laws of the destination state, since boating education requirements and minimum operator ages vary by location.
Boat-Ed+ is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is dedicated to providing print and online boating education courses for North American boaters in Canada and the United States. Boat-Ed is the only boating safety education course and exam provider that develops online courses, eBooks, and print materials on behalf of government boating and boater safety agencies in North America. Completing your Maryland boating safety course through Boat-Ed+ ensures you receive a DNR-approved, NASBLA-compliant education that meets all state requirements for earning your Boater Education Certificate.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
305 Marine Academy Drive, Suite 1 Stevensville, MD 21666
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license.
What you really need is the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
You can get the
Boating Safety Education Certificate
by taking this boat safety course
at boat-ed.com.
Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
GET CERTIFIED
You can take a NASBLA-sanctioned paddlesports safety course to learn safe practices for non-motorized crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This course focuses on paddlesports safety but does not replace Maryland’s boating safety certificate requirement when operating motorized vessels.
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Boating in Maryland is more than just a pastime; it’s a way of life. With its mix of coastal waters, scenic rivers, and freshwater lakes, the state provides endless opportunities for boaters.
From cruising the Chesapeake Bay to exploring quiet coves and historic waterfront towns, Maryland offers experiences for anglers, sailors, paddlers, and families alike. With so many waterways and a strong boating culture, it’s easy to see why Maryland remains one of the most popular boating destinations on the East Coast.
Chesapeake Bay
The largest estuary in the United States, offering thousands of miles of shoreline and iconic boating towns like Annapolis and St. Michaels for sailing, fishing, and cruising.
Deep Creek Lake
Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, popular for watersports, fishing, and family-friendly boating with scenic mountain surroundings.
Assateague Island
A barrier island known for wild horses and coastal boating, with opportunities for fishing, exploring bay waters, and beach access.
Potomac River
A major river system offering everything from sightseeing and cruising to fishing and watersports across Maryland’s shoreline stretches.
Elk Neck State Park
A boating-friendly area between the Elk River and Chesapeake Bay, ideal for fishing and exploring shoreline views including Turkey Point Lighthouse.
