Maryland boaters license age

Individuals who are born on or after July 1st, are required to obtain a certificate and carry it with them on board when operating a motorized boat on MD waterways. The Maryland DNR has determined certain requirements that residents must satisfy if they want to operate a watercraft. According to a Maryland regulation, boaters must obtain a boat certification from a NASBLA-approved course provider when they are born on or after July 1st, The MD DNR has more information about boat requirements and encourages residents to contact them by phone or to visit their webpage.

The minimum boating license age limit for operators of personal watercraft is Individuals who are at least 16 years of age must possess a certificate in order to operate their personal watercraft. Boaters who have a personal watercraft must operate it at six knots or less when within feet of another vessel, people, or other objects in the water.

Since the MD DNR does not issue boating licenses, residents need to get a certification from a course provider of their choosing. Boaters must first enroll in a boating school and complete the program successfully in order to obtain a certificate of completion.

The DNR offers online and classroom courses, as well as the option to take and pass a boating equivalency exam. MD residents may receive a Maryland boat safety certificate at the end of a corresponding safety course that teaches them safe operating techniques and improves their knowledge about boats and every topic connected with water vessels. Future boaters may utilize three different ways for getting a boat certification, which are the following:.

Some states may not require you to have a boating license, but is require to complete a boating safety course. Please check the state boating regulations where you are planning to go boating. Since every state has different boating laws that apply to boat operator age and vessel safety education, make sure you know the minimum age requirements for operating a boat in your specific state. Even if your state doesn't require you to take a boating safety course or get a boating license , it is your responsibility to learn how to boat in a safe and responsible manner.

Certain counties have age restrictions for minimum operator age. Please check with the counties and cities in which you plan to boat. All those born on or after January 1, , are required to pass an approved boater education course. You may notice that there are states, such as California, which require all boat owners to take a recreational boating safety course. In other words, if you live in California and own a boat, you have to pass a boating safety test to earn your California boating license or California Boater Card in order to operate a motorized vessel.

The boat license age is. Regardless of your age or amount of boating experience, boater education is always recommended to refresh your skills and prevent accidents on the water.

Trained boaters know safe boat operating procedures, navigation, communication, and emergency protocol. Be aware that a recreational boating safety certificate or boating safety card is not the same as a charter boat license. Your boating safety certification or boaters safety card is proof that you have passed a state-approved recreational boating safety course.

Visit dnr. After you complete the course you will be issued a printable copy of your certificate that you can print yourself and use immediately. Please allow weeks for your card to arrive. Board of Directors Current Board of Trustees. Annual Reports Download previous annual reports here. Support Us Help support safe and clean boating initiatives. Donor Bill of Rights Your rights as a donor. Contact Information We are here to assist you. Visit BoatUS. Free Boating Safety Course Free online state specific safety course.

Online Boating Courses We offer a range of free and advanced courses. Find Past Certificate Lookup a copy of your state certificate. On-Water Training Learn with the hands-on approach. Payment of vessel excise tax on a vessel must accompany an application for a title. A vessel's trailer must be registered with the Motor Vehicle Administration.

What do you need to have on a boat? Additional safety gear appropriate to the type of boating you do. Legal documentation for the boat and captain. A basic first aid kit. Extra food and water. An anchor and rode line Basic tools or at least a multi-tool.

A full fuel tank. Who needs a certificate of boating safety education? Do you have to wear a lifejacket on a Seadoo? You are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD Personal Flotation Device on board for each person on a watercraft. This includes human-powered craft. A lifejacket is your best defence against cold-water shock. Can a 14 year old drive a boat?

No one under 14 years of age may operate a PWC.