Free Maryland State Boating Safety Course
Approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to satisfy the mandatory education requirements for boaters and PWC operators born on or after 07/01/1972.
State Approved
About the Course
What is the course about and why do I need it?
This free online course teaches you everything you need to operate a boat safely and legally in Maryland including navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies, and protecting the environment.
Maryland’s Boating Safety Education Law is designed to assure that the younger generations of boaters have fundamental knowledge of boating rules and safety and, eventually, all boaters will be operating their boats with a basic level of boating education. The Maryland Boating Safety Education Law requires that any person born on, or after July 1, 1972, must have in their possession a certificate of boating safety education while operating a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters.
4-8
Hours to Complete
6
Lessons & Quizzes
60
Final Exam Questions
37
Approved States
learn online at your own pace
What is the format of the course?
You’ll learn through interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes, then pass a final exam to earn your state-approved boating safety certificate.
Complete the course at your own pace and gain the skills and confidence to get out on the water.
State Education Requirements
How do I get a Maryland boating safety education certificate?
After you complete the course you will be issued a printable copy of your certificate that you can print yourself and use immediately.
You will also have the option of ordering a state approved, waterproof plastic card for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your card to arrive.
The certificate of Boating Safety Education issued by the Maryland DNR is valid for a lifetime and may not be revoked.
1
Enroll
2
Take Course
3
Pass Exam
4
Print or Order Certificate
Do I need to take this course?
An official Maryland boating safety education certificate may be obtained by completing an approved boating safety course or passing an equivalent exam. The Natural Resources Police, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the BoatUS Foundation and U.S. Power Squadrons all offer an approved course.
All certificates must be obtained by taking an approved course and exam. The BoatU.S. online course does meet this requirement, and is recognized by the Maryland DNR as proof of education.
A certificate of boating safety education is not required if:
- A person 16 years of age or older is a resident of another state, visiting Maryland for 60 days or less, in a vessel numbered in another state
- A person is visiting the State for 90 days or less in a vessel from a foreign country
- A person is operating a vessel on a body of water located on private property
- A vessel is operated for commercial purposes
What if I’m certified in another state?
A boating safety education certificate issued by another state is valid in Maryland as long as it meets the criteria of the National Association of the Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources boating webpage for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
For all questions about your state’s Free Boating Safety Course, visit our Support Center.