Maryland Boating Regulations

(from the MD Dept. of Natural Resources web page.)

For a complete listing of regulations from the Department of Natural Resources, view the Maryland Boating Regulations web page.

Age Restrictions

Persons 16 years of age or younger shall not operate a Personal Watercraft on waters within the State of Maryland.

All boaters born on or after July 1, 1972 must complete an approved safe boating course and have in their possession proof of such completion while operating a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters.

Personal Flotation Devices

Effective June 1, 2001, all children under the age of 7 MUST wear a U.S.C.G. approved personal flotation device (Life Jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters.

The life jacket must be the proper size for the child and must be in good and serviceable condition.

This requirement does not apply when:

Every vessel must carry one USCG approved, Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person on board. In addition every vessel 16 feet or over, except canoes and kayaks, must carry at least one USCG approved throwable floatation device (Type IV).

Required PFDs must be readily accessible, in good condition and of proper size.