The Maryland Boater Education Card

Anyone born on and after July 1, 1972, must have a certificate of boating safety education to legally operate a vessel on Maryland’s public waterways, including personal watercraft.

The card is valid for the life of the person it is issued to. The card must on board any boat or vessel the person is operating and available for inspection by an enforcement officer. All operators are required to have a Boater Education Card and must carry the card on board and have it available for inspection by any enforcement officer. All States, Territories, and Provinces issue similar boating education cards, and are valid in those areas.

The Maryland Boater Education Card is proof that an operator has successfully completed an approved boating safety course. It’s important to know that the Boater Education Card is different than the Maryland Boating License. Unlike the Maryland Boating License, the Boater Education Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

How do get the Boater Education Card? First, go online and register for the course. Study the online course material, and then take the Final Exam. If you don’t pass the first time you can keep taking the course until you pass.

Pay the course fee online (about $30) and print out the temporary certificate that lets you legally boat in Maryland until your permanent card arrives. To replace a lost or destroyed Temporary Boating Safety Certificate, log in to the course and print a new one.

Remember that you need both the Maryland Boat License and the Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate to operate your boat in Maryland.

Also remember that protecting your boat, and your investment is your responsibility. Using quality canvas covering and accessories from CMC Canvas LLC will protect your boat and extends it useful life.