Boating Information: Maryland DNR
[Boating in Maryland]
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Mooring Buoys

2005 Proposals

Actions on 2004 Proposals
Details from proposed boating regulations provided to the public for comment.

NEW!!! Order Your Hunting or Fishing License by Phone! You may now purchase a hunting or fishing license by making a phone call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call toll-free: 1-800-918-2870.

Boating Access Guide
Select a county to view the public boat launch facilities within that county.

Mandatory Lifejacket Requirement
a life jacket - PFD Effective June 1, 2001, all children under the age of 7 must WEAR a United States Coast Guard 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. Recreational vessel includes motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and any other device capable of being used for transportation on the water, when the vessel is being used for other than commercial purposes.

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:
  • A vessel is moored or anchored.
  • A child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
  • More information...

Chesapeake Bay Safety and Environmental Hotline
1-877-224-7229

Warnings and Advisories

Photographs by Captain Hubert A. Paton, C&GS (NOAA) and Tom Darden
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Questions, comments, and suggestions can be emailed
to the Department of Natural Resources.

Updated April 29, 2005