How to Request a Boating Regulation

Step 1. The Maryland Boat Act Advisory Committee request a petition signed by at least 25 people be submitted to:

Boat Act Advisory Committee
Bob Lunsford, Regulation Coordinator
580 Taylor Avenue, E-4
Annapolis, MD 21401

Include the following information on your petition or use this form: Request for Boating Regulation Change Petition Form

• Name Address and phone number of contact person, dated


• Printed names and address of signers next to signatures


• Detailed description of area, with a map


• Why this action should take place


• Type of restriction 6 All times, 6 Sat Sun and Holidays, April 15 to Oct 15, or Other


• Any restrictions currently in the area

Step 2. The Department of Natural Resources will begin studying the area during the next Boating Season (Apr 15 – Oct 15). Comments will be accepted during the Boating Season or according to the publication date in the MD Register.

• Boating Services Unit will set up a meeting with the contact person to review request and make recommendations


• Boating Services Unit will place a buoy in the area to advise boaters that the area is under study


• Notices to boaters will be distributed in the area


• Vessel traffic surveys will be done


• Historical data on the area will be collected including shore erosion information


• Public comments will be solicited

Step 3. The Department of Natural Resources will summarize the data and present it to the Boat Act Advisory Committee (BAAC)

• The BAAC will review the study (Areas that have been reviewed can not re-apply for 3 years)


• Visit areas if needed


• Hold a meeting for open public comments on the request (Meeting dates will be advertised on the WEB)


• The BAAC will recommend that the requested regulation be proposed, not proposed or modified, to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.


• The BAAC final recommendation is delivered to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.

Step 4. The BLA Reviews the Recommendation

• The BLA will forward the BAAC recommendation along with any comments to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.


• The Secretary will then determine if a regulation will be proposed and processed in accordance with established protocols.


• Publication in the Maryland Register is required and a public comment period of not less than 30 days is mandatory. A public hearing may be required.


• Adoption (45 days) and the effective dates (90 days) are determined.