Office of Communications

Maryland Boating Safety Program

Maryland Boating Safety Program - kids wear the life jacket The mission of the Natural Resources Police, Boating Safety Education Program is to provide the boaters of Maryland the necessary information to operate a vessel safely on our waterways and also to make their experiences as enjoyable as possible.  Safety always plays an important role in maximizing the enjoyment of outdoor activities. With a program that focuses on this aspect, we hope to provide boaters from across the State the materials and education to do just that.

  • Boating Safety Education Requirement

  • Maryland Basic Boating Course

  • Maryland Basic Boating Equivalency Examination

  • REPLACEMENT CARD REQUEST

  • State Requirements for Recreational Vessels

  • Equipment Checklist for MD Vessels

  • Safety on the Upper Potomac River

  • Deep Creek Lake Fact Sheet

  • Life Jackets for Kids

  • Are Your Youngsters Water Wise?

  • Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC)

  • Courtesy on the Water

    • Chesapeake Bay Hotline

    Call 1-877-224-7229

    to report any of the following

    • Boating accident or reckless activity
    • Fish kill or algal bloom
    • Floating debris that poses a hazard to navigation
    • Illegal fishing activity
    • Public sewer leak or overflow
    • Oil or hazardous material spill
    • Critical area or wetlands violation
    • Suspicious or unusual activity