Whether you are boating on a river, creek, lake or the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, Maryland has something to offer every boater (power, sail or paddle). This web page provides an overview of boating related programs and services within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that benefit the general boating public. This site has information and links that connect you to the staff that support and improve your Maryland recreational boating experience and help you to be safe, responsible and informed while on our State waterways. Thank you for supporting boating in Maryland.

Your Boat Tax at Work

Boating programs play an integral role in the State’s economy, infrastructure, and outdoor recreation experiences. The Boating staff:

• Maintain aids to navigation and regulatory buoys/signs
• Maintain the Statewide database of public water access sites
• ​Remove dangerous debris and abandoned boats
• Provide planning and technical assistance to develop boating facilities and water trails
• Provide grant funding to federal, state, and local jurisdictions to develop and maintain public boating access sites, acquire fire/rescue and patrol boats and equipment, and maintain public navigation channels
• Support the creation of marine sewage pumpout stations and clean marina designation

Upcoming Events