In order to accept direct or indirect consideration for providing services as a fishing guide in Maryland waters a person shall obtain a license or a Maryland Provisional Charter Boat Permit. Senate Bill 301 passed in the 2003 session of the Maryland General Assembly and provides for a Maryland Provisional Charter Boat Permit effective October 1, 2003. A Virginia charter boat licensee may request a Maryland Provisional Charter Boat Permit from the Department with this form. There is no charge for the permit.
Senate Bill 301 (§ 4-210.2) is briefly summarized as follows:
- The Department may issue a Maryland Provisional Charter Boat permit if the person:
- Is licensed by Virginia to operate a charter boat in its jurisdictional tidal waters; and
- Provides the Department with documentation of fishing activity for 2001 and 2002 based upon licensing and reporting requirements of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
- A permit issued by the department:
- Is valid only for an authorized person operating a vessel for charter fishing trips originating from the tidal waters of Virginia; and
- Is nontransferable.
- A person in possession of a permit is not required to possess a Maryland commercial fishing guide license in order to operate a charter boat in tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
- A person operating a charter boat under the provisions of this section shall have all appropriate federal and State licenses and the required permit in possession whenever operating a charter boat.
Please allow at least one week to process your application. Your application must include: a completed application form, proof that you were a Virginia Charter Boat licensee in 2001 and 2002, a copy of your current coast guard license and current Virginia Charter Boat license.
Maryland Provisional Charter Boat Permits can not be processed at the licensing service centers.
If you have any questions regarding the Maryland Provisional Charter Boat Permit, please contact Connie Lewis
