Boating, Recreational
Program Summary
Maryland Boating Basics is approved by the Department of Natural Resources to meet the requirements of Maryland’s Boating Safety Education Act. Any person born on or after July 1, 1972, who operates registered or documented pleasure vessels on Maryland waters must be in possession of a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. Certification requires full attendance and that an exam be completed satisfactorily. Those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is OCC308, Maryland Boating Basics, the only course I need for certification?
For the Certificate of Boating Safety Education , yes. However, competency in many areas is necessary to operate a boat safely and enjoyably. While not required, a variety of courses are offered that cover:
- Inshore and off shore sailing covering crew member responsibilities, storm preparation and survival, accident damage control, emergency procedures;
- Cruising for a day, weekend, week, or extended blue water cruises;
- Navigation from rivers to coastal waters including the proper use of charts, course plotting, dead reckoning, and basic electronic navigation;
- Rope work techniques for recreational boaters that sets the standard for good on-deck seamanship;
- Personal water craft for owners of any type of water craft including jet ski and wave runners.