Boating Regulations and the Maryland State Boat Act

The Maryland State Boating Act was enacted in 1960 to work in harmony with the United States Coast Guard regulatory scheme and provided that revenue generated through regulating boating activity would be earmarked for boating and maritime purposes. Perhaps the most important idea was that in Maryland, boaters would administer boating with the support of the boating community.

Maryland State Boat Act Advisory Committee

The Maryland Boat Act Advisory Committee was established as part of the Boating Act in 1960. The purpose of the Committee is to make recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources on proposed boating regulations. Members of the Committee include boaters and representatives from different water use organizations. The members are appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and have a variety of experience and expertise in boating related matters. The Committee meets on a regular basis to review proposed boating regulations. Meetings are open to the general public and public input is encouraged by the Committee members. To obtain information on the next Committee meeting, please call 410-260-8013 or 410-260-8417, or view the DNR Calendar Online.

• Notice of Public Hearings
• Upcoming Committee Meetings
• Proposed Regulations and Disposition of Regulations
• How to Change a Regulation
• Existing Regulations
• Boating Regulation Areas / Speed Zone Maps
• The Maryland Boat Act Advisory Committee Minutes and Archives

Maryland State and Federal Requirements for Recreational Vessels

Maryland's waters offer wonderful opportunities for recreational boaters. With the ever-increasing number of boaters on our waters, it is the responsibility of all of us to work together to ensure that our waters are clean and safe.

Please invest the time to educate yourself in the practices necessary to be a safe and responsible boater by reviewing the brochure, checklist and course listings below. They contain everything you will need to know in regards to recreational boating in Maryland and it will help you to make your boating experience a safe and memorable one.

• State Requirements for Recreational Vessels
  (Adobe Acrobat file 602 KB) - To get the free Acrobat Reader go to Adobe.com


• Equipment Checklist for MD Vessels


• Boating Safety Course Listings