Maryland Basic Boating Equivalency Examination

The Maryland Natural Resources Police Safety Education Section suggests that boaters attend a Maryland basic boating class (remember, Maryland law specifies that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a Certificate of Boating Safety Education in order to operate a mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters). However, due to certain circumstances, some people are unable to attend all sessions of the eight-hour course. In order to facilitate the availability of the course, the Maryland Natural Resources Police Safety Education Section has created the Maryland Basic Boating Equivalency Examination. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions designed to measure comprehension in regard to information contained in the textbook. A score of 80% is required to pass the examination. Failure to pass the examination after two attempts will require a student to attend a Boating Safety Education class in order to obtain the Certificate of Boating Safety Education.

Boaters may obtain a copy of the Boat Maryland textbook, the textbook used in all boating safety classes, by contacting (410) 643-8502. After studying the material contained in the textbook, please contact the appropriate person from the information below to schedule a date and time to take the exam.

See the Boating Safety Class Listings