Boating license?

[lfunk11]

I do not need a license in my state because of my age, but I would like to take the boat to several different places next year. I have looked in MD and I think as long as I am registered in my state (WV) I am fine. You do not need a license if born before 1986 in WV, but before 1972 in MD. I was born in 1975 so do I need a license to take my boat to MD?

not sure if I posted this in the right section or not.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Boating license?

Get the boater Ed card for your State and the other states will show reciprocity and recognize it. You can take the class for free online and just choose your State for them to send your course certificate.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Boating license?

Check with the state of MD, it should be on their website.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Boating license?

Here's the link, take the test and get the certificate for free and then you have to send it to your State for the card.

BoatUS Foundation Courses Homepage

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Boating license?

Get the boater Ed card for your State and the other states will show reciprocity and recognize it. You can take the class for free online and just choose your State for them to send your course certificate.

I thought I'd make it easy for him. Here's the link to the free online boater's course that will meet the requirements of whatever state you specify.

 

[lfunk11]

Re: Boating license?

thanks for the responses - the sites I saw wanted ~$30. WV does not require a license since I am "old" enough unfortunately. I will get the license if its free for other states.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Boating license?

Simply call the MD DNR and ask them since they enforce the laws. I don't believe you need a licence, you need to pass an approved safety course. The safety course linked by jayhanig is free and take the one for your state. You can print the cert after passing and it also has a wallet sized card included. You have to cut it out.

MD DNR verbage on the safety course:

In Maryland, the law states that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel. This certificate is non-renewable and must be carried by the student at all times while operating a vessel. Officers may or may not ask to see the certificate during a vessel check and, if not provided, you can be charged with a minimum of $25 for the first offense and up to $500 for each offense thereafter.

Notice it does not say an MD safety course, it says safety course. Since you boat is reg'ed in WV, you first of all have to meet the WV requirements. That should make you legal for MD. That's what I think, but call MD DNR for clarification.

BTW - There is no boat operators licence in WVm only passing a safety course. From WV DMV:

Boater License

Anyone born after December 31, 1986, must complete a Boater Education Course to operate a motorboat in West Virginia.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Boating license?

If you are legal in the state your boat is registered in you are legal in KY. I also think I read that all KY border states are reciprocal in that regard though you may need to meet additional safety equipment guidelines. I think the universal approach mentioned above is your best bet.

 

[Taxus812]

Re: Boating license?

WOW here in CT you are REQUIRED to take a class with a minimum of 8 hours in classroom instruction and take a test for a Safe Boating certification and Certificate for personal watercraft. Then you are issued a license the whole thing cost about $100. That only lets me use my boat in state and border states.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Boating license?

The Boating Safety Education Law requires that any person born on, or after July 1, 1972, must have in their possession a certificate of boating safety education while operating a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters. The certificate may be obtained by completing an approved boating safety course or passing an equivalency examination.

The Natural Resources Police offer the Maryland Basic Boating Course
through local recreation departments and community colleges or on-line. The classroom
course is 8-10 hours in length and covers the basics of boating and water safety. The
on-line course is offered by Boat Ed, the official provider of the Maryland Basic Boating
Course. This course is user-friendly and self-directed. Study as much as you need to
know, as slowly or quickly as you like to learn! The equivalency examination is for those
persons who desire not to take a course. It is offered, by appointment, at locations
throughout the State.

To obtain study materials for the equivalency examination, or
course information, contact:
Maryland Natural Resources Police
Safety Education Division
305 Marine Academy Drive, Suite 1
Stevensville, MD 21666
(410) 643-8502

Other approved courses are available from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the
U.S. Power Squadrons. For further information call 1-800-336-BOAT.
A certificate of boating safety education is not required if:

1. A vessel is operated for commercial purposes.
2. A person 16 years of age or older is a resident of another state, visiting Maryland for 60 days or less, in a vessel numbered in another state.
3. A person is visiting the State for 90 days or less in a vessel from a foreign country.
4. A person is operating a vessel on a body of water located on private property.

A boating safety education certificate issued by another state is valid in Maryland
as long as it meets the criteria of the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators. The Certificate of Boating Safety Education is valid for a lifetime and
may not be revoked

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Boating license?

A certificate of boating safety education is not required if:

1. A vessel is operated for commercial purposes.
2. A person 16 years of age or older is a resident of another state, visiting Maryland for 60 days or less, in a vessel numbered in another state.
3. A person is visiting the State for 90 days or less in a vessel from a foreign country.
4. A person is operating a vessel on a body of water located on private property.