Maryland Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Maryland boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
All boaters born on or after July 1, 1972, who will be operating a boat or personal watercraft in Maryland need boater education.
Available courses
Maryland courses are available through the following options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
There is no BoatSmart! course for Maryland.
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | Boat-Ed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 + $10.00 card fee | $79.95 |
| Language(s) | EN | EN; ES | EN | EN |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive | 4 Cruises / 24 Lessons |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | App/Online, 3-hour minimum | App/Online, 3-hour minimum |
| Expiration | N/A | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 15 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 75 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | None | None | None | None |
| Residency Requirement | None | None | None | None |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender, eye color, and hair color | N/A |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com or Maryland DNR | ilostmycard.com or Maryland DNR | ilostmycard.com or Maryland DNR | ilostmycard.com or Maryland DNR |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Maryland course may be required to provide additional information during registration. This may include:
Gender
Eye color
Hair color
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Course expiration and extensions
Most Maryland courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 75 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 15 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 75 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed+: The final exam includes 75 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Maryland course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
Anyone under the age of 16 operating a motorized vessel 11 feet in length or greater without a valid boating safety certificate must be under the supervision of either:
An individual 18 years of age or older who has a valid boating safety certificate
An individual born before July 1, 1972
If someone under the age of 16 is operating a motorized vessel less than 11 feet in length, a person of any age with a valid boating safety certificate may provide supervision.
Those younger than 16 may not operate a personal watercraft, even with a boating safety certificate.
In Maryland, no one may operate a motor-powered vessel involved in towing activities if they are under the age of 12, or under the age of 16 if operating a personal watercraft.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards can be requested through ilostmycard.com.
Students who completed an in-person course may need to request a replacement through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Replacement card websites:
https://dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/Pages/BoatingSafety/Replacement-Card-Request.aspx