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Maryland Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Maryland requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 to hold a Certificate of Boating Safety Education to operate any mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: dnr.maryland.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Maryland

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

DelawareConditional
Delaware requires everyone born on or after Jan 1, 1978 to complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized boat, including a PWC, on Delaware waters.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
District of ColumbiaConditional
Anyone operating a vessel on District of Columbia waterways must have a Boating Safety Certificate, issued on completing the MPD Harbor Patrol boating safety course.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
Pennsylvania requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1982 operating a boat over 25 hp, and for all PWC operators regardless of age.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaConditional
Virginia requires all operators (any age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine, and all PWC operators 14+, to carry a boating safety course completion card.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia requires anyone born on or after Dec 31, 1986 to obtain a certificate of boating safety education before operating a motorboat or PWC.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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