Boating Lessons in
Maryland
Use BoatingLessons.com to find licensed Captains in Maryland that provide expert boating courses and training. It’s simple, safe, and free.
Topics covered
Expert Boat Driving Lessons for All Skill Levels
Our mission
Why Choose BoatingLessons.com
Safety matters to us. That’s why we vet Captains prior to listing them on our platform. This way, you can be confident that you will receive boat training from only the best instructors and Captains.
Licensed Captains
- Vetted
- Experienced Instructors
- Save time searching
Hands on Boating Course
- Build your confidence
- Real situations
- On your own boat
It Saves Lives
- Reduce risk of accidents
- Protect yourself & passengers
Types of Boating Lessons
How It Works
1
Answer a
few questions
2
Schedule your
lesson
3
Learn, practice, and improve your boating skills
Recreational Boating Accident Statistics Summary in Maryland(2023)
view full report
Total Boating
Accidents
112
Main Cause
Collision with Vessel
Total Boating
Fatalities
6
don’t take our word for it
hear what other boaters are saying
Russel L
Lesson was fantastic Captain Scott was great! Spent time learning docking really appreciated the insights.
Thank you
Wendy S
We had a GREAT training session with Captain Scott.
We knew about 60% of what Capt. Scott trained us on, which gave us confidence in those areas like boat operation, docking, undocking.
While training, we had a boat emergency when we completely lost power on our boat and nothing worked. Ultimately, we needed to be towed back due to battery issues but are soooooo grateful for the experience and Capt. Scott’s calm demeanor under major pressure. We learned more in that emergency situation than can be taught in a text book or class and learned about our boat’s electrical wiring and how to troubleshoot and prepare for the future.
I would highly recommend Capt. Scott and we will have him back to help us navigate the waterways and tips to go out into ocean for offshore fishing.
A fantastic experience!!
Usman C
I had an excellent training experience with Captain Scott Schmidt. He arrived right on time and was extremely professional throughout the lesson. His explanations were clear, thorough, and easy to follow which made learning to operate the motor boat much more comfortable.
What really impressed me was the follow-up. After the lesson, he sent an email summarizing everything we covered, which was an incredibly helpful for reviewing on my own. He’s patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely wants you to feel confident on the water. Highly recommend booking with this Captain!
Robert B
Captain Adam provided exceptional instruction and support during our recent boat commissioning. As new owners of a larger vessel, we greatly appreciated his calm and insightful approach. Despite challenging circumstances, including heavy traffic and the significant distractions of a nearby air show, Captain Adam expertly guided us, offering specific praise for our focus under pressure. His
‘astronaut test’ analogy for maintaining concentration during crucial moments was particularly insightful and a valuable lesson.
He also addressed a minor docking issue with patience and reassurance, emphasizing that such things are a normal part of the learning curve. Captain Adam clearly articulated the three fundamental principles of large boat operation – spatial awareness, momentum, and delayed response – which have already proven incredibly helpful.
Furthermore, Captain Adam was wonderful in including and encouraging my wife, Laurie, in the learning process, ensuring she feels confident as first mate.
Overall, Captain Adam’s expertise, clear communication, and encouraging demeanor have made the transition to owning our new boat a much smoother and more positive experience.
We highly recommend his services to anyone seeking professional and supportive boat Instruction.
Jessica H
Captain Rob was encouraging without being pushy, understood my anxieties and patiently guided me through. I feel so much more confident now to keep practicing and I’m really grateful for that
Paul L
Classes with Captain Ken and Captain Bill have been excellent.
Eric S.
My 15 year old son and I had the pleasure of learning all aspects of boat safety and management on our ‘17 Whaler from Captain Scott Schmidt. He has a wonderful way about him and his knowledge of all things boat and water ways related was evident from the start. He left us with a much greater comfort level than when we began. We would definitely recommend him to anyone interested in becoming more “Boat Savvy.”
Our Maryland Captains
6 Years of Experience
Recently Completed Lessons in Maryland
Grady White Freedom 235
Training Vessel
1993 Rinker Fiesta 300
Azimut 55 Fly
Watkins 25
Viagio Tritoon
Sea Ray 250 SDX
2023 Bayliner DX2000
2014 Chaparral OSX250
1996 26′ Wellcraft Eclipse
2002 39′ Carver Aft Cabin
Training Vessel
Training Vessel
Still have questions?
Here are the answers
On the water boating lessons can cost anywhere from $100/hr up to $300/hr. It depends on the Captain, location, and length of training. Each captain sets their own rates for boating lessons.
No, boating lessons are not mandatory. But you reduce the risk of a boating accdient tremendously by getting educated.
Yes, Boating Lessons has a network of qualified captains that provide hands on boating lessons throughout Maryland.
In Maryland, you don’t need a traditional “license” to operate a boat, but you do need a Boating Safety Education Certificate if you were born on or after July 1, 1972[1][2]. This certificate is required for operating any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC)[4].
Key points about boating requirements in Maryland:
1. Boating Safety Education Certificate:
– Mandatory for those born on or after July 1, 1972
– Must be carried while operating a motorized vessel
– Obtained by completing an approved boating safety course
2. Age restrictions:
– Operators under 16 must be supervised when operating motorized vessels 11 feet or longer[2]
– PWC operators must be at least 16 years old[3]
3. Exemptions:
– Visitors from other states (for up to 60 days)
– International visitors (for up to 90 days)
– Commercial vessel operators[3]
4. Registration:
– Required for motorized vessels used on Maryland waters
– Valid for two years[3]
5. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
– Required for all passengers on board
– Must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and readily accessible[4]
To obtain a Boating Safety Education Certificate, you can take an approved course online or in person. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers several options, including free courses[5]. Remember, while it’s not called a “license,” the Boating Safety Education Certificate serves a similar purpose for boating safety and regulation in Maryland.
Citations:
[1] https://www.boat-ed.com/maryland/
[2] https://www.boat-ed.com/maryland/boating_law/
[3] https://aceboater.com/en-us/boating-state-specifics-maryland
[4] https://www.boaterexam.com/usa/maryland/regulations/
[5] https://www.boatus.org/maryland
[6] https://onestop.md.gov/licenses/boating-safety-course-certification-5d1540b854f24d03e999852b
[7] https://dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/pages/boatingsafety/safety_certificate.aspx
[8] https://dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/pages/boatingsafety/educational-requirement.aspx
Each Captain has different certifications and experience, but most Captains are able to operate a wide variety of vessels including:
- Powerboats
- Jet Boats
- Sail Boats
- Pontoon Boats
- Yachts
- Sportfishers
- Cruisers
- Catamarans
Cities That We Train In
Annapolis
Baltimore
Bowley's Quarter
Cambridge
Centreville
Chesapeake Beach
Churchton
Crisfield
Crownsville
Deale
East New Market
Edgewater
Ellicott City
Essex
Galesville
Grasonville
Greensboro
Hanover
Havre de Grace
Kent Narrows
Middle River
Newburg
North Beach
North East
Ocean City
Ocean Pines
Oxford
Parkville
Pasadena
Rock Hall
Rosedale
Severn
Shady Side
Solomons Island
St. Leonard
St. Michaels
Stevensville
Tilghman Island
Tracy’s Landing
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