BY NBOA
March 25, 2022
Baltimore is Maryland’s largest major city, with many locals and tourists flocking to the family-friendly neighborhood of Inner Harbor. Here, boaters can enjoy a collection of marinas and partake in a wide range of boating activities on the largest estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay.
Between the mountains located in western Maryland, you will find the largest inland body of water in the U.S., appropriately named Deep Creek Lake. This boating vacation destination is perfect for motorboats and those who get excited about water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and other watersports.
Nestled in Maryland’s Garrett County is another famous lake called Jennings Randolph Lake. Not only is Jennings Randolph Lake great for boating, fishing, and watersports, but it is also home to Shaw Beach – a popular summertime destination offering the serenity of a lake and the excitement of a beach.
Ocean City Maryland is the White Marlin Fishing Capital of the World, which means you are sure to encounter the best spots for fishing here. While cruising and sailing through the Atlantic Ocean, take a turn north to easily visit the Delaware Shores.
Behind Ocean City Maryland are Maryland’s Coastal Bays, including Assateague Island. If fishing is your favorite boating activity, this is the place for you. Swimming in these waters are large amounts of Rockfish, also known as striped bass and Maryland’s official state fish.
Abiding by the Maryland Natural Resources Police Laws should be your number one priority when boating in Maryland. Be respectful of other ships and reduce speed while driving by one another and while boating in dangerous water conditions. Remind your passengers the dangers of sitting on the bow, seatback, gunwale, or transom while the boat is moving, not to mention you can get pulled over and fined.
Any person born on or after July 1, 1972 (or anyone convicted of a severe boating violation) who wishes to drive or operate a boat must pass Maryland’s Boating Safety Course to obtain a Maryland boating license. The cool part of a Maryland boating license is that they never expire, so there is no need to renew your license.
What counts as appropriate “Coast Guard Approved” equipment is based on the class or size of your boat. Personal flotation devices, including lifejackets and throwable PFDs, must be aboard both motorized and non-motorized watercrafts. Take a closer look at the Required Equipment Checklist to ensure your boat is equipped with the proper gear.
According to Maryland boating laws, no rule or regulation calls for boats to be insured. However, the state highly recommends and encourages all boaters to review their options for boat insurance to protect themselves and their investment in owning a watercraft.