Annapolis Watersports

Maryland sets no general minimum age for operating a motorized vessel other than a personal watercraft, but an operator under 16 is never unsupervised. Under Natural Resources §8-712.2, someone under 16 must both hold a boating safety certificate and have an eligible supervisor aboard. For vessels under 11 feet, the supervisor must hold a certificate; for vessels 11 feet or longer, the supervisor must hold one and be at least 18. Someone born before July 1, 1972, may also supervise.

Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 and carry a certificate if born on or after July 1, 1972. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (mgaleg.maryland.gov)

Maryland does not issue a recreational boating license, but people born on or after July 1, 1972 generally must carry a boating safety education certificate when operating a numbered or documented pleasure vessel. This includes personal watercraft, whose operators must be at least 16. Anyone under 16 operating a motorized vessel 11 feet or longer without a certificate must instead be supervised by someone 18 or older who holds a valid certificate, or who was born before the cutoff. Exemptions include commercial operators, qualifying visitors, private waters, and those born before the cutoff. Renters of motorized vessels other than personal watercraft may be issued a 10 day temporary certificate after reading a safety sheet. Maryland Natural Resources Police administers the program.

Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Natural Resources Police (dnr.maryland.gov)

From Edgewater, you can boat the South River, Selby Bay, Glebe Bay, Rhode River and the Chesapeake Bay. The South River opens to the Bay through a marked channel; many coves and creeks have marked minimum-wake or 6-knot areas. Selby Bay has a shallow southern end, while Glebe Bay is generally deeper but has shoals in midbay and along its sides. Rhode River is reached from the Bay through West River and has marked shoals off its points. Powerboats use local small-craft facilities around Edgewater and Selby Bay; hand-carried boats can launch at Mayo Beach Park or Beverly Triton Nature Park.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

Boaters from Edgewater can head to Annapolis City Dock and Ego Alley for waterfront dining, downtown shops and watching boats turn through the basin; Galesville on the West River for a dockside meal and harbor views; and the Rhode River anchorages around High Island and Flat Island for a protected stop on the hook. NOAA describes the Rhode River as a popular boating rendezvous and identifies the island areas as especially popular, while local tourism pages present City Dock and Galesville as waterfront visitor stops.

Source: Visit Annapolis (visitannapolis.org)