Skip to content

XI-2.00 UMCES Small Boat Operation Policy

Download Policy XI-2.00
  1. Purpose and Applicability
    1. A variety of small boats, ranging in size from 13 ft. to 26 ft., are available at the UMCES labs for project work in local waters. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that prospective operators meet certain standards before being allowed to operate an UMCES small boat.
  2. Terms and Definitions
    1. Qualified Operator– A qualified operator is defined as one who possesses the proper certification, and who can demonstrate to the UMCES Marine Superintendent (M/S), or his designee, certain small boat handling skills and procedures.
  3. General
    1. Prior to operating any UMCES small boat, individuals are required to be qualified as an operator.
    2. Since there are several different size boats available for each of the labs, each with different equipment, prospective operators must be checked out and demonstrate skills in the operation of each size boat.
    3. For any size boat primarily launched from a trailer, individuals must also have knowledge and exhibit proficiency in hook-up, highway practicum, and launch and recovery operations.
    4. These requirements and others in this policy are intended to qualify operators for small boat operation during daylight hours. Projects which require small boat operation at night will be determined by the UMCES M/S on a case by case basis.
  4. Certification
    1. The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that any person born after July 1, 1972, who operates a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters, be in possession of a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. Prospective small boat operators born after July 1, 1972 are required to obtain this Certificate prior to the Demonstration of Skills portion of the UMCES certification process.Prospective operators can obtain the Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate online. Go to http://www.boat-ed.com/md/index.htm (opens in a new tab) for course information.Those persons born after July 1, 1972, are exempted from the above requirements if they are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate a commercial vessel.
    2. Prospective operators that currently posses the necessary certification and who have had previous experience may qualify as an operator immediately.
    3. Prospective operators that do not have the necessary certification and small boat experience are responsible for making their own arrangements for obtaining boating safety instruction and on the water practice.