Personal Watercraft Rules and Regulations

In our quest to provide our Customers with valuable information, Deep Creek Hospitality brings you the following important information about the operation of Boats and Personal Watercraft in the state of Maryland. The best policy is to KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Statewide Boating Regulations for Non-Tidal Waters
  • Boating accidents must be reported.
  • It is unlawful to operate a boat in a reckless or negligent manner, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • One Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) must be carried for each person on board. Additional safety equipment may be required.
  • All children under 13 must wear their PFD's while underway on a vessel 21' and under.
  • New PFD Law effective April 1,2006: If a child is less than 4 years of age or under 50 pounds, the personal floatation device SHALL feature ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, as appropriate for an infant, toddler or young child, so as to:
    • Hold the child securely within the personal flotation device, including a STRAP that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the personal flotation device.
    • Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an INFLATABLE HEADREST or HIGH COLLAR.
    • Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel, including a WEB HANDLE, (grab loop).
  • A valid registration must be on board and correctly displayed.
  • Navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise.
  • Boating Safety Certificates are required for those born on or after July 1, 1972.

Specific Regulations for Deep Creek Lake:

  • Boats may not exceed 26 ft. in length, except pontoon boats, which may not exceed 30 ft.
  • Sirens are not permitted.
  • Houseboats are not permitted.
  • Engines may not exceed the manufacturer's recommended capacity, or total displacement of 550 cubic inches - whichever is less.
  • Parasailing is not permitted on the lake.
  • Vessels shall be muffled so as not to exceed state noise level limits.
  • No garbage, sewage or other waste materials may be discharged into the lake.
  • Aircraft are prohibited on the lake and buffer strip.

Restricted Speed Zones:

  • Vessels may not be operated at a speed in excess of (3 knots) (minimum wake) within 100 ft. of the shoreline anywhere on the lake, except that a person may tow a skier from a dock or shore and then immediately exit the restricted area.
  • Vessels may not be operated in excess of (3 knots) (minimum wake) between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sat., Sun. and holidays from the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day in the area which lies between Beckman's Cove and North Glade Cove.
  • Vessels may not be operated at a speed in excess of (3 knots) (minimum wake) at any time in the following areas: Meadow Mountain Run, east of the Meadow Mountain Bridge; McHenry Cove, north of the restriction buoys; upper end of Red Run Cove, southwest of the restriction buoys; Thayerville Cove, southwest of a line of buoys extending from the easternmost point of the Arrowhead peninsula; upper end of Hoop Hole Cove, southwest of the restriction buoys; and upper end of Pawn Run Cove, northwest of the restriction buoys.

Request that information for Boating or Law Enforcement on DCL that the public be directed to contact the Western Region Office, Natural Resources Police at 301-777-7771.

For Park information, contact the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area Office, located at 848 State Park Road, Swanton, MD, by calling 301-387-5563.

In the event of an emergency, call 911, the Department of Natural Resources Police (NRP) Emergency at 1-800-628-9944, or 301-777-7771.

Personal Watercraft Rules and Regulations

Maryland law requires the operator of a PWC to be at least 16 years of age.  Also, anyone born after July 1, 1972 must carry a certificate of boating safety education.

In Maryland waters, PWC can not operate at speeds greater than 6 knots within 100 feet of other boats, piers, pilings, bridge structures, wharfs, people in the water and other PWC.

You may not operate a PWC in any of the following manners:

  • Jumping, or attempting to jump the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of that vessel;
  • Riding backwards and or standing on the seat of the craft while riding;
  • Weaving through and recklessly operating in areas of congestion;
  • Speeding in restricted areas such as marinas, no wake zones, environmentally sensitive areas; or
  • Operation in a manner that endangers the life, limb or property of any person, including the operator. (i.e. splashing other PWC or swimmers, buzzing piers and other boats, etc.)

PWC cannot operate between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

When towing a skier, you must have a three-person craft with a rear-facing observer who is at least twelve years of age.

When operating a PWC in Maryland waters of the Atlantic Ocean, you may not operate or give permission to operate a PWC within 300 feet of surf fishermen or people in the water or, at a speed greater than 6 knots within 100 feet of vessels, wharfs, jetties or piers.

An individual may not operate or give permission to operate a PWC registered in the state of Maryland unless a regulation sticker approved by the department of Natural Resources is attached properly to the PWC.

Boating under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol impairs judgment, motor skills and concentration, It is also a violation of state law. JUST DON’T DO IT!

Regulations For Specific Waters - Deep Creek Lake:

No vessel may exceed 26 feet in length, except pontoon boats, which may not exceed 30 feet.

Personal watercraft and hovercraft operation are prohibited between 11:00am and 4:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

No person may operate a vessel in excess of three knots within 100 feet of the shoreline anywhere on the lake, except to begin towing a skier from a pier or shore directly away from the restricted area.

For further information on Deep Creek Lake regulations, contact: Lake manager, Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area, Route 2 Box 69 C, Swanton, MD 21561, or call (301) 387-4111.

Law Enforcement - Natural Resources Police

The Maryland Natural Resources Police enforce all natural resources laws of the State, including provisions of the Maryland State Boat Act on all waterways of the State. The Natural Resources Police are also mandated to enforce all other laws of the State. Patrol vessels can be identified by the blue emergency light, the "POLICE" identification on the side of the vessels, and the uniformed officers on board. Boaters are reminded that on the immediate approach of a Maryland Natural Resources Police patrol vessel using a flashing blue light, a vessel operator, unless otherwise directed by the officer, shall yield the right-of-way and stop their vessel and stay in that position until the Natural Resources Police vessel has passed. Failure to stop and/or permit boarding or inspection may subject the operator or owner to a penalty of up to $500.00. All vessels, including documented boats are subject to Maryland's rules and regulations. A vessel does not have to be underway to be boarded or inspected. A vessel may be boarded at dockside.