In order to accept direct or indirect consideration for providing services as a fishing guide in Maryland waters a person shall obtain a license or a Maryland Provisional Charterboat Permit. Senate Bill 301 passed in the 2003 session of the Maryland General Assembly and provides for a Maryland Provisional Charterboat Permit effective October 1, 2003. A Virginia charterboat licensee may request a Maryland Provisional Charterboat Permit from the Department with this form. There is no charge for the permit.

Senate Bill 301 (§ 4-210.2) is briefly summarized as follows:

• The Department may issue a Maryland Provisional Charterboat permit if the person:
  • Is licensed by Virginia to operate a charter boat in its jurisdictional tidal waters; and
  • Provides the Department with documentation of fishing activity for 2001 and 2002 based upon licensing and reporting requirements of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
• A permit issued by the Department:
  • Is valid only for an authorized person operating a vessel for charter fishing trips originating from the tidal waters of Virginia; and
  • Is nontransferable.
• A person in possession of a permit is not required to possess a Maryland commercial fishing guide license in order to operate a charter boat in tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
• A person operating a charter boat under the provisions of this section shall have all appropriate federal and State licenses and the required permit in possession whenever operating a charter boat.

For complete bill text refer to: Article-Natural Resources. Section 4-210.2, Annotated Code of Maryland. Or you may view the Bill on the Internet at: http://mlis.state.md.us/2003rs/bills/sb/sb0301e.rtf

Please allow at least one week to process your application. Your application must include: a completed application form, proof that you were a Virginia Charterboat licensee in 2001 and 2002, a copy of your current coast guard license and current Virginia Charterboat license.
Maryland Provisional Charterboat Permits can not be processed at the licensing service centers.

If you have any questions regarding the Maryland Provisional Charterboat Permit, please contact Belinda Gray