{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-8-743","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Natural Resources § 8–743","heading":"","body":"(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.\n(2) “Child” means an individual who is under the age of 13 years.\n(3) “Personal flotation device” means a flotation device that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.\n(4) (i) “Vessel” means:\n1. A vessel used for recreational purposes; or\n2. A vessel leased, rented, or chartered for noncommercial use.\n(ii) “Vessel” does not include a vessel carrying passengers for hire under the command of an individual licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire, or a vessel displaying a valid seafood harvester’s license number while engaged in the harvesting of seafood for sale.\n(b) (1) A person may not operate or allow the operation of a vessel under 21 feet in length if there is a child present in the vessel unless the child is wearing a personal flotation device that is:\n(i) Properly sized for the child;\n(ii) In good and serviceable condition; and\n(iii) Securely and properly attached to the child.\n(2) If the child is under the age of 4 years, the personal flotation device shall feature additional safety precautions, as appropriate for an infant, toddler, or young child, so as to:\n(i) 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;\n(ii) Maintain the buoyancy of the child, including an inflatable headrest or high collar; and\n(iii) Ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel, including a web handle.\n(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to:\n(1) A vessel that is moored or anchored; or\n(2) A child who is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.","path":["Article - Natural Resources"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gnr\u0026section=8-743","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T20:00:08Z","sha256":"2e4aa7bb4398474de9a049bda0b96697ee2ce409e582a89f514fdced9a43b17f","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-8-742","next":"us-md/md.-code-natural-resources-8-744"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}