MCLB Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is required to obtain a Marine Contractors License?

Any individual or business entity that solicits or performs marine contractor services in Maryland must be licensed. This applies to work in, on, or under state or private tidal wetlands, including:

Waterway Work: Dredging, filling, and salvage.
Structures: Construction, repair, or demolition of boathouses, boat lifts, ramps, docks, piers, wharves, pilings, and wetland walkways.
Erosion Control: Revetments, breakwaters, bulkheads, jetties, stone sills, and beach nourishment.

2. What does "solicit or perform" actually mean?

Soliciting: Any direct or indirect attempt to obtain a job from a potential customer.
Bidding: You do not need a license to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) or bid solicitation from a government agency or general contractor. However, you must be licensed before you begin the actual work.
Employment: Only W-2 employees of a licensed Marine Contractor are authorized to perform services under that license.
Subcontractors: Because subcontractors are not "employees," they must hold their own independent Marine Contractors License. They cannot work under a prime contractor’s license.

3. Can a General or Prime Contractor perform marine contractor services?

Only if they hold a Maryland Marine Contractor License. If a General Contractor is not licensed by the MCLB, their employees are not authorized to perform marine work. The contractor must either:

Apply for and obtain an MCLB license, or
Hire a licensed marine subcontractor to perform the work.

4. Are there any exceptions to the licensing requirement?

Yes. Under Maryland Code (Envir. § 17-301), a license is not required for:

Property Owners: Individuals performing marine work on their own residential or commercial property.
Federal/State Employees: Agency staff performing marine services as part of their official job duties.
County/Municipal Employees: Local government staff performing specific marine services as part of their official duties.

5. How do I obtain a Marine Contractors License?

You must submit a completed application to the MCLB. To qualify, you must demonstrate:

Experience: At least two years of full-time experience as a marine contractor (or similar relevant experience).
Examination: A passing score on the MCLB written test.
Tax ID: A valid federal tax identification number (if applicable).
Insurance: Current commercial general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Workers' compensation insurance is required for all ‘Entity’ license holders who have employees. As stated above, only W-2 employees of the licensed Marine Contractor are authorized to perform services under that license.

6. How long is the license valid, and how do I renew?

Licenses are effective for two years. To renew, you must complete 12 hours of MCLB-approved continuing education before your current license expires. For more information on how to renew your MCLB license, please visit our License Application Instruction webpage.

7. Can I use a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) License instead?

No. An MHIC license is not a substitute. By law, all marine contractor services in tidal waters must be performed by a contractor specifically licensed by the MCLB.

8. Are there different categories of MCLB licenses?

Yes. There are four distinct license categories based on the specific scope of work your business performs. You can find a detailed breakdown of these categories on our License Application Instruction webpage.

Questions?

If you have questions concerning the MCLB, please contact the MCLB by calling 410-537-3249 or 1-800-633-6101 ext. 3249, or by emailing [email protected].