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Boating license requirements in Pennsylvania
All PWC operators regardless of age must complete a valid boating education course.
If operating a boat greater than 25hp, persons born on or after Jan 1, 1982 must also complete a valid boating education course.
Pennsylvania boating laws & regulations
All boaters on Pennsylvania waters from November 1 through April 30 must wear a life jacket -- it’s the law! Each person in the boat must have a wearable, USCG-approved life jacket! It is highly advisable to wear life jackets at all times, especially in dangerous conditions.
Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket on any boat 20 feet or less in length.
It is illegal to operate a watercraft (including
canoes, kayaks, and personal watercraft) on all waters of Pennsylvania while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Those over the age of 21 with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher and minors with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher, may be convicted of Boating Under the
Influence (“BUI”).
Also, an individual with a BAC lower than 0.08 percent may be convicted of BWI, provided that he/she is incapable of safely operating or being in actual physical control of the movement of the watercraft.
If you are arrested for operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, you could face any or all of the following:
• fines between $300 and $10,000
• up to five years in jail
• suspension of boating privileges for one year
If you refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, the Fish and Boat Commission may suspend your boating privileges for up to 18 months.
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FAQ - Boating in Pennsylvania
- Who is required to take the boating safety course in Pennsylvania?
Residents born after January 1, 1982 must complete a state approved boating safety course if they wish to operate a watercraft over 25 horsepower.
- Who is exempt from the Pennsylvania boating license ?
The following persons are exempt from the
requirements of the boating safety course:-
A person who is a resident of another state and who is visiting this Pennsylvania for 60 days or less in a motorboat that is registered in another state if:
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The person was born before January 1, 1982;
OR
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the person has been issued a license or boating safety education certificate in another State.
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A person who is visiting Pennsylvania for 90 days or less in a motorboat from a country other than the United States.
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A landowner or a member of the landowner's immediate family operating a motorboat on waters located wholly within property owned by the landowner where there is no publicly owned or publicly maintained access to those waters.
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A person who operates a motorboat powered by an electric motor or by an internal combustion motor of 25 horsepower or less.
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- What are the age restrictions regarding boating safety in Pennsylvania?
Children 11 years old or younger are not legally allowed to operate a PWC or motorboat with greater than 25 hp under any conditions.
- Do I need to register my boat in Pennsylvania?
Yes, in the state of Pennsylvania, every boat with a motor requires a title and registration with PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC).
- Is my boating license good in other States?
Every U.S. state that demands a boating license will accept Boating Education Licenses from other states that conform to NASBLA requirements as well.
You should follow your safety course in the State where you are resident.
- Are there other boating restrictions in Pennsylvania?
All boaters on Pennsylvania waters from November 1 through April 30 must wear a life jacket -- it’s the law! Each person in the boat must have a wearable, USCG-approved life jacket! It is highly advisable to wear life jackets at all times, especially in dangerous conditions.
Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket on any boat 20 feet or less in length.
