The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Pennsylvania boating license course and test was discontinued on July 1, 2008.

• Take the NEW Boat Pennsylvania Online Course!
• Or, you can order the Boat Pennsylvania Video Course

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Pennsylvania's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher, but not a boater's license.

Official Pennsylvania Boating Course Table of Contents

• Home Page
• About the Online Boating Course
• About the Video Course
• Message from Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Chapter 1: Know Your Boat

• Chapter 1 Contents
• The Many Parts of a Boat
• Types of Boat Hulls
• Length of a Vessel
• Types of Engines
• Jet Drives
• Personal Watercraft
• Sailboats
• Chapter 1 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 1: Know Your Boat

Chapter 2: Before You Get Underway

• Chapter 2 Contents
• Your Boat's Capacity
• File a "Float Plan"
• Fuel Your Vessel—Safely
• Fueling Issues for a PWC
  • Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Trailering Your Vessel
• Tying Nautical Knots
• Vessel Maintenance
  • Engine Maintenance
• Chapter 2 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 2: Before You Get Underway

Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely

• Chapter 3 Contents
• Casting Off
• Docking
• Navigation Rules—Traffic Laws of the Waterways
  • Encountering Other Vessels
    • Meeting Head-On
    • Paths That Cross
    • Overtaking
    • Sailing Vessel Encountering Sailing Vessel
• Navigation Lights
• Night Navigation
• Sound Signals
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
  • Lateral Markers
  • Variations on the U.S. Aids To Navigation System
  • Non-Lateral Markers
  • Buoy System on Waterway
  • Navigational Chart for Waterway
• Anchoring
• Dams, Locks, and Bridges
• Changing Water Levels
• Compasses and Charts
• Operating a Personal Watercraft
  • Steering and Stopping a PWC
  • Courtesy on the Water
  • Environmental Considerations
  • Other PWC Considerations
  • Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Ignition Safety (Engine Shut-Off) Switches
• Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries
• Chapter 3 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating

• Your Vessel's Certificate of Boat Registration and Decals
• Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Boat or a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Unlawful Operation of a Boat or PWC
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
  • Homeland Security Restrictions
• Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Ventilation Systems
• Mufflers
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Other Equipment & Local Regulations
• Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
• Towing a Person with a Vessel Legally
• Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal in Pennsylvania and Federal Waters
  • Aquatic Nuisance Species
• Boating Accidents and Casualties—What the Law Requires You to Do
• Enforcement and Penalties
• Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Information
• Chapter 4 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating

Chapter 5: Boating Emergencies—What To Do

• Chapter 5 Contents
• Risk Management
  • Increased Risk Due to Boating Stressors
  • Increased Risk Due to Dehydration
  • Minimize Risk of Boating Accidents—Avoid Alcohol
  • Minimize Risk of Drownings—Wear PFDs (Life Jackets)
• Boating Accidents
  • Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard
  • Avoiding Collisions
  • Dealing with Fire Emergencies
  • Running Aground
• Personal Injuries
  • Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  • Responding to Other Serious Injuries
• Weather Emergencies
  • How to Avoid Severe Weather
  • What to Do If Out in Severe Weather
• Summoning Help
• Chapter 5 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 5: Boating Emergencies—What To Do

Chapter 6: Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat

• Chapter 6 Contents
• Responsibilities of a Vessel Operator
  • Responsibility to Your Passengers
  • Responsibility to Others You Allow to Operate Your Vessel
  • Responsibility to the Environment
  • Responsibility to Others Using the Waterways
• Paddlesports—Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts
• Water-Skiing
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
• Windsurfing
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Chapter 6 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 6: Enjoying Water Sports with Your Boat

Glossary of Boating Terms

• State-Specific and National Definitions of Common Boating Terms

Review Questions

• Chapter 1 Review Questions
• Chapter 2 Review Questions
• Chapter 3 Review Questions
• Chapter 4 Review Questions
• Chapter 5 Review Questions
• Chapter 6 Review Questions