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.
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.
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Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who
May Operate a Boat
The following restrictions apply to the operation of boats propelled
by an internal combustion motor on Pennsylvania’s public
waters.
- A person 11 years of age or younger may not operate legally a boat powered by a motor greater than 25 horsepower (hp) under any conditions.
- Persons born on or after January 1, 1982, may not operate boats powered by a motor greater than 25 hp unless they have in their possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
- There are no age restrictions on operation of boats with motors of 25 hp or less.
- Residents of other states who were born on or after January 1, 1982, and operate on Pennsylvania waters for 60 days or less are exempt if they hold a boating safety certificate issued by their home state.
Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft
(PWC)
- A person 11 years of age or younger may not operate a PWC legally.
- Anyone operating a PWC on Pennsylvania public waters must have in their possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
- A person 12 through 15 years of age may not operate a PWC legally with any passengers 15 years of age or younger on board.
- It is illegal to rent a PWC to anyone under 16 years of age. No one under 16 years of age may operate a rented PWC.
Boating
Safety Education Certificate
Operators who are required to have a Boating Safety Education
Certificate must carry it on board the vessel.
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