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.

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Pennsylvania law prohibits anyone from boating while under the influence (BUI). That is, you may not operate a vessel while you are intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol.

Pennsylvania law limits the consumption of alcohol as follows.

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on land and water at all state parks and at most U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects.
• A person is considered to be over the legal limit if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of:
  • 0.08% and is 21 years of age or older or …
  • 0.02% and is under 21 years of age.

Pennsylvania law establishes the following criminal penalties for persons who are convicted:

• Fines and/or imprisonment and …
• The loss of boating privileges for up to one year.

Pre-arrest breath tests may be used by officers to determine the probability that a vessel operator is under the influence.

The best thing you can do for your safety and the safety of your passengers and other boaters is simple—Don't drink and boat!

Areas of Impairment Due to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Because you can drink faster than your system can burn off the alcohol, there is an increasing level of alcohol in your blood. This level is referred to as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).