Boating Regulations
General Boating Regulations
Requirements
A Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket is required for each person on all boats in all waters. See additional life jacket requirements in the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook and online. Motorboats (including boats powered by electric motors) must be registered in their state of principal use. Boat operators born on or after January 1, 1982, who operate boats greater than 25 horsepower must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate in their possession. All PWC (personal watercraft) operators must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate in their possession. Persons 11 years old or younger may NOT operate a boat with greater than 25 horsepower or a PWC. Persons 12–15 years old may not operate a PWC with any passengers on board 15 years old or younger or rent a PWC.
Unpowered boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, etc.) can be launched at Commission lakes and access areas or Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests if they display a boat registration, Commission launch use permit or Pennsylvania State Parks launch permit or mooring permit. An unpowered boat may have a registration OR launch permit, but it is not required to have both. The Commission does NOT recognize launch permits from other states. A Commission launch permit can be purchased on the PFBC’s website.
Boating and alcohol do not mix. Alcohol use increases the chances of having an accident. Alcohol affects balance, coordination and judgment. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Penalties include loss of boating privileges, significant fines and imprisonment.
For additional information, see the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook or visit the Commission’s website.
Accessibility Resources
A copy of the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary and Pennsylvania Boating Handbook is available online in alternative accessible format.
TTY
Persons using a TTY may dial Pennsylvania Relay telephone number 711 to contact us.
Motorized Wheelchairs and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
A person who requires the use of a motorized wheelchair or similar device powered by an electric motor may use the device on Commission property. The Commission does not represent that its properties, except those specifically marked and designated for access by persons with disabilities, are suitable for this use. People needing the use of some other power-driven mobility device to access Commission property for fishing or boating opportunities may contact the Bureau of Law Enforcement for an application for access (also found on the Commission’s website): PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg PA 17106-7000.
Children and Special Populations
To inquire about waters available exclusively for children 15 years of age or younger and special populations, please contact a PFBC region office.
Additional Resources
The PFBC and its partners offer fishing and boating opportunities at a variety of facilities throughout the Commonwealth.
Facility enhancements can provide greater access for all to enjoy Pennsylvania’s waterways. The Commission provides funding for the planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public fishing and boating facilities. Some of the most successful funding requests come from townships, boroughs and municipal governments that partner with nonprofit groups, private businesses and service clubs. Find grant applications, guidelines and more at the Fish and Boat Commission website.
Borrow Fishing Tackle
At the PFBC, we believe the lack of tackle should never be a reason to miss out on fishing. Partners across the Commonwealth loan out fishing tackle to get you casting a line into your local fishing spot. Find the loaner site closest to you on our website. Give us a call or visit our website if you or your organization is interested in becoming a loaner site.
Borrow a life jacket
Need a life jacket? We’ve got you covered. Let us connect you with our partners who loan life jackets across the state. Find life jacket loaner partners on the Fish and Boat Commission website.
Recognizing and Reporting Pollution or Disturbance of Waterways
POLLUTION or DISTURBANCE of any waterway or watershed is a serious violation of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code that must be recognized and reported to a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission region law enforcement office. The law provides for criminal penalties for pollution or disturbances.
POLLUTION is an introduction into any waterway of anything that “might” harm or kill fish. Examples of “pollutants” are: electricity, explosives, sediment runoff, sewage, insecticides, poisons, high volumes of extremely hot water, liquid concrete or cement, paint, chemicals, petroleum products like gasoline or oil, brine runoff from gas or water well drilling and manufacturing waste. Common pollution indicators are: dead fish including crayfish, frogs and any other types of aquatic life; strange odors like manure, sewage or chemicals; muddy, cloudy or discolored water; shiny, oily sheen on water’s surface; foamy material floating on the surface; and extremely muddy water.
DISTURBANCE of waterways or watersheds includes any alteration of a waterway, its banks, bed or fish habitat that “might” cause damage to or kill fish. Common disturbance indicators are: removal of gravel from stream beds; earth-moving in or along a waterway; dragging logs across stream banks and through stream beds; installing pipes or culverts; building or installing bridges; making roadways through or along a stream; draining a waterway, wetland or watershed; or changing the channel flow of a waterway. Various types of permits are required for any such work.
If you see anything suspected to be a pollution or disturbance of any waterway, regardless of how seemingly insignificant, report it immediately by calling the local Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission region law enforcement office (see a listing in Region Offices) or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection at 1-800-541-2050 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
