BOATING
By NBOA
October 16, 2024
1. The Allegheny Reservoir 2. Beltzville Lake 3. Conneaut Lake 4. The Delaware River 5. Lake Erie
6. Lake Harmony 7. Harveys Lake 8. Marsh Creek Lake 9. Lake Nockamixon 10. Raystown Lake 11. Lake Wallenpaupack
In Pennsylvania, anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, operating a boat with a motor greater than 25 horsepower must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. You can obtain this certificate by completing a course approved by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which can be taken online or in person.
An appropriately sized US Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be on board and easily accessible for each person on any boat. Children under 12 years old are required to wear a life jacket at all times while aboard any boat less than 20 feet in length, including kayaks and canoes.
Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Pennsylvania. BUI is taken as seriously as driving under the influence, with similar penalties. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for boaters behind the helm is 0.08%, the same as for drivers behind the wheel of a car.
Motorized boats must be registered with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to legally operate on Pennsylvania’s waters. Registration numbers must be displayed on the forward half of the boat and be visible from a distance.
While not legally required, boat insurance in Pennsylvania is highly recommended. It covers accidental damage, liability, theft, and more, providing peace of mind as you navigate the state’s beautiful waterways and sometimes unpredictable weather and water conditions.