| Enforcement of boating laws and regulations, along with providing for safety on Pennsylvania waters, is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s Waterways Conservation Officers. Some of the waters of the state are also patrolled by other agencies such as the Bureau of State Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard and the National Park Service.
Boaters approached by a patrol boat with its blue light flashing should reduce speed to slow no wake and yield the right of way to the patrol boat. The operator shall stop when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer. Violators can expect enforcement action. Persons who violate boating laws and regulations are subject to arrest, and upon conviction, the boat operator may be found guilty of a summary offense or misdemeanor. The penalty can be a fine and/or jail sentence. The Fish & Boat Commission is also authorized by law to revoke, suspend or deny the boating privileges of persons who are convicted of violating the boating laws and regulations. Persons whose boating privileges are subject to revocation, suspension or denial will be notified in writing and given the opportunity for a hearing. |
