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.

1. Any boat, powered or unpowered, using a Commission lake or access area, must display a current registration or launch permit.
2. Inflatable boats less than seven feet in length or which are not constructed of durable fabric and do not have at least two separate buoyancy chambers are prohibited.
3. Overnight mooring is permitted if the boat has the current registration. Boats may be moored from April 1 through November 30 at designated areas.
4. The following acts are prohibited on Fish & Boat Commission property:
   • Camping, building or maintaining fires;
   • Picking, cutting or digging flowers, plants, shrubs or trees;
   • Swimming at Commission access areas or in Commission-owned lakes;
   • Leaving trash, garbage or debris, except as placed in containers provided for such purposes and accumulated only during the use of Commission property;
   • Removing or defacing any sign, poster or property;
   • Overnight sleeping in boats, automotive vehicles, tents, campers, or the like;
   • Blocking driveways, access roads, or launch ramps; and
   • Parking in undesignated areas.
5. While on Commission property, dogs must be licensed and under control. When the dog is on a lawn area, trail or parking lot, it must be on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length. The maximum number of dogs permitted at one time is two. Droppings must be immediately scooped and disposed of off Commission property. The owner or handler is responsible for the conduct of the dog.

All tournament, regattas, races, parades and exhibitions must be authorized by the Fish & Boat Commission or Coast Guard. An application must be filed with the Commission at least 60 days prior to such event. Forms are available from the Bureau of Law Enforcement.

Floating structures, including ski ramps, must have a permit from the Commission to be placed on any waters.

Waterway markers, including signs and buoys, must have a permit from the Commission to be placed on any waters.

Plastic bags, discarded fishing line and other garbage kill fish, waterfowl and wildlife. Plastic is especially dangerous to wild creatures. Before throwing away six-pack rings, snip each circle with scissors. Once the rings are cut, no animal can get caught in them. In Pennsylvania, it is unlawful for any person to litter. If something blows out of your boat, go back and remove the object(s) from the water. Cigarette butts tossed in our waters is considered littering. Properly dispose of all litter and report water pollution.

If you see any source or indication of pollution, such as dead fish, call the Department of Environmental Protection at 1-800-541-2050, or the appropriate Commission regional office. During after-hours, weekends and holidays, call the Department of Environmental Protection at 717-787-4343.

If boating on federal waters, you must display, in a prominent location, a durable placard (sign) at least 4 inches by 9 inches on any boat 26 feet or longer. It must notify passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.