Pennsylvania Boating Handbook

CHAPTER 4
PA OPERATION REQUIREMENTS, NAVIGATION, AND COMMUNICATIONS

Mandatory Boating Education/Minimum Age for Operation

MANDATORY BOATING EDUCATION
MINIMUM AGE FOR OPERATION OF MOTORBOATS

The following age restrictions and boating education requirements apply to the operation of motorboats.

HP OF MOTOR	RESTRICTIONS OF USE
PWC	All PWC (personal watercraft) operators, regardless of age, must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. Persons 11 years of age or younger may NOT operate. Persons 12 through 15 years of age may NOT operate with any passengers on board 15 years of age or younger, or rent a PWC.
0-25hp	None
Greater than 25hp	Persons 11 years of age or younger may NOT operate. Persons born on or after January 1, 1982, may not operate unless they have obtained and have in possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate.