POWER BOATS

From the 3 rivers in the west to the tidal waters of the Delaware River in the east, from Lake Erie in the northwest to the Schuykill River in the southeast and the 76 natural and many more man-made lakes in between PA's borders, boaters have endless miles of water to explore. Pennsylvania boating regulations are developed to make waters safe and enjoyable for all recreating on PA's waters. 

Requirements for operating a powered boat in PA:

• A Boating Safety Education Certificate for some powered boats
  Check out the specific requirements for Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators
• Greater than 25hp - Persons 11 years of age or younger may NOT operate. Persons born on or after January 1, 1982 and in possession of a Boating Safety Education Certificate

Operator Responsibilities/Requirements:

• A Boating Safety Education Certificate 
• Life jackets are required to be carried on board all boats and must be worn in some circumstances.
• Boat Registration for most boats.
  
• Knowing all the rules and regulations including the specifics of the area.
  
• Knowing the waters. 
• Having the required safety equipment on board. 
• The actions of all persons on board.

Operator Dont's:

• Operate a watercraft in a reckless, negligent, or dangerous manner.
• Operate at a rate of speed that could endanger the life or property of any person.
• Operate a boat at greater than slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, docks, launch ramps, swimmers, or downed skiers, persons wading in the water, anchored, moored, or drifting boats, and floats. 
  
• Operate a motorboat less than 20 feet long at greater than slow no-wake while a person is standing on or in the boat.
• Operate a motorboat at greater than slow, no wake speed with riders outside of the passenger carrying area or on the bow decking, gunwales, transom, or motor covers.
• Operate a pontoon boat with a rider outside the passenger carrying area.
• Cause a boat to go airborne or to leave the water completely while crossing another boat’s wake when within 100 feet.
• Weave through congested traffic.
• Operate faster than slow, no-wake within 100 feet to the rear or 50 feet to the side of another boat that is underway, unless in a narrow channel.
• Operate within 100 feet of anyone towed behind another boat.
• Operate a motorboat with anyone sitting, riding, or hanging on a swim platform or swim ladder attached to the boat. 

Learn more about boating regulations including about waterways in Pennsylvania that have special regulations such as electric motors only or horsepower restrictions.

Smart boaters ensure their boats maintain proper safety and use of equipment. 

Remember, all powered boats must be registered.