Safety Requirements of Boat Rental Businesses
- A review of state-specific laws and regulations applicable to the type of boat being rented.
- Local conditions and known boating hazards on the waters on which the boat will be used.
- Proper operations and handling characteristics of the rented boat.
- Use of safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and visual distress signals (if applicable).
1. Required Safety Posters
PFBC posters containing Pennsylvania-specific regulations for all boat rental types.
Click below for printer-friendly downloads.
2. Videos
Power Boat Training
Power Boats - Introduction
Watch this brief series of educational videos on general boating safety covering all aspects of basic rental boat safety.
Canoe and Kayak Training
Canoes & Kayaks - Getting Started
Tune in as we guide you through the most important safety guidelines for renting and operating Canoes/Kayaks.
Stand-Up Paddleboard Training
Stand-Up Paddleboards - Getting Started
Check out this brief set of educational videos, covering essential safety tips for renting and operating a stand-up paddleboard!
View full playlist for Rental Boat Safety videos.
3. Spanish-Translated Materials
Spanish speaking videos and resources can be found at https://es.rentalboatsafety.com.
Unpowered Boat Rental*
- Use the PFBC’s posters to review the laws, regulations and boating tips relating to the proper operation of unpowered boats with all individuals renting or using a boat.
- Describe all known boating hazards on the waters where the renter will use the boat. Include such hazards as dams, bridge piers, shallow areas, swim areas, obstructions in the water, rapids or whitewater areas, slow-no-wake areas, docks, piers, boating access areas, areas of heavy motorboat traffic, and other areas to exercise caution or avoid.
- Provide all required safety equipment in accordance with the PFBC’s regulations and explain its proper use.
- Obtain a signed and dated acknowledgment of all individuals completing the orientation/ introduction to boating safety and conditions as outlined in steps 1 through 3 above.
- Optional: Show the relevant unpowered boat video at www.rentalboatsafety.com to orient renters to proper operations and boat handling.
- Optional: Use the USCG/RentalBoatSafety paddling checklist to ensure important safety topics are covered with the renter.
*Unpowered boat rental businesses operating in Pennsylvania under an agreement with the National Park Service and in compliance with the CUA Safety Orientation Requirements meet the requirements outlined above.
Motorboat Rental
- Use the PFBC’s posters to review the laws, regulations and boating tips relating to the proper operation of motorboats with all individuals renting or using a boat.
- Show the relevant powerboat video at www.rentalboatsafety.com.
- Provide hands-on orientation of proper operations and boat handling specific to the boat being rented.
- Identify the designated area of operation, if applicable.
- Describe all known boating hazards on the waters where the renter will use the boat. Include such hazards as dams, bridge piers, shallow areas, swim areas, obstructions in the water, rapids or whitewater areas, slow-no-wake areas, docks, piers, boating access areas, areas of heavy motorboat traffic, and other areas to exercise caution or avoid.
- Provide all required safety equipment in accordance with the PFBC’s regulations and explain its proper use.
- Obtain a signed and dated acknowledgment of the renter’s completion of the motorboat rental orientation/introduction to boating safety and conditions as outlined in steps 1 through 6 above.
- Optional: Use the relevant USCG/RentalBoatSafety
Boat rental businesses are encouraged to require life jacket wear at all times on rental boats, even when not required by state or federal law.
Questions and Contact Information
Questions about the Boat Rental Safety Orientation Guidelines may be directed to:
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Bureau of Boating
717-705-7851
RA-FBBOATRENTAL@pa.gov