Boat Rental Business Regulations and Safety Guidelines

Boat Rental Regulations

Boat rental businesses, also known as liveries, can be found at many state and county parks, along major rivers, water trails, and at some marinas, boat dealerships, and outdoor outfitters. Boat rental businesses provide introductory experiences for interested people to try boating without committing to the purchase and maintenance of boats and related equipment. Boat rental businesses also provide opportunities for experienced boaters to experiment with different types of boating or get on the water without transporting their own equipment to a new location. Some of these businesses provide unique boating opportunities like whitewater rafting. Because these businesses provide a wide variety of services to a broad diversity of people and are often a gateway to boat ownership, boat rental businesses play an important role in boating safety.

Pennsylvania law (PA C.S. Title 30 § 5122(a)(2)) authorizes the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) to promulgate rules and regulations relating to boat rental business operators. PFBC regulations at 58 Pa. Code Chapter 117 specify rental boat business responsibilities including inspections, record keeping, required safety equipment, and accident reporting. These regulations also require rental boat businesses to provide an orientation/introduction to boating safety and conditions, as specified by the PFBC Executive Director.