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Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Boating Regulations

    Find the rules and regulations for all the ways boaters enjoy Pennsylvania's waters. And remember, life jackets save lives and are important year-round. 

    View the Boating Handbook
    Family of four, all wearing life jackets, ride in a powerboat along the Susquehanna River

    Powered Boat Regulations

    Learn about regulations for powered boats, defined as boats powered by gasoline, diesel or electric motor.

    Powered Boat Regulations
    Woman wearing a life jacket paddling in a blue kayak next to a woman wearing a life jacket while standing on a paddleboard as they paddle on Marsh Creek Lake, Chester County, PA.

    Unpowered Boat Regulations

    Learn about regulations for unpowered boats, like canoes, kayaks, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, etc.

    Unpowered Boat Regulations
    Close-up of a person wearing a life jacket operating a jet ski (or personal watercraft) on the Susquehanna River

    Personal Watercraft

    Personal watercrafts are defined as boats less than 16 feet in length that use an inboard engine powering a water jet pump and designed to be operated by a person sitting, kneeling or standing.

    Personal Watercraft
    Photo Credit: Scott Stover Photography. Young man wearing a life jacket and wake surfing while being towed by a boat.

    Boat-Towed Watersports

    Boat-towed watersports include activities that involve being towed by a boat or riding in or on the wake of a boat, such as waterskiing, wake surfing, kneeboarding and tubing.

    Boat-Towed Watersports
    Illustration of a life jacket and a throwable on a blue background

    Life Jackets and Throwables

    Life jackets save lives. Learn about various types of life jackets and how to wear them.

    Life Jackets and Throwables
    Man wearing a life jacket and cold weather gear uses his paddle to turn his kayak in the water

    Cold Weather Life Jacket

    From November 1 to April 30, boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe, kayak or paddleboard.

    Cold Weather Life Jacket
    Illustration of two boats colliding

    Report a Boating Accident

    Report a Boating Accident
    Boaters: Report boat fuel purchase and use at ReportBoatFuel.com

    Report Boat Fuel

    Report Boat Fuel