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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Unpowered Boat Regulations

    Unpowered boats like canoes, kayaks, rowboats and stand-up paddleboards can access most of the waterway accesses in Pennsylvania. Unlike boats with motors, because their equipment is less involved, paddlers and rowers have only a few simple regulations. 

    Register Your Boat
    Buy a Launch Permit
    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.

    Regulations

    Permits/Registration
    Unpowered boats launched at Commission lakes and access areas or Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests must display a  boat registration, Commission launch permit, or Pennsylvania State Parks launch permit. Pennsylvania State Parks recognize PFBC registrations and launch permits. (Choose either a registration OR launch permit to access waters.)  The Commission does NOT recognize launch permits from other states. 

    Life Jackets
    Each person in a canoe, kayak, rowboat or paddleboard must have a wearable, USCG-approved life jacket . Life jackets must be the appropriate type, size and fit for the person intended. Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a life jacket when underway on boats 20 feet or less and canoes, kayaks or paddleboards.

    Mandatory Cold Weather Wear
    Life jacket must be worn on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe, kayak or paddleboard from November 1 through April 30.

    Sound Producing Device
    An athletic coach’s whistle makes an acceptable sound-producing device. 

    Light
    Be sure to have a hand-held light if you operate from sunset to sunrise.

    Alcohol
    Operating any watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The law is strongly enforced for user safety.

    Required Equipment

    Make sure you have the minimum required equipment for your unpowered boat before hitting the water.

    More on Paddlesports Equipment

    Safety

    On top of adhering to regulations, smart paddlers and rowers are always diligent about following sound safety practices.

    More on Boating Safety