Pennsylvania Registration and Guidelines
Boating Access Info:
Boat URLs
Boating Education Requirements
Pennsylvania offers a broad choice in education. From classroom courses to video courses to on-line courses, you can find something to fit your needs. Find information on boating safety classes near you.
- No person may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) on Commonwealth waters without possessing a Boating Safety Education Certificate. PWCs are boats that are less than 16 feet in length, powered by a water jet pump, and are designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling instead of in the conventional manner of boat operation. They include Jet Skis*, Wave Runners*, Sea Doos*, Tiger Sharks*, Wet Jets*, etc.
- Persons 12 through 15 years of age may NOT operate a boat powered by a moter in in excess of 10 horsepower unless they have obtained and have in their possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate, or at least one person 16 years of age or older is present on board.
Boat Insurance
There is no legal requirement for boat insurance in Pennsylvania.
Boat Registration
- Boats propelled by machinery must be registered and properly display numbers and a boat registration decal. This includes all motorboats regardless of the boat«s length and type of motor (includes electric motors).
- All boats using Commission lakes and access areas must be registered, OR display a Commission use permit, OR display a State Park launch or mooring permit.
- Boat titles are issued when a boat is sold or conveyed. Titles are issued for motorboats with a model year of 1997 and newer, except those that are powered by an outboard motor and are less than 14 feet in length. All inboard-powered boats, including 1997 or newer personal watercraft, are subject to the titling requirement. Voluntary titling is also available for any other boat.
- For additional information and frequently asked questions about registering your boat in Pennsylvania, consult the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Boat Registration Contact Info
Boat Registration Forms
Copies of common boat registration forms may be downloaded from http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/forms.htm
Boating Rules
The Pennsylvania Boating Handbook provides a comprehensive description of the rules and regulations.
