who has to have a boaters safety course in pennsylvania?

by Ms. Josie Barton MD 7 min read

In Pennsylvania, anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to operate a motorboat greater than 25 hp.

Full Answer

Why it is important to take a boater safety course?

  • The Use of Life Jackets. Having life jackets on board is the number one priority in boating safety. ...
  • Dangers of Carbon Monoxide. ...
  • Proper Access to Fire Extinguishers. ...
  • Navigation Electronics and Marine Communications. ...
  • Emergency First Aid. ...
  • The Use of Flares and Distress Signals. ...
  • Avoiding Alcohol and Illegal Drugs on the Water. ...

How to obtain boater safety certification?

​3 Ways to Get a Maryland Safe Boating Certificate

  • I. Classroom. The Maryland Basic Boating Course is taught by trained instructors and must be a minimum of 8 hours in length.
  • II. On-Line. Maryland Basic Boating Online Course. ...
  • III. Maryland Boating Equivalency Exam. ...

How to learn to be a boater?

Boating season is in full swing in Maryland ... Although similar to automotive repair, it has nuances that you need to learn in order to maintain the engine or ensure a speedy and efficient repair. There are, however, not enough trained and qualified ...

How do you get a boating license in Pennsylvania?

  • Boat registration from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
  • Launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
  • Launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania state parks -- available at most state park offices

How old do you need to be to operate a boat in PA?

12A person 11 years of age or younger may NOT operate a personal watercraft or a boat propelled by a motor greater than 25 horsepower. A person 12 through 15 years of age may NOT operate a personal watercraft if there are any passengers onboard 15 years of age or younger.

Who is required to complete a boater education course to operate a PWC on state waters unaccompanied Florida?

In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.

Can a 16 year old drive a boat alone in PA?

Must be 16 or older to operate a motorboat of 15 HP or greater if unsupervised. Those 12-15 years of age may operate under supervision of a person 18 or older who is on board. Operators of personal watercraft must be at least 14 years of age.

How long is the Pennsylvania boaters safety course?

Boating courses vary in length. Most Commission courses are eight hours. Other courses may be as long as 26 hours.

Do I need a boating license in Florida for jet ski?

no need to print it out. Anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988 is required by law to have a boating license permit to operate a personal watercraft in the state of Florida.

What should you require from others who operate your vessel?

Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for operation in your state. Make sure they know basic boating safety and navigation rules. Show them how to use the lanyard with the ECOS and require them to use it.

Who needs a boaters license in PA?

Boater Exam Online. Who needs the Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate? All boaters born on or after January 1st, 1982 to operate a motorboat greater than 25HP or who operate a personal watercraft, regardless of age must have a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Certificate.

Can you have beer on a boat in PA?

Can You Drink Beer On A Boat In Pennsylvania? In Pennsylvania, the boating and alcohol laws prohibit persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof from operating boats in the state's waters. State parks and most parks across the U.S. do not allow the consumption of alcohol on land or water.

What happens if you get caught driving a boat without a license in PA?

There is a is $250 fine for not having the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (commonly called a boating license).

Do PA boat licenses expire?

The boating safety education certificate is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boating safety education certificate does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

How long does it take to get a PA boating license?

Processing and delivery of permanent Boating Safety Education Certificates may take 30 to 40 days. Should you not receive a permanent card within that time frame, contact the PFBC at 888-723-4741 for assistance.

What needs to be on a boat in PA?

All boats must have a USCG-approved wearable life jacket on board for each person. In addition to wearable life jackets, boats 16 feet and over must have a throwable device (ring buoy, life ring or buoyant seat cushion) on board. Canoes and kayaks, regardless of length, are not required to carry a throwable device.

How much does the Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course cost?

The Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95. You will also pay a $10.00 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission fee and a $5.00 PFBC admin fee.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Pennsylvania?

See the restrictions here.

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay...

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to take this online course.

Is the Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course approved by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission?

The Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

Is my Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited at...

How much does the Pennsylvania iLearnToBoat Course cost?

The Pennsylvania iLearnToBoat Course fee is $49.50. You will also pay a $10.00 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission fee and a $5.00 PFBC admin fee.

Do you need Pennsylvania Boating education?

Boater safety education is often referred to as a boating license, but what you really need is the Boating Safety Education Certificate. You can ge...

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Pennsylvania?

See the restrictions here.

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Pennsylvania iLearnToBoat Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to take this online course.

Is the Pennsylvania iLearnToBoat Course approved by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission?

The Pennsylvania iLearnToBoat Course is approved and accepted by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

Is my Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Final Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts t...

What is the proof of online Pennsylvania iLearnToBoat Course completion?

Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Education Certificate. This is your pr...

What is a boating safety certificate in Pennsylvania?

People who successfully complete a Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission approved boating course are issued a Boating Safety Education Certificate good for a lifetime.

How much does a boating safety certificate cost?

Power Squadron. In some cases, there are fees for these courses in addition to the permanent Boating Safety Education Certificate fee of $10.

How long does it take to get a boating safety certificate?

Processing and delivery of permanent Boating Safety Education Certificates may take 30 to 40 days. Should you not receive a permanent card within that time frame, contact the PFBC at 888-723-4741 for assistance.

How to order a boating course in PA?

Order the Boat Pennsylvania home-study, video-based boating course. Visit the Kalkomey Bookstore. or call 1-800-830-2268 to order. There is a charge plus an additional fee of $10 for successful students who choose to purchase their permanent PA Boating Safety Education Certificate.

How many horsepower is required to operate a boat?

For persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower. Any operator that is required to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate must carry the certificate with them while operating a boat.

How old do you have to be to rent a PWC in Pennsylvania?

Persons 12 through 15 years of age may NOT operate with any passengers on board 15 years of age or younger, or rent a PWC. All PWC operators must obtain and have in their possession a Boating Safety Education Certificate. Official PA Boating Safety Education Certificate:

How to contact Boatus Foundation?

Feel free to call or email if you ever need help while you are taking the course. Send an email to SmartBoating@BoatUS.com. Or call us Toll Free at 1-800-245-2628. Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time.

How to get a plastic boating safety certificate in Pennsylvania?

Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons or another course approved by the Commission , you must send it to the Commission by mail, along with $10, to get your new permanent plastic PA Boating Safety Education Certificate.

How to order a replacement Florida fishing card?

If you need to order a replacement card, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-5600.

How to contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?

If you do not receive your card after 4 weeks, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-5600.

How long does it take to get a Florida boater ID?

Your permanent Boater Education ID Card will be mailed to you by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 3-4 weeks.

How old do you have to be to operate a syringe?

Persons 11 years of age or younger may NOT operate.

How long does it take to get a boater safety certificate in Pennsylvania?

Your permanent Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate will arrive 4-6 weeks after successfully completing this course. Go boating! Your Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate is recognized in all U.S. states and Canada.

What is a boating license in Pennsylvania?

The Boating Safety Education Certificate (often referred to as "Pennsylvania boating License" or "Pennsylvania Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements. Vessel operators who are required to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate must carry their card on board ...

What is the best way to get a boater safety certificate?

You can get the Boating Safety Education Certificate by taking a NASBLA- and Pennsylvania-approved online course.

How to replace lost boating safety certificate?

To replace a lost or destroyed Boating Safety Education Certificate, you can order a duplicate by calling or emailing http://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingCourses/Documents/dupboatcert.pdf.

How long does it take to complete a boater education?

When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, it’s easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education in under 3 hours !

How long can you stay on a boat in Pennsylvania?

Residents of other states who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, and operate on Pennsylvania waters for 60 days or less are exempt if they hold a boating safety certificate issued by their home state.

When do you need to be a boater in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law requires boater education if you will be operating a PWC in Pennsylvania. You also need boater education if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, and will be operating a boat over 25 hp in Pennsylvania.

How old do you have to be to operate a PWC in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, no one may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) if they are 11 years of age or younger, under any circumstances. All persons eligible to operate a PWC in Pennsylvania are required to obtain and have their Boating Safety Education Certificate onboard with them while underway.

How many horsepower is required to operate a motorboat in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to operate a motorboat greater than 25 hp.

What is boaterexam.com?

BOATERexam.com ® is trusted by agencies across the United States to deliver the best of quality in boating safety education. Our courses consistently receive the highest level of approval from agencies and from boaters.

Do you need a boating safety certificate to operate a PWC in Pennsylvania?

All persons eligible to operate a PWC in Pennsylvania are required to obtain and have their Boating Safety Education Certificate onboard with them while underway

Can you rent a PWC to a 16 year old?

PWC’s cannot be rented to anyone under 16 years of age, nor can someone who is under the age of 16 operate a rented PWC

Who approves the Pennsylvania boating safety course?

This official Pennsylvania boating safety course is approved by the State of Pennsylvania's Fish & Boat Commission.

Do boat operators need a safety certificate in Pennsylvania?

Certain exceptions to this requirement do exist. Boat operators who are from out of state are exempt from obtaining their Pennsylvania Boating Safety Certificate under the following circumstances:

How many marinas are there in Pennsylvania?

There are nearly 150 large marinas all throughout the state that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean as well as Pennsylvania's various great rivers and lakes. There are also countless smaller marinas and boat ramps that provide access to the smaller waterways.

What are the two cities in Pennsylvania?

Those unfamiliar with Pennsylvania often have an image of the state very much defined by the iconic urban nature of its two greatest cities: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, however, is a huge state brimming with wildlife, natural habitats, great lakes, raging rivers, tranquil streams and quaint fishing ponds.

What river runs through Pennsylvania?

Other popular boating destinations in Pennsylvania include the Delaware River, which runs through the state, and of course, the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer months, the ocean marinas are alive with cruises, recreational boating and boating events of all kinds.

How old do you have to be to get a boat license in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Boat License is required for anyone 12 and older who operates a personal watercraft, as well as anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 who operates a motorized boat greater than 25hp.

Where to go boating in Pennsylvania?

Lake Wallenpaupack, which is 13 miles long and one of the largest lakes in the state, is one of Pennsylvania's most popular boating destinations. The lake has a marina, charters, lodges, campsites and the like, and it allows for motorboats, jet skis, sailboats, fishing boats, rafts and more. The area is so beautiful and preserved, in fact, that there are even tour boats that navigate the entire lake. Visitors can bring their own boats and unload them at the ramps, or they can rent a boat from the charters by the day or for longer periods. Other popular boating destinations in Pennsylvania include the Delaware River, which runs through the state, and of course, the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer months, the ocean marinas are alive with cruises, recreational boating and boating events of all kinds.

Pennsylvania-Approved Boating Course

The Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

United States Coast Guard Recognized

The Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course is recognized by the United States Coast Guard as meeting the standards of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

NASBLA Approved

The Pennsylvania Boat Ed Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and meets U.S. Boating Education Standards.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in Pennsylvania?

To do this, applicants should take boaters safety courses approved by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. These education class certificates are used as physical boating permits.

What age do you need to get a boating license in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Boating License Requirements. In Pennsylvania, boating license applicant age is an important factor when determining license requirements in the state. Residents born after January 1, 1982 must obtain licenses if they wish to operate a watercraft over 25 horsepower. Education courses should be approved by the PA Fish ...

How to get a replacement boating certificate?

To request a replacement card, boaters should contact the Fish and Boat Commission in the state. In some cases, however, online boating course certificate replacements are only obtainable through the agency that administered classes. Drivers should contact these institutions directly in order to obtain replacement forms.

What is motorized vessel education in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania motorized vessel education is offered via online boaters safety courses or in-person classroom sessions. The concepts covered during these classes focus on safety and important laws for operating boats and personal watercraft.

Why is boating legal in Pennsylvania?

Boating regulations are developed in Pennsylvania to ensure residents remain safe when driving motorized water vessels or boats. State boat requirements are important laws that must be adhered to by all drivers.

How to get a boater education card in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania boater education cards are easily obtained by drivers who successfully complete each step of the application process . A certain amount of hours must be spent in class or taking an online course for privileges to be granted.

How to get replacement boat registration?

Residents may request replacements by contacting the state boating agency.

What age do you have to be to take a boating course in Maryland?

See note and Maryland boating regulations. Massachusetts residents 12 to 15 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course. Home study is not accepted for this age group.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Indiana?

Operators who are at least 15 years of age and don’t have a driver’s license may operate a motor vessel if they take a NASBLA-approved Boater Education course and have an I.D. Card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Home study is accepted – Indiana boating regulations. No mandatory education requirements.

What do non-resident PWC operators need?

All non-resident PWC operators must have a boating safety certificate from a NASBLA approved course.

What age do you need to be to operate a powerboat in Oregon?

Also, a person must be 12 or older to operate a powerboat. Youths 12-15 will need a card to operate powerboats 0-10 hp alone. When operating boats greater than 10 hp, youths must be supervised by a card holding adult. Other age groups will be required to have a Boater Education Card as follows: 40 and younger in 2004, 45 and younger in 2005, 50 and younger in 2006, 60 and younger in 2007, 70 and younger in 2008 and all ages in 2009. To meet educational requirements a person must successfully complete a boating safety course approved by NASBLA and the Oregon State Marine Board. Several online and classroom courses are approved. After successfully completing an approved course, boaters should submit an official application form, $10, and a copy of their boating safety course certificate to the Oregon State Marine Board.

How old do you have to be to own a boat in Michigan?

A Michigan resident 12 but less than 14 may operate a personal watercraft if he or she obtained a boating safety certificate before January 1, 1999.

How old do you have to be to go boating in Illinois?

Illinois residents at least 12 years of age and less than 18 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course. Home study is not accepted for this age group. Illinois boating regulations.

What age do you have to be to operate a PWC?

This course is not accepted for certification of those 12-17. Once certified: the operator must carry a copy of the course certification card at all times, while operating the PWC. Those 12-15 may operate the PWC if someone 18 years of age or older accompanies the individual aboard the PWC or the individual age 12-15 may operate the PWC alone if and only if the individual operates the PWC within visual supervision of another individual, 18 or older. Children ages 16-17 may operate the PWC alone.