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Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Boating Safety

    Safety is the most important consideration in any boating activity. Knowing the water and what to expect on the water, and having and using the right equipment is the best start for success on the water. ​​

    National Safe Boating Week May 17-23
    Various types of life jackets laid out on grass: Throwable, powerboating life jacket, standard life jacket, youth life jacket and two inflatable life jackets
    Image of the front and back of a Boating Safety Education Certificate on a blue background

    Boating Safety Courses

    Apply for a Boating Safety Education Course
    Diagram of a low head dam on a blue background

    Hazards on the Water

    Learn about boating hazards
    Diagram of a stand on boat giving way while navigating on the water

    Navigation on the Water

    Learn more about boating navigation
    Diagram of a red can buoy and a green can buoy on a blue background

    Aids to Navigation

    Learn more about aids to navigation
    Illustrations of a red fire extinguisher, a yellow whistle and a yellow life jacket on a blue background

    Boating Equipment

    Learn more about boating equipment
    Illustration of a yellow life jacket and throwable on a blue background

    Life Jackets and Throwables

    Learn more about life jackets
    Waves of Hope logo on a blue background

    Waves of Hope

    Learn more about Waves of Hope
    Illustration of two boats crashing into each other on a blue background

    Report a Boating Accident

    Report a boating accident
    Family of four, all wearing life jackets, ride in a powerboat along the Susquehanna River

    Register/Title a Boat

    Register your motorboat or unpowered boat for up to two years, which allows boat operations nationwide and in Canada. 

    Register Now