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. 

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
One woman wearing a life jacket paddling in a registered kayak and another woman wearing a life jacket paddling a paddleboard with a launch permit.

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