Rounder
Official Pennsylvania boating safety course Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission official seal

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Pennsylvania boating license course and test was discontinued on July 1, 2008.

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Pennsylvania's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher, but not a boater's license.


Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Enforcement and Penalties

Enforcement of boating laws and regulations is the responsibility of the Waterways Conservation Officers of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Some of the waters of the state are patrolled also by other agencies such as the Bureau of State Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Park Service.

Boaters approached by a patrol boat with its blue light flashing must reduce their speed to “slow, no wake speed” and yield the right-of-way to the patrol boat. The operator must stop when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer.

Violators can expect enforcement action.

  • Persons who violate boating laws and regulations may be subject to fines or, for more serious infractions, may be subject to arrest.
  • Upon conviction for criminal offenses (like misdemeanors or felonies), violators may be sentenced to pay heavy fines and/or serve jail time.

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission officers checking compliance

Enforcement of boating laws and regulations is the responsibility of the Waterways Conservation Officers of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Some of the waters of the state are patrolled also by other agencies such as the Bureau of State Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Park Service.

Separator
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat
Commission
Course Material
Boating Terms
Boat Ed, provider of official boating safety courses for more than 40 states
Find Another
Boating Safety Course

< Back to Previous Page Table of Contents Go to Next Page >
 
Online boating license and certification course last modified: July 1, 2008
Email concerning this boat safety course.
NASBLA logo Questions? Call Boat Ed at 1-800-830-2268
Copyright © 1998-2011 Boat Ed. All rights reserved.
Review Boat Ed's privacy policy.
Approved by NASBLA and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard logo
Rounder