Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick Answer
Every boat in Pennsylvania must carry Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers, a throwable flotation device (boats 16+ feet), fire extinguishers on motorboats, and a sound-producing device. Children 12 and under must wear PFDs on boats 20 feet or shorter, and all boaters must wear life jackets from November 1 through April 30 on boats under 16 feet and all canoes and kayaks.
Get certified with the Pennsylvania Boater Safety Course.
Pennsylvania requires a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for every person on board. Each PFD must be in good, serviceable condition, readily accessible (not locked in a compartment), and the correct size for the intended wearer.
Every vessel must have at least one wearable PFD per person. Type I, II, III, and V (when used according to their label) are acceptable. The PFD must be the right size — adult PFDs cannot be used for children.
Boats 16 feet in length or longer must also carry at least one Type IV throwable flotation device, such as a ring buoy or throwable cushion. This is in addition to the wearable PFDs for each passenger.
In certain situations, Pennsylvania law requires PFDs to be actively worn, not just carried on board:
Motorboats are required to carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. The specific requirement depends on the boat’s size and construction:
Boat Length | Minimum Requirement |
Under 26 feet (outboard, no enclosed fuel spaces) | Not required if no enclosed spaces can trap fuel vapors |
Under 26 feet (inboard or enclosed fuel spaces) | One B-I (5-B:C) extinguisher |
26 to under 40 feet | Two B-I or one B-II extinguisher |
40 to 65 feet | Three B-I or one B-I plus one B-II extinguisher |
Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and in good working condition. Check the gauge regularly and replace or service any extinguisher that shows damage or a discharged indicator.
All boats must carry some means of making a sound signal. Boats under 39.4 feet (12 meters) must have a whistle, horn, or other device capable of producing an efficient sound signal audible for at least half a mile.
Boats 39.4 feet and longer must carry both a whistle or horn and a bell.
Any boat operating between sunset and sunrise, or during periods of restricted visibility (fog, heavy rain), must display proper navigation lights:
While not required on all inland waters, boats operating on Lake Erie or other waters connected to the Great Lakes must carry Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals. A minimum of three day/night pyrotechnic signals or one electric distress light and three day signals is required.
Boats with enclosed engine or fuel compartments that use gasoline must have an operable ventilation system. Boats built after 1980 must meet Coast Guard ventilation standards. Always run the blower for at least four minutes before starting the engine after fueling.
Before each outing, verify the following:
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