Boating courses are fun for the entire family and are offered at many locations throughout the state and in your own home. People who successfully complete a Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission approved boating course are issued a Boating Safety Education Certificate good for a lifetime.

Boating Safety Education Certificates are required:
To operate a personal watercraft
For persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower.

Approved permanent Boating Safety Education Certificates for Pennsylvania residents must be issued by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Out of state boaters must have a certificate issued for a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Boating safety agencies and organizations

Other Commission approved classroom course providers

Contact the providers directly for information on course and course schedules. Note: only classroom courses offered by these providers are approved by the Commission. Other courses offered by these providers are not accepted by the Commission.

See below (Home Study Courses) for information on approved internet courses.

Internet courses

• Boat Education's Boat Pennsylvania online boating course.
• BoaterExam's Boater Exam Pennsylvania

Home-Study, Video-Based Course

• Learn at home with Roni as your guide. Order the Boat Pennsylvania home-study, video-based boating course. Visit the Boat Pennsylvania website 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.

• If you already have your PA Boating Safety Education Certificate from the Commission you can get a new one by applying for a duplicate or replacement card for $5. Fill out the application and send it to the Commission with your fee.
• If you do NOT have a PA Boating Safety Education Certificate, but you have earned a certificate from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons or another approved course (Commission-approved Boating Safety Education Courses for residents and non-residents), you must mail to the Commission (PA Fish and Boat Commission, Boating Safety Education Certificate, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000) the original certificate issued to you for successfully completing that course. If you want your original certificate returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The cost for your new, permanent PA Boating Safety Education Certificate is $10.