1. ABC3 Section 8 State of Pennsylvania
Boating knowledge, laws, rules and
regulations
This section complements the America’s Boating Course 3rd Edition (ABC3) with state of Pennsylvania specific information for recreational boaters in the state’s waters.
There will be a 10-question quiz following the ABC3 50 question final examination. Information relevant to the 10-question exam is included in this section.
Ask questions, follow along in the PENNSYVANIA BOATING HANDBOOK, and ask questions.

2. Legal Responsibility United States Coast Guard
Federal laws
Equipment requirements
Safety recommendations
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Additional equipment requirements
Educational requirements
Registration
Legal Responsibility
The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for federal laws, equipment requirements and safety recommendations for recreational boats. Every state also has laws governing boating operations, additional equipment requirements, educational requirements and registrations. Each skipper is responsible for following these laws.
This section will focus on Pennsylvania's boating laws, regulations and procedures.

3. Enforcement
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s Waterways Conservation Officers and the USCG can stop and board your vessel. They have arrest authority.
Yield right of way, stop vessel and stay in position until police have passed
U.S Coast Guard
Just like roadways there are law enforcement personnel on the waterways and boating violations may incur penalties. Personnel who are authorized to stop and board your vessel include:
U.S. Coast Guard – A boat underway when signaled by a USCG vessel is required to maneuver so a boarding officer can come on board.
Other federal, state and local law enforcement officials may board and examine your boat whether it is numbered, unnumbered or documented. U.S. Coast Guard personnel may also be found onboard other vessels. If boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is suspected, they may conduct tests, and if warranted proceed IAW the law for BUI

4. Continuing Education Great boating opportunities
85,000 miles of rivers and streams
76 Natural lakes / 5,266 acres of water
200,000 acres of man-made lakes
63 miles of Lake Erie shoreline / 735 square miles in PA
Delaware River provides 56 miles if tidal waters / Atlantic Ocean access
Recreational boaters continue their boating education
Knowledgeable boaters are safer boaters
Visit Pennsylvania to stay current with laws and regulations
Recreational boating has joined the digital age, bringing space-age technology to boating aspects such as charts, communications and navigation. You will want to stay abreast of this technology, learning about the new equipment, and ways to be a safer boater.
It is important to visit the State website to learn changing rules and regulations and laws regarding recreation boating and water sports.
Additional regulations such as speed limits and slow, no-wake areas affect boaters on specific waterways, Boaters should read all regulations posted on the bulletin boards at access areas. Know the water you plan to boat before you go.
A good boater is always learning.

5. Waters Of Principle Use
You must abide by the laws where you keep and operate the boat. It is your responsibility to know and abide by the rules.
Registered in the state in which primarily used (waterborne)
Reciprocity privileges:
Have valid registration in other state
Up to 60 days
Documented boats:
Must also be registered in the state of principle use
Display valid registration decal
Use of Commission launches requires either a boat registration or PA launch permit

6. Registration and Titling
required on all motorboats and boats propelled by electric motors
state issued alpha-numeric registration numbers
renewed on a two-year cycle by issuing a decal
expire on March 31
address changes reported within 15 days
Registering
Your state agency issues the initial Certificate of Registration.
The owner of a boat must notify the agency which issued the Certificate of Registration within 15 days:
If the boat is transferred, destroyed, abandoned, lost, stolen or recovered.
If the Certificate of Number is lost or destroyed or the owner’s address changes.
If the Certificate of Number becomes invalid for any reason.
The Registration Certificate must be onboard while the vessel is underway and it must be available for inspection if requested by a law enforcement officer.
No other numbers can be affixed to the hull forward of amidships.

7. Registration and Titling
Numbers and letters must be painted, decaled or otherwise affixed to forward half of each side of vessel
Number must read from left to right
Number must be at least 3” high, bold, BLOCK letters
Certificate on-board when in operating
Note only block, contrasting color numbers and letter are authorized, and spacing is prescribed.

8. Registration and Titling
Letters and number’s color must contrast with its background
Letters must be separated from numbers by spaces or hyphens
No other numbers may be displayed on either side of bow
Decals must be affixed
on each side of the vessel
within 6 inches and on the
same level as the numbers
Follow this directions.

9. Registration and Titling
Establishes ownership
Issued when boat is sold or when ownership is conveyed
Required on 1997 and newer PWC

10. U.S.C.G. Documented Vessels
U.S. Citizens only may have a large vessel documented (at least 5 net tons) through the USCG
Documentation number must be not less than 3 inches high, permanent, and clearly readable on an, integral structural part of the boat
Have the name and hailing port of the boat together in one place on the hull, at least 4 inches high and clearly readable – usually on the stern
Must be additionally registered in PA – need to display only the valid registration decal
Documented Vessels
A recreational boat, five or more net tons, owned by a U.S. citizen may, at the option of the owner, may apply for a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation.
Documented Vessels:
Must have the vessel name and hailing port plainly marked on the exterior part of the hull in clearly visible letters not less than 4” in height.
The Official Number must be permanently affixed in block type letters not less than 3” in height on some clearly visible interior structural part of the boat.
Must be at least 5 Net Tons. This refers to the cargo capacity, not the vessel weight.
The Certificate of Documentation must be on the boat at all times.

11. Hull Identification Numbers (HIN)
An alpha-numeric 12 character number
Engraved into transom fiberglass
IDs manufacturer, and serial # and date
Hull Identification Numbers
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to boats built after They identify one boat from another and are permanently engraved into the fiberglass or are on a metal plate attached to the transom.
Here is how to decode a HIN:
ABC – Manufacturer’s code.
67689 – Hull serial number.
B7 – Date of manufacturer – B is the code for February and 7 is the last digit of the year of manufacture.
97 – Model year.

12. Required Equipment LIFE JACKETS ARE REQUIRED – no exceptions
Each person in a boat must have a wearable, USCG-approved, correctly sized and fitted and serviceable life jacket. WEAR IT!
Children under 13 must wear when underway on any boat 20 feet
or less in length and all canoes and kayaks
On Pittsburgh District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes (only), everyone in boats less than 16 feet in length and in all canoes and kayaks must wear.
REQUIRED FOR EACH PERSON, proper size, serviceable, appropriate for the operation, and fitted.
MANY “MUST WEAR situations”

13. Required Equipment
From 1 November to 30 April boaters MUST wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak
MUST be worn by anyone towed / skiing / PWC / sailboarders
Appropriate for the water sport includes impact rated for towed persons / PWC
One immediately available throwable floatation aid in boats over 15 feet long
Throwable floatation aids are not required on canoes and kayaks regardless of length
Life jackets continued

14. Required Equipment Same as federally required equipment, except:
Variations for operations in PA to Federal laws
Same as federally required equipment, except:
Sound devices - boats 40 – 65 feet in length must carry a whistle AND bell
Visual Distress Signaling Devices required only on Lake Erie
illegal to use docking lights while underway – use last 100 feet approaching dock, buoy or pier
Fire extinguishers must be installed so that they are immediately available, within arms reach of the operator or passenger, away from the fuel source

15. Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment (not required by law)
Paddles or oars Bailer
Anchors with sufficient rode Fenders
Mooring lines First Aid Kit
Extra clothing Charts and compass
Food and water Sunscreen and sunglasses
Marine radio or cell phone Spare fuses and bulbs
Tool kit / flashlight / gas can Visual Distress Signals
Float Plan
Not required but necessary for operations and comfort

16. Environmental Protection
Marine Environment
International Marine Pollution Regulations
Environmental Protection
All boat operators are required to obey federal and state laws regarding the disposal of trash. All vessels over 26’ in length are required to prominently display this placard outlining proper trash disposal.
This International Marine Pollution regulation applies to ALL boats

17. Waste and Trash Use pump-out stations No waste products over the side
Brief all aboard about not dumping anything
Use trash bags and take waste to shore
Use Pump Out Stations
The best way to ensure that you do not violate any federal or state laws regarding waste disposal is to use approved pump out stations.

18. Waste and Trash
Plastics, oil, fuel and sewage damage the marine environment
Make it your boating practice to bring all waste back to the shore for treatment
Waste and Trash
It is illegal to discard untreated waste, oil or trash into any Federally controlled or state waters for very good reasons:
Sewage carries disease and is harmful to people, aquatic plants and animals.
Trash thrown into the water can injure swimmers and wildlife alike. It can also plug engine water cooling intakes.
Pollution is unsightly and takes away from you enjoyment of the water.
The Refuse Act prohibits throwing, discharging or depositing any refuse matter of any kind (including trash, garbage, oil and any other pollutants) into the waters of the United States. The discharge of trash, which falls under the Act to Prevent Pollution from ships, places limitations on the discharge of garbage from boats. It is illegal to dump garbage and plastics into federally controlled or state waters.
A durable placard (sign) measuring at least 4” x 9” must be displayed in a prominent location notifying passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.
You must store trash in a container onboard and place it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.

19. Waste and Trash, continued
Oil / Fuel Spills
Spills: Thimble of fuel or more should be reported to:
US Coast Guard and
Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection
Marine Pollution and Oil Spill precaution placard are
required on boats 26 feet and longer by law as reminders
Fines up to $10000
Waste and Trash, continued
The discharge of oil and hazardous substances is strictly prohibited by the regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This act requires all boats with propulsion machinery to have a capacity to retain oil mixtures onboard.
You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances.
You are not allowed to sump oil into the bilge of the boat without means for proper disposal.
You must discharge oil wastes to a reception facility.
On recreational boats a bailer or bucket is adequate.
You must immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard if your boat discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. Call toll free Report the discharge’s location, color, source, substances, size and time observed.
If your boat is 26’ or longer you must display a 5” x 8” placard made of durable material fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces, or at the bilge pump control station stating the following:
Show the students a placard and read them the verbiage required.

20. Aquatic Nuisances
To prevent the spread of non-native fish and mollusks in our waterways, boaters should follow these simple rules:
Trailer boaters should remove visible mud, plants, fish or animals from boats and trailers prior to transport to another body of water.
Scrape any mussels from boat or outdrive, and flush hull, bilges & water holding compartments with hot water (at least 120º F).
Do not release plants or fish, including bait, into a body of water unless it came out of that same body of water.
Aquatic Nuisances
Boaters have a responsibility to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisances, such as Zebra Mussels. We must make sure we clean our boats to keep from unknowingly transporting mussels from one area to another.
Proper hull maintenance and engine flush will reduce the chances of the spread of these and other nuisances.

21. Aquatic Nuisances, continued
Pump fresh water through engines before leaving the area
Empty water out of kayaks, canoes, rafts, etc.
Let boat, PWC's, trailer and equipment dry for at least 5 days.
STOP spread of Rusty Crayfish, Round Goby and Quagga Musses
Aquatic Nuisances, continued
Proper preventative actions include:
Pumping fresh water through your engine(s).
Drain all live wells, bait buckets, bilge and any other wells in your boat.
Remove as much water from your boat as possible by removing the drain plug and allowing water to drain.
After removing all the water you can from your boat, PWC, canoe or kayak let the equipment dry for at least five days.

22. Mufflers
Excessive noise can prevent vessel operator from hearing signals and voices
All vessels manufactured after January 1, 1990 must be equipped with muffler system in good working order and in constant operation to suppress engine noise
You may not remove or modify a muffler or muffling system if it results in an increased noise level
Dangers of improper mufflers vary from annoying all around to leading to a collision because required sound signals may not be heard.

23. Who May Operate A Vessel
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.
MUST have Boating Safety Education Certificate, and carry when operating a boat

24. Who May Operate A Vessel
Certificate obtained by successfully completing boating safety course or passing equivalency exam approved by PA
Persons required to have certificate must have it on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever operating a vessel on Pennsylvania waters

25. Who May Operate A Vessel
All PWC (personal watercraft) operators, regardless of age, must have a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Persons 11 years of age or younger may NOT operate.
Persons 12 through 15 years of age may NOT operate with any passengers on board 15 years of age or younger, or rent a PWC.
Note the ages and variations for operating a PWC

26. Boat Rentals
Renter must read and understand PFBC’s boating rules and regulations
PWC rental: renter must be over 16 and have a Boating Safety Education Certificate
Operators of PWC must have CERTIFICATE

27. Beware of Negligent Operation
Safe Boat Operation
IT IS ILLEGAL TO
Operating in restricted areas
Wake jumping, hull leaves water
Failure to regulate speed
Operating while under
the influence of drugs
or alcohol
Beware of Negligent Operation
Negligent or reckless operation of a boat or PWC is prohibited by law. Reckless operation includes operation of a boat or PWC or use of a device being towed behind a boat or PWC. Reckless operation is defined as the failure to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb or property of any other person. Some examples of negligent operation include:
Operating in restricted waters without regard for other boaters or persons in the water.
Wake jumping where the hull leaves the water.
Failure to operate at a safe speed.
Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Hazardous water skiing practices.
Operating a boat in a swimming area.
Allowing passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks or any other place where there is a chance of falling overboard.
The U.S. Coast Guard may impose a civil penalty for negligent operation. Grossly negligent operation is a criminal offense and an operator may be fined up to $5000, imprisoned for a year, or both.

28. Alcohol and Drugs
Use causes impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, and impaired judgment
BUI is Federal and State offense. BUI: adults 0.08 and minors 0.02 blood alcohol percent
You may be stopped and tested for BUI
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, slow reaction time and impaired judgment because you are more inclined to take risks when drinking. Alcohol contributes to 1/3 to ½ of all boating accidents.
Operating a boat while intoxicated became a specific FEDERAL offense on 13 January If the Blood Alcohol concentration (bac) is 0.08% (0.10% in some states) or higher the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1000, or criminal penalty of up to $5000, one year imprisonment, or both.

29. Security Zones
Stay at least 100 yards from military, cruise-line & shipping
Operate at slow, no wake speeds when w/in 500 yards
Check with local authorities and refer to charts for data
Stay away from dams and power plants

30. Homeland Security
Observe and avoid all security zones and other restricted areas. Avoid commercial port operation areas
Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in the channel
Be observant and report any suspicious activities to USCG or local authorities
Always secure and lock your boat when not on board

31. Diving/Snorkeling Flags
Avoid diving and snorkeling in areas already occupied by boaters and in narrow channels
Boaters keep at least 100 feet away from diver down flag
Diving/Snorkeling Flags
Avoid placing these flags in areas already occupied by boaters or narrow channels. It is not safe to dive or snorkel in these areas.
Note: Discuss your local or state requirements for diving or snorkeling.

32. Water Sports
Special attention is required to prevent propeller strikes
Persons engaging in towed water sports, SCUBA divers and snorkelers, and even persons over-board are susceptible
All aboard must be briefed on these procedures, their role, and display of a “person in water” orange flag to warn other boaters
When persons are near the boat the engine must be shut off, and transmission engaged to prevent accidental start and to stop propeller free-wheeling
Approach persons in the water from down wind, slowly, and from the helmsman side for clear visibility.

33. Requirements Specific To PWC
Boater Safety Education Card
12 years old (16 to rent)
Impact rated PFD
Attach engine cut-off
lanyard to operator
No night operations
Have sound producing device
Have fully charged type B fire extinguisher
Requirements Specific to PWC
In addition to adhering to boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their watercraft. The specific regulations for PWC operation vary from state to state.
Many states have such laws as:
Mandatory education requirements.
State certification to operate a PWC.
Each person riding a PWC must wear a Type I, II, III or V PFD.
PWC must be equipped with a fully functional self-circling device or a lanyard type safety ignition switch.
It is illegal to operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.
It is illegal to jump the wake of another boat unnecessarily close to the other boat or when visibility around the other boat is restricted.
It is illegal to chase, disturb or harass wildlife with your PWC.
A PWC must be operated at idle speed if within a specified distance of a non-moving boat, dock or pier, bridge or person in the water.

34. Operational Requirements
Idle speed only within 100’ of shoreline, persons in water, docks, launch ramps, anchored / moored boats, and no-wake zones
Idle speed only within 100’ of another vessel unless in narrow channel
Stay at least 100 feet from a person being towed
Some redundancy for emphasis

35. Operational Requirements
Do not cause a boat to become airborne or to leave the water completely while crossing another boat’s wake when within 100 feet of the boat creating wake
Boats must be operated at a rate of speed that does not endanger the life or property of any person
A lookout must be maintained at all times to avoid collision
Do not weave through congested traffic
Do not operate a boat 20 feet or less above no-wake speed while a person is standing on or in the boat

36. Operational Requirements
Do not operate a pontoon boat while a person is riding outside the passenger-carrying area
Do not operate a motor boat above idle speed with a person riding outside the passenger area or while the person is riding on the bow decking, gunwales, transom or motor covers
Do not operate a motorboat at any speed with a person sitting , riding or hanging on a swim platform or swim ladder attached to a motorboat
Water skiing is illegal between sunset and sunrise
Towing of persons in or on the wake of a boat is illegal

37. Operational Requirements
Impact rated PFD required for all being towed
Must have competent observer
PWC must be rated
for 3 persons;
observer, operator
and skier
Towing Requirements Boat or PWC
In addition to adhering to laws as they apply to all boats and PWC, boat and PWC operators towing a person(s) on water skis, surfboard or similar device may have additional laws to which they must adhere. The specific laws for towing persons on water skis or other devices vary from state to state. (Note: discuss your state laws as they pertain to towing persons on water skis or similar devices.)
Generally:
An IMPACT rated (speeds recorded on the PFD label) PFD is required for the person(s) being towed.
A competent observer is required.

38. Accidents and Casualties
Accident Reporting
Stop and provide assistance; exchange information
Death or disappearance – notify PFBC immediately
Written accident report filed within 48 hours, if death, missing or medical treatment beyond first aid
If vessel is lost, or damage is over $2,000, report must be filed within 10 days
Downloadable accident report form at:
Accidents and Casualties
All boating accidents (or those that meet the criteria below) must be reported by the operator or owner of the boat to the proper law enforcement authority for the state in which the accident occurred.
Report the accident:
Immediately in the event of fatal accidents or missing persons.
File a formal report within 48 hours if a person dies, is missing, or there are injuries requiring more than first aid., and damage over $2000
With a formal report within ten days for accidents involving more than $2000 damage or the total loss of a boat.
If you observe a boating accident remember that you are required by law to stop and render whatever assistance is necessary to any person involved in a boating accident or in danger at sea unless the action would endanger your own boat, crew or passengers. The operator is subject to a fine, imprisonment or both for failure to do so.
All boats hailed by the USCG MUST stop. Civil penalties or imprisonment can result for non-compliance.

39. Accident Reporting