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Do I need a boating safety certificate?
Answer four questions. We'll tell you whether Pennsylvania requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for you, and cite the rule.
The rules
A Boating Safety Education Certificate is required to operate a PWC, and for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 to operate a boat with a motor greater than 25 horsepower. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
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Boating Safety Education Certificates are required: To operate a personal watercraft, like a jet ski. For persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower.
If you are required to have the certificate, you must carry it while operating. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
A temporary PFBC certificate is valid for 60 days from issue. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
The permanent card fee is $10, as listed on pa.gov on Oct. 4, 2026. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Online course fees include the certificate. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Out-of-state boaters need a certificate from a NASBLA-approved course. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Age 11 and under: may not operate a PWC or a boat with a motor over 25 hp. 58 Pa. Code §91.4(a).
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(a) A person 11 years of age or younger may not operate a personal watercraft or a boat propelled by a motor greater than 25 horsepower.
Ages 12–15: may not operate a PWC with any passenger aged 15 or younger aboard. 58 Pa. Code §91.4(b).
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(b) A person 12 through 15 years of age may not operate a personal watercraft if there are any passengers onboard 15 years of age or younger.
PFBC's FAQ: PWC operators must be at least 12. PFBC Boating FAQs: course age question.
Online courses
Online courses on PFBC's list (as of Nov. 1, 2026):
Sponsored · Boating course
Online boating-course providers on PFBC's list can sponsor this page: one slot, $149/yr. Sponsor this page