← Pennsylvania boating laws›Boater Education Card

Pennsylvania Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Pennsylvania requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1982 operating a boat over 25 hp, and for all PWC operators regardless of age.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

Boating rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: pa.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Pennsylvania

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

DelawareConditional
Delaware requires everyone born on or after Jan 1, 1978 to complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized boat, including a PWC, on Delaware waters.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
MarylandConditional
Maryland requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 to hold a Certificate of Boating Safety Education to operate any mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
New JerseyConditional
New Jersey requires completion of an NJSP-approved boating safety course to receive a NJ Boating Safety Certificate to operate any power vessel or personal watercraft.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →
New YorkConditional
Under New York's Brianna's Law, all operators of motorized vessels including PWCs must complete a state-approved safe boating course; fully phased in for all ages as of 2025.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: parks.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
OhioConditional
Ohio requires boaters born on or after Jan 1, 1982 to complete an approved boating course or proficiency exam to operate a boat powered by more than 10 hp.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio rule →
West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia requires anyone born on or after Dec 31, 1986 to obtain a certificate of boating safety education before operating a motorboat or PWC.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Pennsylvania boating rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.