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HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 5) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is excited to announce the availability of a new, low-cost online boating safety education course!

The course, offered in partnership with the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, is available for only $17, is approved by both the PFBC and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and recognized by the United States Coast Guard. 

In Pennsylvania, a Boating Safety Education Certificate is required for any person born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered with motors greater than 25 horsepower or any personal watercraft.  To receive a certificate, boaters must successfully complete an approved boating safety course – either online or through in-person instruction. 

The BoatUS Foundation course consists of six lessons and quizzes along with a final exam.  Students may use a computer or mobile device to start, pause, and resume their learning at any time, and the full course can be completed in approximately four-to-eight hours.  Individuals who successfully complete the online course will immediately receive a temporary Boater Safety Education Certificate which can be printed and is valid for 60 days.  Within four-to-six weeks, students will receive their permanent certificate in the mail in the form of a durable plastic card that is valid for the boater’s lifetime. 

“Not only does this boating safety course come at a great value and convenience, but it’s also proven that this type of education saves lives,” said Paul Littman, Director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Boating.  “Approximately 75% of boating fatalities occur on boats where the operator did not have any formal boating safety education.  There’s never been a better time to earn your certificate than right now thanks to this partnership.” 

To access the course, visit the PFBC website (FishandBoat.com), and the select the BoatUS Foundation option.

“I’m happy to have helped provide a convenient and affordable way to connect people with the great outdoors,” said State Senator Dan Laughlin (Erie), who advocated for expanded accessibility to boater safety education through the addition of a low-cost online course.

A leader in boating safety for more than 40 years, the BoatUS Foundation offers low cost online boating safety education courses in 37 states including Pennsylvania.  To date, more than 2.5 million students have taken the BoatUS Foundation’s online courses.

The mission of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.

View this announcement online.