Boaters can earn certification by successful completion of a Commission-approved safety course. Analysis indicated these incidents were usually caused by operators not keeping a proper lookout or operating the boat in a reckless manner. Accidents often involved individuals new to boating who were not familiar with the rules of navigation. The Commission issued more than 49,000 certificates last year - a new record.
Early indications are that the increased educational efforts have been paying off.
While not mandatory for other boat operators, safety classes such as the Pennsylvania Basic Boating Course supply all boaters with practical information so they can make more informed decisions on the water. Instructors provide students with information to help them reduce the risk of injury and conflict on the water. Use this link to send questions or comments about the Fish and Boat Commission, the content of our web pages and fishing and boating in Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Any reproduction or publication of any material found on any of the Fish and Boat Commission web pages or web site without the express written consent of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is prohibited.