In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend the State’s boating safety requirements to better align with federal regulations.

It is increasingly common to see a range of electric-powered personal watercraft devices on our Commonwealth’s waters. The growing market of motorized personal watercrafts provide new ways to enjoy Pennsylvania’s bountiful outdoor recreation opportunities – while also prompting legislative updates to keep all boaters safe.

Following the U.S. Coast Guard’s determination that vessels such as efoils and jetboards meet the federal definition of personal watercraft, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is recommending this legislation to modernize its requirements around registration, safety education certificates, life jackets, and more. Notably, these changes will not apply to motorized kayaks, canoes, or other vessels where the person is sitting or standing within the hull.

This bill was SB976 last session and was co-sponsored by Senators Hutchinson, Pennycuick, Fontana, Costa,  Cappelletti, Robinson, Comitta, and Muth.  

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to provide greater clarity and consistency with federal law and improve boater safety throughout Pennsylvania.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0431: 30-5103(c)(4), 30-3), 30-4), 30-5), 30-6), 30-7)