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 watercraft provides 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 legislation to modernize its requirements around registration, safety education certificates, life jackets, and more. The changes will not apply to motorized kayaks, canoes, or other vessels where the person is sitting or standing within the hull.

Our legislation proposed legislation will amend the State’s boating safety requirements to better align with federal regulations and improve boater safety throughout Pennsylvania. Please join us in cosponsoring our legislation that is companion legislation to Senator Lindsey Williams Senate Bill 476. 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1640 (May 06, 2025): 30-5103(c)(4), 30-3), 30-4), 30-5), 30-6), 30-7)