Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Rules and Regulations for Kayaks
Registration & Access to waterways
In the state of Pennsylvania, you are not required by law to register a kayak, because they are non-powered boats. If you only use public accesses such as township parks and boat ramps or private property (with permission of course!) you do not need any type of registration or permit stickers.
However, in order to use Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) boat ramps and access areas and Pennsylvania State Parks (most lakes in PA are in state parks), you must do one of the following:
- Register your kayak with the PFBC. Kayaks are required to display the registration sticker only. Not the 3” x 3” numbers. Also, you must have the actual registration card with you in your kayak at all times. Registration cost $10 for 2 years, plus processing fees. Registration can be done through the PFBC office (PO Box 68900, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8900, 717-705-7940, www.fish.state.pa.us), through most county courthouses, or through any PFBC certified registration issuing agent. You will need a copy of your sales receipt showing you paid sales tax. A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) is not required for non-powered craft (kayaks). The PFBC registration also covers use of State Park (DCNR) waterways, and in most cases fulfills registration requirements of other states.
- Purchase a PFBC Use Permit. Available from the same sources listed in #1 above. The Use Permit simply requires displaying the use permit decal on each side of the kayak. The cost is $10 for 1 year or $18 for 2 years. The PFBC use permit is valid January 1st through December 31st. No proof of ownership or title is needed. The only information required is the owner’s name, address and telephone number and the kayaks serial number (if readily available). The Use Permit covers the use of State Parks (DCNR) waterways as well.
- Purchase a State Park (DCNR) Launch Permit. Launch permits are available at most State Park offices, or from the DCNR Headquarters in Harrisburg, PA. The cost is $10 for 1 year and $18 for a 2-year permit. The DCNR launch permit is valid April 1st through March 31st. The information required is owner name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number and kayak’s serial number and a description of the kayak (make, year, length, width, construction). The Launch Permit covers the use of all PFBC properties as well.
If your kayak has any one of the above-mentioned “Stickers”, you are covered universally across the state of Pennsylvania.
These regulations apply to Pennsylvania. Every state is different. Check with your state’s boating authority to comply with your local regulations!
Some other regulations
PFD’s: Every person kayaking must have, readily accessible, a Coast Guard approved wearable type I, II, III or V PFD (life vest) appropriate for that person (under 30 lbs., 30 –50 lbs., 50 –90 lbs., or adult – sized or universal). Children 12 years and under and non-swimmers are required to wear their PFD’s at all times. “Boat cushions” are no longer acceptable as PFD’s.
Lights: Any kayak on the water after legal dusk must have on board a hand-held white light, which is to be turned on and held overhead if approached by another craft.
Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited on land and water at all PA STATE PARKS and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission properties. It is illegal to operate any watercraft (including kayaks) while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Fines of up to $7500, 2 years in jail, and loss of boating privileges for up to 1 year can be imposed if convicted.
