If you’re lucky enough to be in Pennsylvania, your boating adventures are set to take a giant leap. The state has numerous lakes and rivers, proving to be a bounty for beginners and experienced boaters alike. Whether it’s fishing or recreational sports, you will find everything here.
So, is it straightforward to haul your boat and explore the Pa waters? Well, you need some essential documentation before you head to these public and private lakes. For a start, here are a few things you need to show:
- Your boat registration
- Launching permit issued by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)
- Mooring or launching permit issued by the Pa state parks
Whether you have a motorized or non-powered boat, it’s a compulsory requirement for everyone. Hence, it makes boating more enjoyable and easier for all.
Are you wondering, where can I get a Pa boat launch permit? This article will help you understand the dynamics of earning such a ticket. Also, you’ll learn where you can get the boat launch permit in Pennsylvania.
Table of Contents
What’s a Launch Permit
To preserve forests and water reserves, the PFBC regulates water bodies and forests in Pennsylvania. So, if you’re in the Pennstate, you cannot access lakes and rivers without the launching permit.
You need a launch permit for all non-motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks before hitting the water. On the other hand, if you have a motorized boat, you need to register the vessel. The launch permit isn’t enough for a motorized boat.
This permit applies throughout Pennsylvania, but you can’t use it outside the state. Therefore, if you’re a Pennstate native and wish to use your boat within the state, you can quickly get a launch permit.
So, you can conveniently launch your rowboat, paddleboat, canoe, standup, or kayak in any Pennstate governed waters.
Cost of a Boat Launch Permit in Penn State
A launch permit is valid for up to two years. You can apply for either a one- or two-year permit. Each application costs differently.
If you’re applying for a year’s permit, it can cost around $12. On the other hand, a two-year permit costs $22.
Where to Get Boat Launch Permit
Now, I will unearth some of the best places from where you can acquire your boat launch permit. I will share some online and physical resources where you can apply. If you want to save on traveling costs and love the internet, go to the online platforms.
AutoBahn Title & Tag
Based in Scranton, the AutoBahn Title & Tag services can get you a launch permit online. The company offers various services such as title transfers and registrations, notary services, boat transfers, and much more. So, it’s a one-stop solution for your boating requirements.
You can visit the office during the weekdays. Else, you can book your appointments online. Just give them a call and get your launch permit in no time.
Washington County Launch Permits
The Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation offers launch permits at the Ten Mile Creek County Park and the Cross Creek Park. You can request a launch permit by phone or mail.
The launch permits are available for residents and non-residents at different prices.
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
The PFBC boat launch permit services offer launch permits for all non-motorized boats throughout the Pennstate. Just select your county, and you can get the location to obtain your launch permit. It’s quite a simple process, and it shows the issuance agents, so you can quickly get your launch permit in no time.
The Outdoor Shop
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks offers a launch permit for boats. The Outdoor Shop is an online platform where you can apply for a launch permit.
Fill in the details in the given form to apply from home. There are one- and two-year plans available. You can make the payments online through your credit card.
Placing your Launch Permits
Once you have received the launching permit, you need to place them on your boat. The PFBC has guidelines for that too. For non-powered boats, set the permissions on the outside of the ship towards the front side. For kayaks, you must place the labels on either side of the vessel.
Some Additional Laws for Boating in PennState
Even though a launch permit is essential for a boat ride, you must follow the given instructions. Here is a quick look:
Display the Label
Displaying the permit is mandatory for all powered and non-powered boats. Unless you don’t show the permit, you cannot enter the lakes or rivers.
Personal Floating Devices
You must have a personal floating device, a PFD in your boat. According to law, everyone must wear a PFD between November and April.
Boating Under Influence
If you’re boating under alcoholic influence, you are breaking the law. An officer decides what happens to you. However, never drink and paddle because it causes up to 70% of deaths. Moreover, you may face severe penalties, in the worst case, even jail for boating under the influence.
Keep a Whistle
Always keep a whistle in your boat. It helps you to avoid collisions with other boats and kayaks. It applies to all the non-motorized boats, and not keeping a boat can lead to legal offenses.
Therefore, get a steel whistle as it’s durable and produces a louder sound.
Conclusion
Boating in Pennsylvania is nothing short of an adventure. The state is loaded with lush green forests, lakes, and rivers, so it’s an ideal place for rowing, kayaking, and canoes. Understandably, a lot of tourists turn up throughout the year.
Therefore, it becomes an obligation for the authorities to regulate land and waterways to preserve the region’s beauty. Therefore, when you obtain a boat launch permit, you contribute to the enhancement of the ecosystem.
So, now that you know where to get your boat launch permit, it’s time to get one and set sail in the Penn State waterways.
