Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2020 - 57

CURRENTS
Online Resources Available for Paddlers and Boaters
During a time when many Pennsylvanians are unable
to, or are being advised not to leave their homes, the
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)
encourages boaters and paddlers to take advantage of
online, educational resources.
Many of these resources are free of charge, while some
providers charge nominal fees for services. This online
learning library can be accessed through a computer,
phone, or tablet. These online educational experiences will
help the entire family learn to be safe boaters and direct
them to the best local boating or paddling destinations.

Boating Safety Education Certificate
and Boater Safety Education Courses

A Boating Safety Education Certificate (BSEC) is
required by the PFBC for anyone who operates a personal
watercraft, and for those born on or after January 1, 1982
who operate a boat powered by motors greater than 25
horsepower. Although in-classroom boating courses are
not taking place at this time, boaters can earn a BSEC
through online courses. There are two courses approved
by the PFBC.
The courses cost $34.50 each. Those who successfully
complete the course receive a temporary certificate
valid for 60 days from date of issue and can receive a
permanent certificate from the PFBC for an additional
$10 fee. At this time, please allow additional time for
processing and delivery.

Paddlesports online learning

While not required, the PFBC recommends that
anyone paddling a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard
complete basic safety training from an accredited source
such as the American Canoe Association or certified PFBC

instructors. There are several online resources available to
increase paddling knowledge.
BoaterExam.com: This Free Paddle Sports Safety
Course includes kid-friendly animations and interactive
quizzes, and is sanctioned by the National Association of
State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the
United States Coast Guard.
AmericanCanoe.org: The American Canoe Association
offers online resources and an online course for $24.50.

Other online resources

The Pennsylvania Boating Handbook can be
downloaded for free on the PFBC website at
www.fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingRegulations/
Pages/BoatingHandbook.aspx. This handbook provides
information on rules of the water, boating etiquette, and
regulatory requirements.
The PFBC also has resources for younger boaters.
Online issues of the agency's quarterly newsletter for kids,
PLAY, can be found at www.fishandboat.com. Each PLAY
newsletter includes kid-friendly articles and activities
related to boating, fishing, or conservation topics.
Those with an expired boat registration can renew it online
through the Outdoor Shop at www.pa.wildlifelicense.com.
Purchase your launch permit online. If you plan
to paddle from a PFBC boat access or enjoy a PFBC
or Pennsylvania state park lake, all unpowered boats
using these facilities must have either a launch permit
or be properly registered. PFBC launch permits can be
purchased online at the Outdoor Shop. Single-year or
two-year permits are available for purchase.
Find great places to paddle with the PFBC's interactive
maps. These maps will lead you to access points and
water trails near you.

photo-courtesy of Commissioner Charlesworth and Sergeant Buckman

On February 19, 2020, Pennsylvania
Fish & Boat Commission Sergeant
Walter Buckman received the
Prestigious Distinguished Service
Award for "Environmental Leadership"
at a joint session of the Lackawanna
Valley Trout Unlimited and the
Lackawanna River Conservation
Association. Sergeant Buckman
received this award for his years of
service and leadership to the 2020
River of the Year- the Lackawanna
River and its watershed. Pictured are
(left to right) Jacob Bliss, President
Lackawanna Valley Trout Unlimited,
Sergeant Buckman, and Commissioner
Charlie Charlesworth.
www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * May/June 2020

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http://www.BoaterExam.com http://www.AmericanCanoe.org http://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingRegulations/Pages/Boating Handbook.aspx http://www.fishandboat.com/Boat/BoatingRegulations/Pages/Boating Handbook.aspx http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.pa.wildlifelicense.com http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - May/June 2020

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