Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, is pictured speaking on behalf of House Bill 1418 on the House Floor.

Legislation extending water safety requirements to electric-powered watercraft like e-foils and jetboards has overwhelmingly passed the state House of Representatives.

Sponsored by state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, and co-sponsored Rep. Zack Mako, House Bill 1418 clarifies which electric boards qualify as personal watercraft and sets new safety and equipment standards. It updates Pennsylvania’s boating laws to address the increasing use of electric-powered personal watercraft, including e-foils and jetboards, by aligning state rules with U.S. Coast Guard policy and establishing clear safety, registration, and education requirements.The bill would require operators to carry vessel registration, mandate Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices during operation, and set minimum onboard equipment standards such as a fire extinguisher, a sound-producing device, and proper navigation lighting.

It also would empower the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to require boating safety education for operators and require manufacturers to meet engine cut-off switch standards or obtain Coast Guard exemptions.

“With the House’s passage of H.B. 1418, Pennsylvania is catching up with new technology and making our waterways safer for everyone,” Merski said. “This bipartisan bill sets straightforward rules for registration, required safety equipment, and operator education while preserving recreational opportunities on our lakes and rivers.”

This bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

The bill passed the House Game and Fisheries Committee in September following the U.S. Coast Guard’s determination that these devices meet the federal definition of personal watercraft. House Bill 1418 explicitly excludes motorized kayaks, canoes and vessels where the operator sits or stands within the hull. Merski said conversations with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, boating safety experts, law enforcement and recreational users informed the bill’s provisions.

“The commission’s recommendation helped shape practical changes that protect users while preserving access to outdoor recreation,” he said in September.

The Coast Guard’s change in policy isn’t new. Its policy took effect Oct. 5, 2022, after issuing a policy letter for requirements regarding e-foils and jetboards. Notable information from the policy letter concerns equipment that persons are required to have when operating an e-foil/jetboard:

– Carry the Certificate of Number (aka vessel registration) for the e-foil/jetboard onboard when underway;

– Carry and/or wear a personal flotation device (PFD; aka life jacket) in accordance with state and federal regulations;

Carry a fire extinguisher, unless all persons operating the e-foil/jetboard are wearing USCG-approved PFDs;

– Carry a sound producing device; and

– Comply with state and federal vessel lighting requirements, which includes proper lighting if operated during periods of reduced visibility or between sunset and sunrise.

Additionally, all manufacturers of e-foils and jetboards must comply with engine cut-off switch requirements or receive an exemption from the U.S. Coast Guard. If an e-foil/jetboard is equipped with an engine cut-off switch the operator must also comply with state and federal requirements concerning an engine cut-off switch.

“These vessels can reach speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. Based on the unique design and operation of these vessels, applying typical prescriptive vessel requirements may create unsafe conditions. Accordingly, this policy letter was developed to facilitate safe and enjoyable operation of these vessels. The National State Boating Law Administrator’s (NASBLA) Vessel Identification Registration and Titling (VIRT) committee provided input on these policies,” the 2022 policy letter states.