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Texas Boat Law FAQ

  • 1. Who must take boater education?

    Anyone born on or after September 1, 1984 and under the age of 18 must complete a TPWD-approved course and be certified with TPWD to operate:

    • any vessel over 10 horsepower,
    • wind-blown vessel over 14 feet and
    • all personal watercraft.

    Some violations of the Water Safety Act also require course completion.

    A partial list of these violations is in the Digest of the Water Safety Act.

    2. What does the course cost?

    Fees start at $13 for a basic course. Additional fees may be required for other options such as the homestudy course or courses that offer more hands-on experiences.

     

    3. Who must be certified to operate a vessel alone?

    In Texas a person cannot operate a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length, a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, or personal watercraft with more than 10 horsepower unless he/she:

    • was born after September 1, 1984 and has passed a boater education class or equivalency examination prescribed by the department.
    • is 18 years of age or older or born before September 1, 1984, or,
    • is under 16 years of age and is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older, or
    • is at least 13 years of age and have passed a boater education course or equivalency examination prescribed by the department.

     

    4. Who can operate a PWC?

    NOTE: Children under 13 are specifically prohibited from operating a PWC unless accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age.

    To operate a PWC, the operator must meet one of the following:

    • Born after September 1, 1984 and passed a boater education class or equivalency examination prescribed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, or
    • 18 years of age or older or born before September 1, 1984, or,
    • Under 16 years of age and accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older, or
    • At least 13 years of age and have passed a boater education course or equivalency examination prescribed by the department.

     

    5. Is there a minimum operator age?

    To operate a vessel alone in Texas, a boater must be 13 years of age to operate a vessel of 10 horsepower or more; or windblown vessel over 14 feet in length; and meet the requirements as stated above.

     

    6. What forms of identification does a person have to carry on board?

    Persons subject to this law must have a picture identification card and a boater certification card issued by the department in their possession.

     

    7. Are there any exemptions to the mandatory education law?

    A person 18 years of age or older is exempt from mandatory boater education requirements or born before September 1, 1984.

     

    8. Is there another way a person can get certified, other than taking an approved classroom course?

    A person may take a homestudy course by completing an online certification course or by purchasing a home study video and workbook from Boat Texas, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75220, phone 1-800-460-9698.

     

    9. Can I be required to take a boater education course?

    Courts have the authority to require a boater education course for violators of certain offenses.

     

    10. May I have an open container on a boat?

    Open containers are legal, but operators of boats are subject to boating while intoxicated laws, similar to driving a vehicle. Operators or passengers may also be subject to public intoxication laws. Drinking and boating is DANGEROUS and the cause of most boating fatalities.

     

    11. Where can I learn more about Boater Education?

    We have information about the program, weather and buoy symbols...even a quiz on our Boater Education page. Check out our course schedule, by city or date, for a class in your area.