Before you take a boat out on Texas waterways, it’s important to know the rules. Texas law doesn’t require a traditional boating “license” like a driver’s license. But depending on your age and the type of watercraft you’re using, you may still need to complete a state-approved boater education course.
Failing to meet these requirements can lead to fines and other penalties. Here’s what you should know before operating a boat or personal watercraft in Texas.
Who Needs Boater Education in Texas?
In Texas, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must complete a boater education course before operating certain types of vessels.
You may need to take the course if you operate:
- A personal watercraft (like a Jet Ski)
- A motorized boat with more than 15 horsepower
- A windblown vessel over 14 feet in length
The course must be approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Once you pass it, you’ll receive a Boater Education Card, which you must carry with you while on the water.
Who Is Exempt From Boater Education Requirements?
There are a few exemptions under Texas law. You do not need to take the course if:
- You were born before September 1, 1993
- You are accompanied on the water by someone who meets the boater education requirement (as long as they are at least 18 and can legally operate the vessel)
- You’ve purchased a one-time 15-day boater education deferral
Even if you’re exempt, taking a boater education course is still a smart choice. It covers important safety information that can help you avoid accidents and legal trouble.
What’s Covered in the Boater Education Course?
The TPWD-approved course teaches the basic rules of operating a boat in Texas. Topics include:
- State boating laws and navigation rules
- Required safety equipment
- Environmental laws and water conservation
- Emergency procedures and accident reporting
- Risks of boating while intoxicated (BWI)
The course usually takes a few hours to complete. You can take it online or in a classroom setting.
What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Rules?
Operating a boat without meeting the education requirement can result in fines. Law enforcement officers with TPWD or local agencies can stop your vessel and check for compliance. If you’re required to carry a Boater Education Card and don’t have one, you may face a Class C misdemeanor charge and be fined up to $500.
These rules exist to keep Texas lakes and rivers safe. Boating accidents often happen when operators don’t know the laws or ignore safe boating practices.
Boating Safely Protects Everyone
Even if you’re not legally required to complete a boater education course, understanding how to safely operate a watercraft can help prevent injuries and fatalities. Texas has hundreds of miles of water, and the laws are in place to keep everyone safe.
Being informed can also protect you from liability if there’s an accident. If you cause a crash and haven’t followed safety rules or legal requirements, you could be held liable for the resulting economic and non-economic damages.
Contact the Texas Boating Accident Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today, Call (888) 603-3636
Our undefeated boating accident lawyers repeatedly take on the largest trucking companies in the world and not only win — we set records. With Billions won, we have secured the largest record-setting verdicts and settlements for accident victims in Texas and across the U.S. Once hired, we will do whatever it takes to recover the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.
For more information, please contact our boating accident attorneys in Midland at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
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Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
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