Rounder
Official Texas boating safety course Texas Parks and Wildlife Department official seal

Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Penalties and Enforcement

The boating laws of Texas are enforced by the Law Enforcement Division of Texas Parks & Wildlife and other marine safety enforcement officers. All marine safety enforcement officers and game wardens are given the authority under the Texas Water Safety Act to enforce the boating laws of Texas. This includes the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with federal and state laws. The U.S. Coast Guard has enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.

  • Every person who violates or fails to comply with laws contained within the Water Safety Act is guilty of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Code misdemeanor.
  • Those convicted of a misdemeanor must pay a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500. In addition, they may be required to complete and pass an approved boater education course.
Texas Parks and Wildlife officers checking compliance Texas Parks and Wildlife logo
Separator
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Boat Ed, provider of official boating safety courses for more than 40 states
Find Another
Boating Safety Course

Course Material
Boating Terms
Get Certified

The Handbook of Texas Boating Laws and Responsibilities

< Back to Previous Page Table of Contents Go to Next Page >
 
Online boating license and certification course last modified: January 21, 2009
Email concerning this boat safety course.
NASBLA logo Questions? Call Boat Ed at 1-800-830-2268
Copyright © 1998-2009 Boat Ed. All rights reserved.
Review Boat Ed's privacy policy.
Approved by NASBLA and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard logo
Rounder