Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel
Operators must meet the age and boater education requirements shown below in order to operate any of the following vessels legally in Texas:
- A powerboat powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more or …
- A personal watercraft or …
- A windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
A person less than 13 years of age may operate only if he or she is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 years of age or older.
A person 13 through 17 years of age may operate only if he or she:
- Has passed a boater education course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or …
- Is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 years of age or older.
All persons required to have passed a state-approved boater education course must carry with them on the vessel:
- Photographic identification, such as a driver’s license, and …
- A boater education certification card issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. upon successful completion of a boater education course.
Non-residents may fulfill the Texas boater education requirement by supplying proof that they have passed another state’s boater education course that is accepted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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