in texas a person who has passed an approved boating safety course

A person at least 13 years of age and born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, may operate without supervision only if he or she has passed a boater education course that is accepted by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Enforcement Texas law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant.

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Why choose Texas State-approved boating safety course?

Texas State-approved Boating Safety Course is 100% narrated, brilliantly illustrated and includes animated lessons that keep it fun and help you retain the knowledge you need to boat safely. The course includes everything you need to pass the test and obtain your official Texas Boater Education Card.

Who needs Boater education in Texas?

Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who operates any vessel over 15 horsepower, wind-blown vessel over 14 feet and all personal watercraft. Boater Education is also required for certain violations of the Texas Water Safety Act. What does the course cost? Fees start at $11 for a basic course and vary depending on in person or online courses.

Who must be certified to operate a vessel alone in Texas?

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 15 horsepower, or personal watercraft unless he/she: was born on or after September 1, 1993 and has passed a boater education class or equivalency examination prescribed by the department.

What operators are required to have passed an approved Boating Course?

According to Texas law, what operators are required to have passed an approved boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision? operators at least 13 years of age and born on or after September 1, 1993 Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices.

Does Texas require a boat safety course?

Texas Boater Safety Course Texas has a mandatory education law for certain boaters. All boaters born after August 31, 1993, must complete a TPWD-approved course and be certified with the TPWD to operate: Any vessel over 15 horse power. Any windblown vessel over 14 feet.

How long is the Texas boater safety course good for?

60 daysThis certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion.

Who has to take boaters education in Texas?

Who must take boater education? Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who operates any vessel over 15 horsepower, wind-blown vessel over 14 feet and all personal watercraft. Boater Education is also required for certain violations of the Texas Water Safety Act.

How do you get your boating license in Texas?

Get Your Texas Boating License in 3 Easy Steps.Play and pass the $54.95 interactive course, and pay a $10.00 state fee. Learn and test your boating knowledge while you venture through this fun, interactive course. ... Print your certificate. ... Go boating!

How long does it take to get a boating license in Texas?

The course takes about 3 hours to complete, and is animated, narrated, and illustrated, making it perfect for boaters of all ages. Once you've completed the State-approved online course, and passed the final exam, you'll be issued a temporary certificate, which you can use to go boating legally right away.

Does a boat need a safety certificate?

Newly built boats All new boats should already comply with the safety standards and have a certificate as meeting the recreational craft directive (RCD). If your boat is: fully fitted - you need to get a boat safety certificate after four years.

How old do you have to be in Texas to operate a boat?

13 years of ageTo operate a vessel alone in Texas, a boater must be 13 years of age to operate a vessel of more than 15 horsepower; or windblown vessel over 14 feet in length; and meet the requirements as stated above.

Which of the following must be done before a boat can be issued a Texas certificate of number?

Texas Certificate of Number The certificate of number (registration), if required: Must always be aboard and available for inspection by an enforcement officer; Is valid through the expiration date shown on the certificate; and. Must also be aboard USCG Documented vessels that require Texas registration.

How old do you have to be to drive a jetski in Texas?

13If you're interested in riding a jet ski in Texas, you'll need to be familiar with the legal requirements associated with your age: A child under the age of 13 may operate a PWC only if he or she is accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age who is legally authorized to operate a PWC.

Can you drink on a boat in Texas?

Unlike in a car, it is perfectly legal to consume alcohol while out on the water. According to open container law in Texas, having an open container in a boat is perfectly legal not only for the passengers, but for the operator of the watercraft (as long as you keep it within the legal limit).

How should you pass a fishing boat?

When you're passing a fishing boat, it's the same. According to the US Coast Guard, you should always make an effort to pass on the port side (left) of the vessel. This means you must steer toward starboard, that way both vessels are passing each other on their port sides.

Are flares required on boats in Texas?

If you're driving a boat with a motor 9 nautical miles off the Texas coast, you're in federal waters. If so, your watercrafts must carry a horn, fire extinguisher and flares if the watercraft is motorized.

Here's how to get started or return to your course

We launched a completely new platform for our free online course on 11/18/2020! Our old course system is officially retired but if you need to access your certificate of completion, you can request a copy through this form or you can look up your record directly with the state of Texas here.

Great course, and so much more convenient than going at night for several nights... Keep up the great work, and see you on the water

Thank you so much! This was a great course and I learned so much. Hope you have a great weekend!

How to Use GPS

Are you new to electronics on your boat or uncomfortable with the operation of the electronics that you have? We can help!

Modern Marine Navigation

Learn the basics of plotting, reading charts, identifying ATONs and using them to find your way on the water.

All About Marine Radio

This course will teach you how to choose the proper Marine VHF radio for your boating style and give you the confidence to operate it effectively.

How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Texas?

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 more than 15 horsepower; or windblown vessel over 14 feet in length; and meet the education requirements stated above.

How old do you have to be to 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 who is legally authorized to operate a PWC. To operate a PWC, the operator must meet one of the following: Born on or after September 1, 1993 and passed a boater education class or equivalency examination ...

Is it legal to drink while driving 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 leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Do you have to have proof of boater education in Texas?

Texas does recognize and accept state approved courses from all 50 states. The operator must have proof of boater education and proper identification to meet Texas law.

How old do you have to be to sail a boat in Texas?

To operate a vessel alone in Texas, a boater must be 13 years of age to operate a vessel of more than 15 horsepower; or windblown vessel over 14 feet in length; and meet the requirements as stated above.

What is the phone number for boater education?

If you have any further questions, please call (800) 792-1112.

How long can a windblown boat be in Texas?

In Texas a person cannot operate a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length, a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower, or personal watercraft unless he/she: was born on or after September 1, 1993 and has passed a boater education class or equivalency examination prescribed by the department.

When is boater education required?

Boater Education training is recommended for all boat operators and required for those born on or after September 1, 1993. Successful completion of a TPWD-certified boater education course and possession of a valid photo I.D. are required for any person born on or after September 1, 1993 to operate: a vessel powered by a motor of more ...

How to contact Boater Education?

For information on boater education courses, call (512) 389-4846, option 4, or visit Boater Education. Paddlers are encouraged to take the free comprehensive canoe, kayak, and paddleboard safety course offered online. This course is a great way to help make your outing more enjoyable and safer.

How long does it take to complete a boater education course?

Failure to complete the boater education course within 90 days will result in the person committing an offense that is a Parks and Wildlife Class A misdemeanor.

What is a PWC boat?

a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower; or. a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length. No person may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or motorboat powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower on public waters unless the person is at least 13 years of age and has successfully completed a Boater Education Course ...

What is a Texas boater education card?

The Texas Boater Education Card is proof that a boater has successfully passed the Texas Boating Safety Test. All boat operators who were born after September 1st, 1993, who are at least 13 years of age, are required to obtain the card to legally operate certain types of vessels.

What is paddlersmart course?

The PADDLERsmart! course is perfect for anyone participating in paddle sports including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’ve been paddling for years or just getting started, you’ll learn everything you need to stay safe on the water.#N#$24.95 value. Get it free when you purchase your BOATsmart! Course.

What age do you have to be to operate a boat in Texas?

According to Texas law, what operators are required to have passed an approved boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision? operators at least 13 years of age and born on or after September 1, 1993. Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices.

What age can you wear a PFD in Texas?

According to Texas law, children under what age must wear a USCG-approved PFD (life jacket) while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long? those under 13 years of age.

Who Must Take Boater Education?

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 15 horsepower, or personal watercraft unlesshe/she: 1. was born on or after September 1, 1993 and has passeda boater education class or equivalency examination prescribed by the department. 2. is 18 years of ageand can lawfully operate the motorbo...

See more on tpwd.texas.gov

Who Can Operate A Pwc?

What Forms of Identification Does A Person Have to Carry on Board?