who has to take boater safety course in texas

Texas law requires all boat operators born on or after September 1, 1993, who will be operating a PWC

, a motorized boat over 15 hp, or a sailboat over 14 feet in length to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. Texas Parks and Wildlife Requirements You must be at least 13 years old to take this online course.

Full Answer

Why it is important to take a boater safety course?

• The Use of Life Jackets. Having life jackets on board is the number one priority in boating safety. ...
• Dangers of Carbon Monoxide. ...
• Proper Access to Fire Extinguishers. ...
• Navigation Electronics and Marine Communications. ...
• Emergency First Aid. ...
• The Use of Flares and Distress Signals. ...
• Avoiding Alcohol and Illegal Drugs on the Water. ...

How to obtain boater safety certification?

​3 Ways to Get a Maryland Safe Boating Certificate

• I. Classroom. The Maryland Basic Boating Course is taught by trained instructors and must be a minimum of 8 hours in length.
• II. On-Line. Maryland Basic Boating Online Course. ...
• III. Maryland Boating Equivalency Exam. ...

What are the rules for boating in Texas?

Texas boating laws require that all motorized boats, sailboats larger than 14 feet or with an auxiliary engine, and all internal combustion outboard motors must be registered and bear a certificate of title. These documents establish the ownership and responsibility for the craft in question.

How do you get boating license in Texas?

in three steps:

• Take the BOATsmart! Texas Boating Safety Course online.
• Pass the Texas Boating Safety Test online.
• Print a Temporary Certificate immediately.

Who needs boater 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.

What age do you need a boating license in Texas?

least 13 years of ageHow old do I need to be to get the Texas Boater Education Card? You must be at least 13 years of age to complete your Boater Education Course and obtain your Texas Boater Education Card.

Who is required to complete a boater education course to operate a PWC on state waters unaccompanied Florida?

In order to operate a motorboat of ten (10) horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.

Do you need a boating license in Texas for a jet ski?

Do I Need a License to Drive a Jet Ski in Texas? According to the TPWD, Texas law requires anyone born after September 1, 1993, to have a boating license in order to operate a vessel over 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet or any kind of PWC.

Do you need a boater safety course in Texas?

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.

Which of the following is required to operate a boat in Texas?

In Texas, in order to operate a motorboat, a windblown vessel or a PWC, an operator must meet the following requirements: The operator is at least 13 years of age; and. The operator has passed a safety course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD).

How old must a person be in order to operate a motor boat alone in the state of Florida?

14 years of ageA person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in Florida. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly allow a person under 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (a second-degree misdemeanor).

What are the new Texas boating laws?

The new law, which went into effect upon passage, includes canoes, kayaks and paddleboats in this lifejacket requirement. H.B. 2981, which goes into effect Sept. 1, makes it illegal to allow people of any age to ride in or on a boat or personal watercraft that is being towed on a highway or street.

Which of the following must be done before a boat can be issued a 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.

Does a Texas boaters license expire?

Texas Boating License or Boating Safety Education Certificate... Is there a difference? The boating safety education certificate is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boating safety education certificate does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

What size boat requires a captain's license in Texas?

Operators of charter vessels carrying more than six passengers and with a length exceeding 30 feet, operating on inland waters, need a Party Boat Operator License.

Which of the following is required on all motor powered vessels in Texas?

Texas boating laws require that all motorized boats, sailboats larger than 14 feet or with an auxiliary engine, and all internal combustion outboard motors must be registered and bear a certificate of title. These documents establish the ownership and responsibility for the craft in question.

What are the boating laws in Texas?

Laws & Regulations. Who needs the Texas Boating Safety Education Certificate? All boaters born after September 1, 1993 must have a Texas Boater Education Certificate to operate motorized watercrafts over 15HP or wind-blown vessels over 14ft.

What are the new Texas boating laws?

The new law, which went into effect upon passage, includes canoes, kayaks and paddleboats in this lifejacket requirement. H.B. 2981, which goes into effect Sept. 1, makes it illegal to allow people of any age to ride in or on a boat or personal watercraft that is being towed on a highway or street.

What size boat requires a captain's license in Texas?

Operators of charter vessels carrying more than six passengers and with a length exceeding 30 feet, operating on inland waters, need a Party Boat Operator License.

Can you ride a jet ski at night in Texas?

Operational Rules for Personal Watercraft Operate PWC at night (sunset until sunrise). Operate PWC within 50 feet of another PWC, motorboat, vessel, platform, person, object, or shore except at headway speed without creating a swell or wake.

How much does the Texas Boat Ed Course cost?

The Texas Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95. You will also pay a $10.00 Texas Parks and Wildlife fee.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Texas?

See the restrictions here.

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay...

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

You must be at least 13 years old to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Texas Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Texas to take this online course.

Is the Texas Boat Ed Course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife?

The Texas Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Is my Texas Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Plea...

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited at...

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.

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 ...

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.

Can you ski during illegal hours?

skiing during illegal hours. skiing in a manner that endangers life or property. Boater education courses from other states are acceptable if approved by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators).

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.

What is boat ed?

Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

Is boating safety certification the same as boating license?

Is it the Boating safety license? Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is the Boater Education Certificate. You can get the Boater Education Certificate by taking this boat safety course at boat-ed.com. Find out if you need the card.

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.

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

Texas Age and Operator Restrictions. A person under the age of 13 years may operate a vessel only if he or she is supervised by a person who: Is at least 18 years of age or older and…. Can lawfully operate the watercraft and…. Is on board when the vessel is underway.

What is the boating law in Texas?

Texas Boating Laws and Regulations. Texas law requires boater education for all boaters born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, and will be operating a motorized boat powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower, a PWC, or a windblown vessel over 14 feet long in Texas.

What is a boater education certificate?

The Boater Education Certificate (often referred to as "Texas boating License" or "Texas Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements. Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Certificate must carry their card on board ...

How old do you have to be to get a boating license in Texas?

The fastest way to get your boating license—no timers! You need boating education in Texas if you are at least 13 years of age and were born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, and will be operating a boat powered by a motor of over 15 hp, a PWC, or a windblown vessel over 14 feet long on Texas waters. This course is approved by the state ...

What happens if you don't carry a boater's education card in Texas?

Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines. Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.

Can you take the final exam for boating?

Learn and test your boating knowledge while you venture through this fun, interactive course. Once you successfully guide your group to safety, you may take the final exam. You have multiple attempts to pass the final exam.

Texas-Approved Boating Course

The Texas Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

United States Coast Guard Recognized

The Texas Boat Ed Course is recognized by the United States Coast Guard as meeting the standards of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

NASBLA Approved

The Texas Boat Ed Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and meets U.S. Boating Education Standards.

What age do you have to be to take a boating course in Maryland?

See note and Maryland boating regulations. Massachusetts residents 12 to 15 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course. Home study is not accepted for this age group.

What age do you need a boating safety certificate in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificates are required for: all operators of personal watercraft; youth 12 to 15 years of age when operating boats powered by motors of more than 10 horsepower, and; boat operators born after January 1, 1982 that operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower.

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

Operators who are at least 15 years of age and don’t have a driver’s license may operate a motor vessel if they take a NASBLA-approved Boater Education course and have an I.D. Card issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Home study is accepted – Indiana boating regulations. No mandatory education requirements.

Do you need a boater education card in Missouri?

At that point, you will need to have a Missouri Boater Education card or another state’s NASBLA approved card if your birthday is after January 1, 1984. Yes. Montana. Montana residents 13 to 14 must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating course.

Is there a boating education requirement in Oregon?

No mandatory boating education requirements. N/A. Oregon. Oregon’s Mandatory Boater Education Program will be phased in beginning January 1, 2003 when persons age 30 and younger who operate boats greater than 10 hp will need to apply for and carry an Oregon Boater Education Card.

Can you take a boating course online in Pennsylvania?

After successfully completing an approved course, boaters should submit an official application form, $10, and a copy of their boating safety course certificate to the Oregon State Marine Board. Yes. Pennsylvania.

Is boating in Pennsylvania approved for out-of-state residents?

boat operators born after January 1, 1982 that operate motorboats of more than 25 horsepower. This online course is not approved for Pennsylvania residents meeting the above requirements. It is, however, approved for out-of-state residents boating in Pennsylvania. Not for PWCs.