Boater Education FAQ


Who must take boater education?
What does the course cost?
Who must be certified to operate a vessel alone?
Who can operate a PWC?
Is there a minimum operator age?
What forms of identification does a person have to carry on board?
Are there any exemptions to the mandatory education law?
Is there another way a person can get certified, other than taking an approved classroom course?
Can I be required to take a boater education course?
May I have an open container on a boat?
Where can I learn more about Boater Education?
Will my Boater Education from another state work 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 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 a person cannot operate a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length, a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower, or personal watercraft if he/she was born on or after September 1, 1993:
unless he/she has passed a boater education class or equivalency examination prescribed by the department.

Who can 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 prescribed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
  • Persons requiring boater education who have not competed it must be accompanied by a person 18 years of age (who can legally operate) or older.

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.

What forms of identification does a person have to carry on board?
Persons subject to this law must have a picture identification card and a boater education certification card issued by the department in their possession.

Are there any exemptions to the mandatory education law?
A person may purchase a one-time 15 day boater education deferral at any place hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Is there another way a person can get certified, other than taking an approved classroom course?
A person may take an online certification course.  Approved courses are listed on the Boater Education web page.

Can I be required to take a boater education course?
Courts have the authority to require a boater education course for violators of certain offenses.

May I have an open container on 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.

Will my boater education from another state work in Texas?
Boaters visiting from another state must follow Texas boater education laws. 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.