Boater Education

Enjoy Boating in Texas

Texas offers some of the best boating opportunities in the nation — with 1.7 million acres of freshwater lakes, 4 million acres of saltwater, 191,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 590,000 registered recreational vessels, and an estimated 395,000 paddlecraft.

Our goal is to ensure every Texan enjoys the water safely.
Boater education saves lives and helps create a fun, responsible experience for everyone.

Who must take a Boater Education Certification Course?

You must complete a Texas Boater Education Certification Course if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, and will be operating:

• A personal watercraft (PWC)
• A motorboat with more than 15 horsepower
• A sailboat over 14 feet

For more details, see the Texas Water Safety Act or visit our FAQ page.

What course is right for you?

Online Course:  Anyone with internet access can take an approved online course. These courses include chapter quizzes, interactive tools, and other learning aids to help you master the material.

Classroom Course: View our current in-person course listings. If you don’t see a course available in your area, email us at boater.education@tpwd.texas.gov and we’ll be happy to help.

Boater Education Courses

Questions?

To reach a boater education specialist, call the TPWD Law Enforcement division at 512-389-4846 and select option 4 in the phone menu. For more details, see the Texas Water Safety Act or visit our FAQ page.