Boater Education

Enjoy Boating in Texas

Texas has 1.7 million acres of freshwater lakes, 4 million acres of saltwater, 191,000 miles of rivers and streams, and roughly 590,000 recreational water vessels. Our goal is to help every Texan enjoy our waters safely. Boater education saves lives and ensures a fun, responsible experience for all!

Who must take a Boater Education Certification Course?

If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, and plan to operate a personal watercraft, motorboat over 15 hp, or sailboat over 14 feet, you must be certified.. See Water Safety Act for details

• Boating courses are taught by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Education and Outreach staff, US Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel, and trained volunteer instructors, as well as teachers, and game wardens.
• With more and more people enjoying the lakes and rivers every year, it's important, for everyone, that boaters educate themselves on boating skills and seamanship.

What course is right for you?

Internet Course: Anyone with access to the Internet can take an approved online course. These courses generally require a username and password.  Internet courses include chapter quizzes and other learning tools to help students absorb the content. 

Classroom Course: Please check out our current course listing. If there's not a course listed in your area, please contact boater.education@tpwd.texas.gov for assistance.

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.