Become a Boater Education Instructor
The Boater Education Program's goals are to reduce boating and water related accidents and violations; promote safe, responsible and knowledgeable boating; and enhance boating traditions, ethics, and values. Our instructors include game wardens, volunteers, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron, and professional educators.
Instructor Certification
- Complete the Boater Education Student Course if you have not already done so.
- Request an instructor application.
- Take your completed instructor application to a TPWD Game Warden, who will interview you and submit your paperwork to TPWD. If you need a list of game wardens in your area you may contact your nearest TPWD law enforcement office.
- Complete the Boater Education Instructor Training. See the instructor course schedule for course listings. If no classes are currently available, please contact us at 1-512-389-4846 (select prompt 4) to speak to a Boater Education Specialist and arrange an instructor course in your area.
- After processing your application, interview, and course results, TPWD will mail you a Congratulatory Packet with your instructor card and instructor patch.
What You Should Know: Instructor Responsibilities
- Boater Education Instructors are responsible to the Boater Education Staff of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Volunteers will instruct students of all ages in the Boater Education program as prescribed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, of reasonably good health, high integrity, pass a written examination and provide an oral interview by a game warden. A criminal background check will be conducted and those failing to meet certain standards may be denied certification.
- In order to maintain instructor status annually, instructors must teach at least one course per year with at least 6-8 hours of instruction. Failure to meet this minimum requirement will result in inactive status.
- Instructors must graduate from a state-certified Boater Education student course in addition to the Department's 6-8 hour (one day) Instructor Training Workshop (free workshop).
- Voluntary in-service workshops are provided by the Department on a yearly basis to assist instructors obtain experience in a variety of subjects and vessels related to basic boating safety.