When a Lake Ranger, Game Warden or Sheriff makes a boater safety check on one of the Brazos River Authority (BRA) reservoirs, the item at the top of the checklist is proof of having completed a boater’s education course.

Texas boating regulations expect all boaters to know how to prepare for every trip, the appropriate boat operation and the best practices for remaining safe while on the water. Online boater education courses teach you about necessary safety equipment, navigation rules, how to operate your boat safely and state laws regarding for boating. 

So, who must take a boater education course?

Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates any vessel over 15 horsepower, a wind-blown vessel over 14 feet and all personal watercraft (PWC) must complete a boater education course. In the State of Texas, the boater education card/certification is required to be with the person on the vessel while operating a boat or PWC. 
In addition, 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 a wind-blown vessel over 14 feet in length. Children under 13 can operate a PWC if they are accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age who is legally authorized to operate a PWC. 

Where can you take a boater education course?

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) provides a list of approved courses, all available online, here. Courses vary depending on the type chosen and the person taking the course. Frequently asked questions about boater education from TPWD can be found here.

Open containers are legal, but operators of boats are subject to boating while intoxicated laws, just like driving a vehicle. Operators or passengers may also be subject to public intoxication laws. 

A new law went into effect September 1, 2023, about boating while intoxicated (BWI). It is now a state jail felony to boat while intoxicated with a passenger under the age of 15. It could also result in a fine.

• In addition to the boater education safety card, according to the TPWD, all watercraft should also have: All water vessels, regardless of size or propulsion mechanism, must display at least one bright light in a location that is visible from all directions, from sunset to sunrise in all weather conditions.
• All water vessels, including canoes and kayaks, must have a Type I, II, III or V wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board at any time.
• All water vessels over 16 feet in length must have at least one Type IV throwable PFD.
• All water vessels with a motor must carry a whistle, horn, bell or equivalent sound-making device to signal for help in case of emergency.
• All water vessels must have current/up-to-date registration.
• All water vessels must have a driver cut-off switch and it must be in use.
• All water vessels must have a visible certificate of number and the proper display of TX numbers.
• All water vessels must have an observer while towing a skier, tuber, etc. 

Now is the time to get everything in order so that when those high temperatures appear and the days are longer, you’ll be ready to head out to a lake and enjoy the day.