How to Get Your Texas Boating License

Boating can be a fun recreational activity, whether it’s for peaceful time alone or an exciting way to bond with family and friends. Before enjoying this activity, you must consider a few Texas laws and regulations to operate your boat legally.

For instance, you may need to understand boating rules, obtain a boating license and register your boat. Fortunately, these steps can be fairly manageable when you follow the right steps. This guide explores the three simple steps to obtaining a boating license and the requirements to receive one.

Do You Need a Boating License in Texas?

If you are a Texas resident and you want to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or other vessel, you may be legally required to have a boating license, also called a Texas boater education card. Boater education is required for individuals born on or after September 1, 1993. This certification allows adults to operate a PWC, a motorized boat with more than 15 horsepower or a wind-powered boat longer than 14 feet.

Operating a motorized boat with 15 horsepower or less, a sailboat of less than 14 feet, or a manually propelled vessel such as a kayak does not require a license.

Travelers or new residents may use a one-time 15-day boater deferral online or from a place that sells fishing licenses.

Requirements for Obtaining a Texas Boating License

Although boating education is only required for people born in or after September 1993, it’s recommended that all boaters complete the training.

You need to take a basic boating course and pass the exam to receive a Texas boating license. Course fees typically begin at $11, depending on whether you opt for an online or in-person course.

Boaters must be at least 13 years old to get a license. Children under 13 years old may only operate applicable watercraft when supervised by someone who is at least 18 years old and legally authorized to operate the vessel.

Steps to Obtain a Texas Boating License

Obtaining a Texas boating license involves only three simple steps, which you can typically pursue at your desired pace. Here’s how to get a boating license in Texas:

1. Take the Boating Safety Course

You can explore in-person or online boating safety courses. Numerous state-approved online boater course providers require sign-up and pay to get started. You may be able to work through these courses on mobile, desktop or tablet at your own pace since the platform automatically saves your progress. While course duration can vary depending on the provider, your access to the course may last for around 90 days, allowing you to finish it anytime before then.

2. Pass the Boating Exam

To pass the exam, you must score at least 80%. Depending on your provider, you may receive illustrated exam questions similar to what you received and learned in the course to make the exam slightly easier. You may receive unlimited attempts to pass the exam.

3. Receive Your Certificate

After passing, you can print a temporary certificate, which will be valid for 60 days, and begin boating legally. It can take up to two weeks for your official boating certificate to load into the Texas Parks and Wildlife system. Once it’s available, you can download it from the Texas Parks and Wildlife website and print a copy.

Do You Renew Your Boating License?

A Texas boating license is valid for life, so renewal is not needed.

Texas Boating Regulations to Consider

Texas boating education courses typically include information on how to operate a vessel and best practices while on the water, including safety, environmental requirements and operation laws. Here’s a quick overview of these factors.

Safety Guidelines

It’s essential to use suitable safety equipment and practices to maintain your and other people’s safety while operating a boat or PWC. Some safety practices include:

• Keeping a safe distance from people, objects and other vessels
• Wearing a life jacket at all times while on the water
• Keeping a lookout and staying aware of your surroundings and the weather
• Avoiding weaving through traffic and jumping wakes
• Understanding waterway rules, such as speed limits and no-wake zones

PWC Operational Rules

There are some specific PWC operational rules to stay mindful of on the water. Some unlawful practices include:

• Operating a PWC from sunset to sunrise
• Attaching to, mooring, moving or tampering with a stake, beacon, buoy, light marker or flag
• Operating in areas designated for swimming, bathing or fishing
• Operating within 50 feet away from a “Diver Down” flag
• Moving in a circular course around another boat or PWC with a person who is fishing or waterskiing

Environmental Regulations

The Clean Texas Marina Program encourages boaters and marinas to prevent pollution and maintain a clean and safe environment. Some important environmental considerations include:

• Wetlands provide a habitat for fowl and fish, so it is important to ensure that shoreside development, such as docks and walkways, does not significantly diminish their features.
• It may be best to install a floating dock to enhance water circulation.
• Avoid colonial waterfowl nesting and stage areas to minimize disruption to their historic habitats.
• Avoid construction or setting up waterfront solutions during critical nesting, migration or spawning periods.
• Perform major repairs, such as spray painting, fiberglassing and stripping, in designated areas far from the shore.
• Avoid using detergents that contain bleach, ammonia, petroleum distillates and sodium hypochlorite.

Get Compliant Waterfront Solutions With EZ Dock

While obtaining a Texas boating license is fairly simple, you must remember and comply with all safety, environmental and operational regulations. Once you’ve passed the boating education exam and received a certificate, you may need a waterfront solution that complies with environmental best practices.

EZ Dock is a waterfront solutions provider offering quality floating docks, boat lifts, ports, launches and floating walkways. Our dock systems are made of quality polyethylene and molded rubber materials that are recyclable and environmentally friendly. We also consult nature and habitat conservationists to ensure our products are eco-friendly and durable. For high-performing waterfront solutions, contact EZ Dock for more information or request a quote from us today.