Mandatory Personal Watercraft Boater Education
Mandatory Boater Education
A TPWD certified boater education course and photo I.D. is required for any person born on or after September 1, 1984 to operate (1) a vessel powered by motor of 10 horsepower or more; or (2) a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
**Boater Education courses from other states are acceptable if NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved.
Exceptions: A person is exempt from the mandatory boater education requirement if the person (1) is at least 18 years of age; (2) is accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age who is exempt from the course or who has completed the course; (3) holds a master’s, mate’s, or operators license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard; or (4) is otherwise exempt by rule of the department.
A person adjudged guilty of one of the following operating violations: (1) any personal watercraft operating violation, (2) reckless or negligent operation, (3) excessive speed, (4) reckless operation and excessive speed, (5) hazardous wake or wash, (6) circular course around fisherman or swimmer, (7) interference with markers or ramps, (8) obstructing passage, (9) operating boats in restricted areas, (10) operating vessels in scuba diving or snorkeling areas, (11) skiing during illegal hours or in a manner that endangers life or property, shall be required to successfully complete an approved boater education course AND pay a fine. Failure to complete the boater education course within 90 days will result in the person committing an offense that is a Parks and Wildlife Class A misdemeanor.
