Texas requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The card is mandatory for all boat operators born on or after September 1, 1984; older boaters do not require the card.

There are age restrictions for boat operators. If you are under 13 years of age, you cannot operate a personal vessel. If you are between 13 and 16 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult. The vessels you can operate are ones over 10 HP or ones which are wind-blown and over 14 feet long or personal vessels. Persons operating such vessels must possess a photo identification card and the boater certification card issued by the Department on board at all times.

The laws also require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of similar convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

The following persons are exempt from the mandatory boater education requirement:

• Persons at least 18 years of age.
• Persons accompanied by someone at least 18 years of age or above who has completed or is exempt from the course.
• Persons holding a master's, mate's, or operator's license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Persons otherwise exempt by rule of the department.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, or pass an approved equivalency test.

In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience.

There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the card:

1. Various classroom options offered by the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadron, volunteer instructors, teachers and game wardens.
   • The course duration is a minimum of six hours.
   • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
4. An approved online options offered by Boat-Ed.
5. This course may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
6. Course materials are free. The provider may charge a fee for exams or the card: check the website for details.
7. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.
8. The option of studying at home using approved course material, and passing a proctored exam. Such courses are available come with a kit consisting of an instructional video, manual and a State of Texas Certification test, which can be done at home.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

A replacement Boater Education Card can be obtained free of charge by filling in this form and submitting online.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Texas, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or some one operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
• Check the Texas Boating Laws.
• See how to register your boat in Texas.
• Click here to submit feedback or queries to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.