Texas Boating Safety

Safety & Boating Etiquette

Know the rules before you ride. Age requirements, boater education, and safe operation keep everyone safer on Metro DFW lakes.

View Safety Requirements Find an Approved Course

Operator Age & Boater Education Requirements

All operators must meet Texas boating age and education requirements before operating a vessel.

Operators must be at least 13 years old to operate a PWC/Jet Ski, a motorboat over 15 horsepower, or a wind-blown vessel over 14 feet without adult supervision.
Anyone under 13 years old must be accompanied on board by a qualified adult who is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to operate the vessel.
Operators born on or after September 1, 1993 must have a valid Texas-approved Boater Education Certificate when required by law.
A valid photo ID and proof of boater education certification may be required before operation.

Need a Texas Boater Education Certificate?

Texas-approved online boater education courses are available through Texas Parks & Wildlife and other approved providers. Choose a course below to get started.

Texas Basic Boating Safety Course

This boating safety course is designed to efficiently teach you the key concepts of safe recreational boating, while engaging in a simulated five-day boating excursion.

Each “day” includes instruction, activities, and knowledge reviews, ending the experience with a final exam that includes both national and state specific questions.

After completing the exam with a passing score, you will be able to print your certificate of completion. The state of Texas no longer issues hard plastic cards. You will receive an emailed electronic copy from the state upon completion within 7 days. After that time, you may also look up your certificate directly through the TPW website.

Start Texas Boating Safety Course

Signup by selecting your state on the BoatUS Foundation course site.

Official Texas agency Official Texas State Boater Education Online Courses

Prefer a different provider? This is another approved option from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Browse the full official list of online boater education courses and choose the one that works best for you.

View official TPWD courses →

Boating Safety & Etiquette Video

Before heading out on the water, we encourage all customers to watch this Texas Parks & Wildlife boating safety video. It explains why boater education, safe operation, and responsible boating are important for everyone on Texas lakes and waterways.

Safety steps are required before booking. Complete your profile, waivers, and any required boating education before you reserve your rental.

Watch Safety Video

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