Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel
Operators must meet the age and boater education requirements shown below in order to operate any of the following vessels legally in Texas:
- A powerboat powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more or …
- A personal watercraft or …
- A windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
A person less than 13 years of age may operate only if he or she is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 years of age or older.
A person 13 through 17 years of age may operate only if he or she:
- Has passed a boater education course approved by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or …
- Is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 years of age or older.
All persons required to have passed a state-approved boater education course must carry with them on the vessel:
- Photographic identification, such as driver’s license or student I.D. and …
- A boater education certification card issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department upon successful completion of a boater education course.
Non-residents may fulfill the Texas boater education requirement by supplying proof that they have passed another state’s boater education course that is accepted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is NASBLA—approved.
Party Boat Operator Licensing and Inspection Process
As of June 1, 2007, a Party Boat Operator License issued by Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department is required for operators of charter vessels that are operating on inland waters, are carrying more than six passengers, and have a length exceeding 30 feet. The only operators exempt from this requirement are those holding a current USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) License, often referred to as a "6-pack license," or higher level of Captain's license issued by the USCG. Inland charter or party boats must now also have annual inspections and have the annual inspection certificate posted on their boat. For more details on the Party Boat Operator regulations, age and experience requirements, and application process, see the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/partyboat.
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