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According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, must complete boater education training. While it’s not required for those born before that date, it’s recommended to take the training.
Completion of this training allows a user to operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
Texas Parks and Wildlife says people convicted of certain boating violations must complete an approved boater education course and pay a fine.
Those violations include:
Game wardens and marine safety officers can stop boats to check for required safety equipment. Failing to carry required gear can result in a citation.
In the boat, you must have:
Yes. Texas’ open container law for motor vehicles does not apply to boats, so passengers may legally possess open alcoholic beverages while on the water.
However, operating a motorized boat while intoxicated is illegal under Texas law.
Yes. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, a person arrested for operating a watercraft with an engine rated at 50 horsepower or more while intoxicated is subject to an automatic driver’s license suspension.
Refusing to provide a breath or blood specimen can also result in a license suspension.