Texas Boating Rules and Regulations

Boating is fun as long as you follow the rules, act responsibly, and are safety conscious. Boat safety is job one. For your convenience, here are links to the boating regulations by state.

In Texas, boaters are required to take boater education courses if you were born on or after September 1, 1984. According to the Texas Water Safety Act, you may be exempt if you are 18 years of age or older, are accompanied by an adult 18 years or older who is exempt from the course, or you carry a valid operator's license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Safety Equipment

Approved personal flotation devices (PFD) of the appropriate number, size for wearer, and stored within reach for all passengers. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a PFD while the boat is in motion.

Boats 39.4 ft or less are required to carry a noise making device, a whistle or horn. Boats 39.4 ft or more must have a noise making device and a warning bell.

If you are on the water to have fun skiing, boogie boarding, or tubing with any tow-able device, you are required to have an observer on board over the age of 13. If you do not, you are required to have an operational rear view mirror.

Night boating from sunset to sunrise is acceptable as long as you have proper lighting. All crafts must display at least one bright light when not at dock. Certain vessels are required to display red and green navigation lights. Ensure that your boat is in compliance per the regulations.

Fire extinguishers are required on all boats with inboard motors. Boats having any of these conditions also must carry a fire extinguisher:

If the boat is double hulled and the space is not occupied by flotation insulation.
If the craft has closed living quarters or a cuddy.
If your vessel uses permanent fuel tanks or carries portable fuel storage under closed conditions.

B or BC class extinguishers are acceptable. Boaters should check the number of extinguishers they should carry for their boat according to their state.

All motorboats must have either an exhaust water manifold or a factory muffler.

Boating Regulations