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

Boaters are required to submit to boat inspections by officials. In Texas, officials are game wardens or other peace officers certified by the TPWD.

In the event of an accident involving death, injury, or property damage in excess of $500, boaters are required to report it to authorities. Failure to report incidents is punishable by law. A boating accident report form is available for Texas here.

Any boater involved in an incident is required by law to stop and offer assistance. Exceptions may be made if there is imminent danger to anyone on board or if the boat may suffer jeopardy. Failure to render aid may be a Felony depending on the extent of injury and circumstances.

Boat Operations

1. Always maintain a safe speed to allow for deceleration.

2. Observe wake signs and watch your wake around other boaters, swimmers, and towed craft.

3. Never circle other crafts, fishermen, or swimmers.

4. Do not tie off to buoys, beacons, light markers, stakes, and flags providing for safe boating. It is unlawful to tamper with the same.

5. Do not anchor in channels that may interfere with traffic.

6. Do not operate in restricted areas.

7. Do not water ski, tube, or the like within ½ hour of sunrise or sunset unless in competition and under adequate lighting.

8. Do not boat under the influence. The laws are tightening on this. The legal limit is .08 and your vehicle driver’s license is at stake along with other fines and/or jail time.

9. Do not endanger others. Excessive towing speeds, operating speeds, and a disregard for others is punishable by fine, jail, or both.

10. Do not dive or swim within 200 ft of excursion or sight seeing vessels, unless performing repairs.

11. Observe “Diver Down Flag” and approach at headway or steerage speed only.

12. Always comply with U.S. Coast Guard navigation rules.

For more boating tips and safe practices see my articles: Boat Ramp Manners and Boating Checklist. Individual state boating laws may vary, you may check here for laws by state. Always be aware when it comes to operating your boat. Practice safe habits for the enjoyment of all.

Reference:

• www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/