Boater Education

Enjoy Boating in Texas

Texas has 1.7 million acres of freshwater lakes, 4 million acres of saltwater, 80,000 miles of river and roughly 590,000 recreational water vessels. We want you to boat safely and enjoy time on and around the water! 

Who must take a Boater Education Certification Course?

Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who wishes to operate certain vessels on the public waterways of Texas. See Water Safety Act for details

• Boating courses are taught by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Education and Outreach staff, US Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel, and trained volunteer instructors, as well as teachers, and game wardens.
• With more and more people enjoying the lakes and rivers every year, it's important, for everyone, that boaters educate themselves on boating skills and seamanship.

What course is right for you?

Internet Course: Anyone with access to the Internet can take an approved online course. These courses generally require a username and password.  Internet courses include chapter quizzes and other learning tools to help students absorb the content. 

Classroom Course: Please check out our current course listing. If there's not a course listed in your area, please contact boater.education@tpwd.texas.gov for assistance.

Boater Education Courses

Questions?

To reach a boater education specialist call the TPWD Law Enforcement division at 512-389-4846 and select option 4 in the phone menu.