Online Texas Boater Safety Course

Get your official Texas Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $29.99 + $10 TPWD Fee

Texas Boater
Safety Course

Get your official Texas Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $29.99 + $10 TPWD Fee

Recademics.com is an official delegated provider of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Official Course Approved By the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

This course has been designed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for the Texas Boater Education Card.

Who Needs This Course?

It’s the law in Texas! In Texas, if you were born on or after 9/1/1993 you must complete a boating safety course.

You must be at least 12 years old to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Texas to take this online course.

Helpful Resources

Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by TPWD and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this Texas boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local Texas boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boater Education Card

Recademics made getting my certification easy and fast. Officially the best course out there!

Becca M.

Engaging course with top-notch material. Highly recommend for certification!

Kelly T.

Officially amazed by Recademics! Easy to understand material and quick certification process.

Erin W.

Fast course, got my certification in no time. Recademics is the best!

Lacey R.

Loved Recademics! Easy to navigate and the fastest way to get certified.

Sara K.

Recademics made getting my boating certification easy and fast. Officially the best course out there!

Jared H.

Best boating course out there. Recademics offers thorough and understandable content.

Stephen B.

Great experience! The certification process was smooth and efficient.

Jose R.

Quick and easy certification with Recademics. Definitely the best course I’ve taken.

Erin R.

Recademics made it so easy to get certified fast. Great quality content!

Dennis B.

Fast, easy, and official. Recademics is the best boater education course by far!

Kelly W.

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How It Works

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course & Pass the Test

3-6 Hours

Download Your Instant Certification!

1 Minute

Go Boating!

Instantly

Stay Safe, Stay Legal: What Texas Boaters Need to Know About Safety Courses

Boating is a privilege and a joy for many residents and visitors. However, with this privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring safety and adhering to Texas boating laws. Inexperienced and uneducated boaters cause thousands of boating accidents every year, leading to serious injury and even fatalities. A boating license (certificate) signifies that the operator possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate Texas waters safely. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is responsible for administering the boater education program in Texas and authorizes all classes and online courses.

What is the Texas Boating License (Boater Education Certificate)?

In Texas, what people call a “boating license” is officially named a boating education certificate issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) or a TPWD-delegated provider. This certificate indicates that the holder has successfully completed a state-approved boater education course, demonstrating proficiency in boating safety knowledge and Texas boating regulations.

Why You Need a Boater Education Certificate in Texas

Legal requirements and regulations

In Texas, many boat operators are legally required to have a valid boater education certificate. This mandate ensures that boaters are familiar with state boating laws and can operate their vessels without endangering others.

Ensuring safety on Texas waterways

A boating license is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to the operator’s knowledge of safe boating practices. With thousands of lakes and miles of coastline, Texas sees a significant amount of boating activity. Ensuring every operator is trained reduces accidents and promotes a safer boating environment.

Who Needs a Boater Safety Certificate in Texas?

If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, and want to operate a PWC, a motorboat over 15 hp, or a sailboat over 14 feet in Texas, you must pass a boating safety course and carry the boater education card with you.

How to Get the Texas Boating Certificate (aka Boating License)

Meet Operator Requirements

Ensure you meet the age and residency requirements set by the state.
Age Requirements: Those under 13 cannot operate vessels with over 15 horsepower unless supervised by a certified adult.
Residency Requirements: You do not need to be a resident of Texas to obtain a Texas boating license.

Take a Boater Safety Course

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) authorizes and approves several online boater safety courses, including Recademics. The course covers essential topics like navigation rules, emergency procedures, and Texas-specific regulations.

Pass the Boater Safety Test

After completing the online course content, you’ll need to pass the final exam administered by the online course provider. Successful completion will earn you a certificate, which serves as your “boating license”.

How long will it take to get the Boating Certificate in Texas?

Texas State Law and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) require a minimum time of 3 hours. Most boater safety courses take 4-8 hours to complete. Once you have completed the course, you will be able to download a temporary digital certificate

Benefits of Taking a Boater Safety Course

Access to All Texas Waterways

With a boating license, you can explore the diverse waterways of Texas, from serene lakes to the bustling Gulf Coast.

Reciprocity with Other States

All 50 states recognize the Texas Boating Certificate, allowing you to navigate their waters when visiting.

Increased Knowledge and Safety on the Water

A boater safety course equips you with the knowledge to handle emergencies, understand navigation rules, and operate your vessel responsibly. Most boating accidents and fatalities are caused by operators without boating education.

Texas Boater Safety FAQs and Resources

See How Recademics Stacks Up Against The Rest

Texas-Approved

Video

Interactive

Customer Support

Price

$ 44

Yes
Some
No
Mostly Self-Service

$ 39

Yes
Some
No
Yes

$ 54

Yes
No
Yes
Mostly Self-Service

TPWD requires all providers to collect a state fee of $ 10 in addition to the course fees listed here.

What Is In The Texas Boating Course?

Boating Terminology

Define and demonstrate knowledge of common nautical terms across all types of boating including vessel, port, starboard, bow, stern, stand-on, and give-way.

Boat Types and Characteristics

Understand various boat types and their limitations, calculate a boat’s capacity with or without a capacity plate, and explain proper loading techniques and gear securing on a boat.

Required Equipment

The essential equipment for safe boating, including flotation devices, required lights, sound signals and visual distress signals

Trip Planning and Preparation

Master thorough boat trip planning and safety, including regulations, weather, readiness, hazard recognition, float plans, maintenance, and decision-making.

Safe Boat Operation

Master safe boat operation, covering responsibilities, accident reporting, basic seamanship, and the dangers of boating under the influence.

Navigation

Learn navigation rules and responsibilities, understand homeland security measures, identify navigation aids, and recognize marker types and purposes.

Boating Emergencies

Learn emergency response, including assisting distressed individuals or boats, post-incident procedures, handling environmental stressors, storm response, carrying emergency devices, and effective communication with vessels and emergency hailing.

Texas Boating Laws and Regulations

Learn Texas boating laws, focusing on rules, registration, and safety. This knowledge is essential for responsible and enjoyable boating while preserving Texas waterways.

Recademics Course Features

Official
Certification

Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.

Affordable &
Aboveboard

Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!

Safety with a
Splash of Fun

This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click.

Live
Support

Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.

Boating in Texas

Texas offers a diverse range of boating experiences with over 7,000 lakes and reservoirs and 367 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Popular spots include Lake Travis, Lake Texoma, and the Texas Gulf Coast, where you can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports. The state’s warm climate makes it a year-round boating destination. To fully enjoy these opportunities, Texas requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, ensuring safe and responsible boating on its waters.

Texas Boating Course FAQs

What is the Texas boater safety course?

A Texas TPWD-approved boater safety course is designed to teach the fundamentals of safe boating. It covers navigation rules, federal and Texas boating laws, safety equipment, and responsible boating practices. The course aims to reduce boating incidents on Texas waterways.

Who needs to take the Texas boating course?

In Texas, if you were born on or after 9/1/1993 you must complete a boating safety course..

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department encourages all boaters get the Boater Education Card to stay familiar with Texas laws and regulations.

Is the Boater Education Card good in all states?

All states and Canada recognize the Texas Boater Education Card received from courses that are NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved. This is known as Reciprocity.

How Long is the Texas online boating course?

The Texas boating course typically takes 3-6 hours if taken online. The online format allows Texas users to complete it at their own pace, starting and stopping as needed. Set aside a weekend for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department sanctioned in-person courses.

What is the cost of the course?

The cost can vary depending on the course you choose. Most TPWD-approved courses are $35 – $60. The Recademics course for Texas is $29.99 and has a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you get your money back.

Can I take the Texas boater safety course online?

Yes, most states offer the option to take the boater safety course online, providing a convenient way to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

Is there an exam at the end of the boater safety course?

Yes, to receive a Texas Boater Education Card, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course.

How do I get my Texas boating certificate after completing the course?

After completing the course and passing the final exam, you will download a temporary TPWD boating certificate which is valid for 60 days. Within 21 days you will be able to download your permanent certification at this link: https://tpwd.elementlms.com/am-i-certified/

Does the boater safety certificate expire?

The Texas Boater Education Card does not expire and is valid for life.

Can I retake the boater safety course if I fail the exam?

Yes, most course providers in Texas allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. Recademics has a pass guarantee. You can retake the Texas boating exam and course for free if you fail the first time or get your money back.

What if I lose my boater safety certificate?

If you lose your Texas Boater Education Card, you should contact the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. There may be a process and fee for issuing a replacement.