Yes, if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you need a boating safety certificate to rent and operate a boat in Texas. Learn more below or start your TPWD-Approved course here
If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you need a Boater Education Certificate to rent or operate most boats in Texas.
The certificate is required for motorboats over 15 horsepower, personal watercraft (like jet skis), and sailboats over 14 feet.
You can complete the Texas-approved boater safety course online through Recademics—it’s fast, affordable, and valid for life.
Yes, if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you need a boating safety certificate to rent and operate a boat in Texas. While the state doesn’t require a traditional boating license, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) mandates that most operators complete an approved boater education course and carry a Boater Education Certificate.
This applies to anyone renting or operating:
A boat with more than 15 horsepower
A personal watercraft (PWC), such as a jet ski or Sea-Doo
A sailboat over 14 feet in length
Renting doesn’t exempt you from the law. If you’re operating the boat—whether you own it or not—the same requirements apply. Boat rental companies in Texas will often ask to see your Boater Education Certificate before allowing you to drive the vessel.
So if you’re planning to rent a fishing boat, pontoon, or jet ski, make sure you’re certified before you show up at the dock.
Yes, there are a few exceptions to the boater education requirement:
Supervised Operation: You don’t need a certificate if someone 18 or older with their own valid certificate is on board and can take immediate control of the vessel.
Guided Rentals: If your rental comes with a licensed captain or operator, you’re not the one piloting, so no certificate is required.
Still, completing a boater education course is highly recommended, even if you qualify for an exemption. It prepares you for safe, confident boating in Texas waters.
Getting certified is easy and affordable—and your certificate is valid for life.
You can complete the course online at your own pace. It usually takes 3 hours and covers everything from boating laws and navigation rules to emergency preparedness and environmental safety.
At Recademics, we offer a Texas Parks and Wildlife-approved Boater Education Course that’s engaging with lots of video, mobile-friendly, and built to help you succeed.
TPWD and NASBLA approved
100% online and self-paced
Interactive videos and quizzes
Instant certificate upon completion
Lifetime valid—never expires
Just $29.99 + $10 TPWD fee
Start your Texas Boater Education Course now
If you were born after September 1, 1993, you must have a Boater Education Certificate to rent or operate most boats in Texas. Fortunately, getting certified is quick, convenient, and could make all the difference in ensuring a safe and fun day on the water.
Don’t let paperwork slow down your plans. Get certified today and enjoy Texas boating the right way.
Click here to take the official Recademics Texas boating course
