Texas Boating Law Enforcement Agencies

Primary Agencies Responsible for Boating Enforcement in Texas

Boating enforcement authority in Texas is not handled by a single agency. Instead, several enforcement bodies share jurisdiction depending on the waterway and circumstances.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) — Game Wardens

Primary enforcement entity for recreational boating in Texas

TPWD Game Wardens are responsible for:

• enforcing the Texas Water Safety Act

• enforcing state boating laws

• conducting vessel stops and inspections

• responding to boating accidents

• enforcing Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) laws

• inspecting safety and required equipment

• issuing citations for violations

Game wardens have full statewide jurisdiction, including inland lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

United States Coast Guard (USCG)

Primary federal enforcement authority

The USCG exercises authority on federally controlled waters, which include:

• coastal waters

• ports and harbors

• navigable bays

• shipping channels

• portions of the Intracoastal Waterway

The USCG enforces federal maritime regulations, including:

• vessel documentation requirements

• navigation rules (COLREGS/INLAND)

• equipment carriage requirements

• pollution and discharge laws

• commercial passenger vessel regulations

USCG boarding officers can stop and inspect vessels without warrant or suspicion under longstanding federal maritime enforcement doctrine.

County Sheriff’s Offices & Local Marine Units

Many Texas counties with major recreational lakes operate marine patrol units. Their focus includes:

• wake and speed zone enforcement

• accident response

• impaired operation enforcement near population centers

• public safety during holidays and events

Local marine patrol officers enforce state boating laws, not federal maritime law.

Municipal Police Departments (Limited Jurisdiction)

Certain cities—especially those adjacent to lakes and coastal areas—operate limited marine patrol units. Their authority is generally restricted to:

• city waterways

• city-owned lakes

• marina and launch facilities

What Authority Do These Agencies Have?

Boating enforcement officers may:

Stop and Board Vessels

Under the Texas Water Safety Act, TPWD game wardens and marine safety enforcement officers may stop and board vessels to:

• inspect required safety equipment

• verify operator compliance

• address observed violations

• investigate accidents

The USCG has similar boarding authority under federal law on navigable waters.

Inspect Safety Equipment

Inspections may include verification of:

• life jackets/PFDs

• throwable devices

• fire extinguishers

• navigation lights

• sound signaling devices

• vessel registration documents

• capacity and loading compliance

• engine cut-off switch (ECOS) use (if applicable)

Enforce Operating Laws

Boaters must comply with:

• speed and wake restrictions

• navigation rules

• no-anchor/regulated zones

• waterway traffic patterns

• restricted areas around dams, ports, and bridges

Investigate Accidents

Agencies can:

• take statements

• collect evidence

• file official reports

• require written accident submissions

• secure scenes in fatality or injury cases

Enforce BWI/DWI Laws

Texas enforces Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) laws similar to vehicle DWI.

Jurisdiction: Where Each Agency Operates

To remove confusion:

Note: “navigable waters of the U.S.” trigger federal maritime jurisdiction.

Complying With Enforcement Officers

Boaters are required to comply with lawful orders from authorized marine officers. Compliance generally includes:

Vessel Stops & Inspections

Operators must allow officers to board and inspect for required equipment and documents. Interference or refusal may result in legal penalties.

Display of Documentation

Operators must produce:

• certificate of number (registration)

• ID if requested

• vessel documentation (if federally documented)

Adherence to Laws

Boaters must follow all applicable:

• state boating laws

• navigation rules

• safety equipment carriage rules

• alcohol and drug laws

Why Boaters Are Stopped in Texas (Common Reasons)

Common stop triggers include:

• missing or improperly displayed registration numbers

• lack of required PFDs

• insufficient lighting after dark

• excessive wake in regulated zones

• suspicion of BWI

• involvement in accident

• safety check during holiday/peak traffic events

Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day) see coordinated enforcement across agencies.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties vary by severity and may include:

• written warnings

• citations and fines

• termination of voyage (ordered off the water)

• vessel impoundment (rare, typically BWI-related)

• arrest (in BWI or felony cases)

Do Enforcement Officers Need a Warrant to Board?

For maritime enforcement, courts have consistently held that warrantless boardings for safety and documentation inspections are permitted for:

• USCG on navigable waters

• state marine officers enforcing safety laws

This is distinct from land-based search requirements.

Working Together: Multi-Agency Coordination

During major events, agencies frequently coordinate:

• enforcement plans

• accident response

• BWI saturation patrols

• search and rescue operations

Joint operations are common on:

• Lake Travis

• Lake Conroe

• Lake Lewisville

• Lake Texoma

• Galveston Bay

Multiple agencies share enforcement authority on Texas waters. Boaters should understand that:

• TPWD is the primary recreational enforcement body

• USCG holds federal authority on navigable/coastal waters

• local law enforcement supplements enforcement on inland waters