Required Boating Safety Equipment in Texas

Texas adopts the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) safety equipment carriage requirements for recreational vessels operating on state waters. Boat operators are legally responsible for ensuring that the required safety equipment is present, in good working condition, and accessible.

Equipment requirements vary depending on the type of vessel, length, and propulsion (motorized vs non-motorized). The following summarizes the major categories.

Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)

All vessels must carry one USCG-approved wearable PFD (Type I, II, III, or V) for each person on board.

Additional rules that apply in Texas:

• Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved PFD while underway on vessels less than 26 feet in length (Texas Parks & Wildlife enforcement; aligns with USCG rule adopted by Texas)

• Type V devices must be worn to be considered compliant

• PFDs must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and appropriately sized

Throwable Device Requirement (Type IV):

Vessels 16 feet or longer (except canoes/kayaks) must carry one Type IV throwable PFD (e.g., cushion or ring buoy).

Read: Texas Life Jacket Laws

Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

Texas follows the USCG distinction between inland and coastal waters:

• Coastal waters (e.g., Gulf Coast, bays, coastal waterways):
  VDS required at night for all vessels and day & night for certain vessel types depending on size and use.

• Inland lakes and reservoirs:
  VDS are not required by Texas, but are recommended for emergency signaling.

Exception categories (consistent with USCG rules):

• Manually propelled vessels (canoe/kayak) on protected waters have no VDS carriage requirement at night unless operating on coastal waters.

Navigation Lights

Navigation lights must meet USCG COLREGS/INLAND lighting requirements and be displayed:

• From sunset to sunrise

• During periods of restricted visibility

Configuration varies by vessel length and propulsion. Running lights and anchor lights are the minimum for most motorized vessels; paddled/sail-only vessels have separate configurations defined by USCG rules.

Sound-Producing Devices

All vessels must carry a sound-producing device capable of signaling intentions and warning of danger.

• Whistle or horn is acceptable on most recreational vessels

• Vessels ≥ 39.4 feet (12 meters) must also carry a bell in accordance with USCG rules

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher requirements apply to vessels with spaces where fuel vapors can accumulate.

A USCG-approved B-type portable extinguisher is required if any of the following apply:

• Vessel has inboard engine

• Vessel has permanently installed fuel tanks

• Vessel has closed living spaces

• Vessel has closed stowage compartments that may trap vapors

Ventilation Systems

Ventilation is required on vessels equipped with gasoline engines in enclosed spaces. This includes:

• Intake and exhaust ducts for natural ventilation, or

• Powered exhaust blowers for mechanical ventilation

Ventilation reduces the risk of explosion from gasoline vapors.

Backfire Flame Control

All gasoline-powered engines installed on motorboats after April 25, 1940 must be equipped with an approved backfire flame arrestor (or equivalent air induction system) to prevent propane/air mixture ignition.

Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)

Texas enforces ECOS laws consistent with USCG:

• Applies to vessels < 26 feet equipped with an ECOS

• Must be worn by the operator when operating above displacement/headway speed

• Wireless ECOS devices are acceptable if installed by manufacturer or approved vendor

This requirement applies to most modern outboard-powered runabouts, pontoons, and PWCs.

Capacity Plate Requirements

Most recreational powerboats less than 20 feet in length must display a capacity plate showing:

• Maximum number of persons

• Maximum weight

• Maximum horsepower

Carrying passengers or load in excess of these limits is considered unsafe operation and may result in citation.

Carbon Monoxide Safety (Cabin Vessels)

Cabin vessels, houseboats, and cruisers present elevated carbon monoxide (CO) risks near enclosed spaces and swim platforms. While Texas does not currently require CO detectors on recreational vessels, TPWD and USCG both warn operators to:

• Avoid “station wagon effect” exhaust recirculation

• Keep passengers off swim platforms while engines/generators are running

Where Texas Boating Safety Rules Come From

Texas Parks & Wildlife enforces safety equipment requirements primarily via adoption of USCG carriage rules, plus Texas-specific operator provisions such as:

• Child PFD wear requirements

• ECOS wear requirements

• Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) enforcement

Enforcement

TPWD game wardens and USCG boarding officers may stop any vessel to verify equipment compliance. Failure to carry the required items can result in:

• Citation/fines

• Termination of voyage (ordered off the water)

• Passenger removal in severe safety cases

Checking Specific Requirements by Vessel Type

Texas Parks & Wildlife publishes size- and vessel-specific carriage requirements:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/boating/equipment-and-requirements

Operators should verify requirements for:

• PWCs

• Sailboats

• Outboard runabouts

• Cabin cruisers

• Houseboats

• Manually propelled vessels