Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Overview
Aquatic invasive species like giant salvinia, zebra mussels, and water hyacinth are spreading across Texas lakes and rivers, harming ecosystems, damaging infrastructure, and blocking boating access. To stop their spread, Texas requires boaters to Clean, Drain, and Dry all watercraft and gear before leaving a freshwater body. It is illegal to transport AIS, and boats must be fully drained, including livewells and bait buckets, before traveling. Failure to comply can result in penalties.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) such as giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and zebra mussels pose significant threats to Texas waterways. They disrupt native ecosystems, cost taxpayers millions in damages and control efforts, and hinder recreational activities like fishing and boating by blocking access and damaging equipment.
Texas has adopted the Clean, Drain, Dry initiative to combat the spread of these invasive species. Boaters are required to:
CLEAN: Inspect and remove any plants, mussels, and debris from boats, trailers, and gear before leaving the ramp.
DRAIN: Empty all water from boats, motors, bait buckets, and other compartments. Keep the drain plug out until you reach home.
DRY: Allow your boat and gear to dry thoroughly before visiting another lake. If immediate use is necessary, wash everything with high-pressure, hot water.
Texas law mandates the draining of all water from boats and gear before approaching or leaving a public freshwater body to prevent the spread of AIS. It is illegal to transport invasive species or to leave a public water body without draining all water and removing all harmful plants and animals from your boat and trailer. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties.
This fast-growing fern can double in size within a week, blocking access to waterways. To prevent its spread, thoroughly clean and dry your boat and equipment.
These mussels can damage boats and infrastructure and affect water quality. Ensure your boat and gear are completely drained and dried before moving to another water body.
This floating plant can form dense mats, restricting boat access and harming aquatic ecosystems. Remove any visible plants from your boat and trailer before leaving the area.
Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a regulatory one. AIS rules tie directly into Texas boating laws because operators are legally responsible for how they move water, plants, and organisms between lakes. Understanding when you must Clean, Drain, and Dry, what species are prohibited, and how enforcement works is part of operating legally in the state.
These requirements are covered in Texas’s boater education curriculum, alongside other critical regulations like required safety equipment, navigation rules, and Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) laws. For many boaters, taking an approved boater safety course is the most efficient way to learn these obligations and avoid costly mistakes on the water.
Recademics is a nationally recognized provider of outdoor recreation safety education, offering online certification courses for boating, hunter education, bowhunter education, off-highway vehicles (OHV/off-road), snowmobiles, and personal watercraft (PWC). Our courses are built around nationally established standards and regulatory frameworks, with alignment to NASBLA (boater education) and IHEA-USA (hunter and bowhunter education).
We currently have more than 26 state-approved courses issued directly by state agencies across the United States, including approvals in Texas, New York, Florida, California, Georgia, Alabama plus many more & with additional states pending. Every course is developed and maintained by subject-matter specialists, instructional designers, and state-reviewing authorities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and a high-quality learning experience.
Recademics focuses on clear instruction, accuracy, and straightforward pathways to certification for outdoor enthusiasts across multiple disciplines. Our goal is simple: make it easier to get certified, stay compliant, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
