Login

Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course

Texas

Texas PWC & Jet Ski Operating Rules

When operating a PWC in Texas, everyone on or being towed behind the craft must wear a USCG-approved PFD suitable for PWC use, and the operator must attach the engine cut-off switch lanyard. PWCs may not be operated between sunset and sunrise and must maintain a safe distance of at least 50 feet from other vessels, people, platforms, and shore except when traveling at headway speed. Reckless maneuvers such as last-second swerves, close wake-jumping, or disturbing wildlife are prohibited. Finally, the PWC may not exceed its rated passenger or towing capacity.

 

Take a TPWD-Approved Boater Safety Course >>

Related Resources

Texas Rules for Safe PWC Operation

When operating a PWC, operators are responsible for knowing and following the below requirements.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Every operator, passenger or person being towed behind a PWC must wear a USCG–approved PFD designed for PWC use. Look for Type I, II or III PFDs. If it is a newer PFD, ensure the label does not have the PWC icon with a line marked through it.

Some Type V PFDs may be used if specifically designed for PWC use. However, Type 5 PFDs may not be used for children under 90 lbs.

Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS):

For PWCs with a lanyard-type cut-off switch, the operator must attach the lanyard to their person, clothing, or PFD.

Restrictions on Use

It is illegal to operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.

Prohibited Operations

  • Operating a PWC within 50 feet of another boat or PWC, a person, a stationary platform, or a shoreline is prohibited except when maintaining headway speed.

  • Operating a PWC in a manner that requires the operator to swerve at the last possible moment to avoid a collision is not allowed.

  • Jumping the wake of another vessel recklessly or unnecessarily close to that vessel with a PWC is prohibited.

  • Chasing, harassing, or disturbing wildlife with a PWC is illegal.

Capacity

PWCs have capacity limits. It must be rated for the total number of passengers, including anyone being towed.

Picture of Recademics

Recademics

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.

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!