Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Official Texas Boater Safety Course Online

Get your official Texas Boater Education Card by taking this official online course. $29.99 + $10 TPWD Fee

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Official Texas Boater Safety Course Online

Get your official Texas Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $29.99 + $10 TPWD Fee

Recademics.com is an official delegated provider of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Trusted by Boaters Coast to Coast

Official Course Approved By the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

This course has been designed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for the Texas Boater Education Card.

Who Needs This Boating Course?

It’s the law in Texas! In Texas, if you were born on or after 9/1/1993 you must complete a boating safety course.

You must be at least 12 years old to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Texas to take this online course.

Helpful Resources

Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by TPWD and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this Texas boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local Texas boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boater Education Card

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Engaging course with top-notch material. Highly recommend for certification!

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Officially amazed by Recademics! Easy to understand material and quick certification process.

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How to Get the Texas Boating Certificate

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course & Pass the Test

3-6 Hours

Download Your Instant Certification!

1 Minute

Go Boating!

Instantly

Texas Boating License Requirements

In Texas, what most people call a “boating license” is actually a
Texas Boater Education Certificate. Texas doesn’t issue a driver’s-license-style
boating credential—this certificate is the legal proof that you completed a
TPWD-approved boater safety course and are allowed to operate certain vessels.

Who needs a boating license in Texas?

Texas requires boater education for many operators. If you were born on or after
September 1, 1993, you must complete a TPWD-approved boater education course to legally
operate qualifying vessels on public waters whether you own the boat or are
renting one.

Texas Mandatory Boater Education Requirement (TPWD)

“Boater education training is required for those born on or after September 1, 1993.”

According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, anyone born on or after
September 1, 1993 must complete a TPWD-approved boater education course to operate
qualifying motorboats and wind-powered vessels in Texas.

Source: TPWD – Mandatory Boater Education Requirements

Vessel types that require boater education

In Texas, boater education requirements are tied to your birthdate and the type of vessel you operate.
Here’s a quick reference for operators who fall under the Texas age rule (born on or after September 1, 1993).

Vessel type	Boater education required?
Personal Watercraft (PWC / Jet Ski)	Yes
Motorboat over 15 horsepower	Yes
Sailboat over 14 ft (wind-blown vessel)	Yes
Motorboat 15 horsepower or less	No
Canoe / Kayak / Paddleboard (SUP)	No
Rowboat / Jon Boat (no motor or ≤15hp)	No
Non-motorized sailcraft under 14 ft	No

Note: If you fall under Texas’ mandatory education age rule, you must complete a TPWD-approved boater safety course
and carry proof of certification when operating a vessel that requires it.

Exemptions

Texas provides several exemptions or alternatives that may apply depending on your situation. Common examples include:

Supervised operation: in some cases, operation may be allowed when supervised by a qualified adult on board.
U.S. Coast Guard credential option: certain USCG credentials may satisfy the requirement.
Out-of-state course acceptance: Texas often recognizes other states’ boater education proof for visitors.

Exemptions can be narrow and fact-specific. Confirm your scenario before relying on an exemption.
For deeper detail:
Texas boating license exemptions.

How to get a Texas boating license

Take a TPWD-approved boater education course.
Complete the course and pass the final exam.
Download/receive your proof of certification and keep it available whenever you operate.

How long does it take, and what does it cost?

Time: Most people finish in about 3–8 hours depending on pace.
Minimum time requirement: Texas-approved courses typically require at least 3 hours of instruction.
Cost: Course fees vary by provider; Texas also charges a state certification fee.

Who can operate a boat in Texas?

Texas operator rules depend on age, education, and supervision. As a practical baseline, many operators can operate
independently starting at age 13 after completing an approved course, while younger operators generally require
qualified supervision. See the full breakdown here:
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Texas?.

Out-of-state boaters & reciprocity

Visiting Texas? Texas often recognizes boater education proof from other states. Carry your out-of-state certificate
(and identification) while operating.

Penalties for operating without the required boater education

Operating without the required boater education proof can lead to enforcement actions and citations. If you’re unsure
whether you’re required to have boater education, confirm before you operate.

More Texas Boating Information & Laws
Licensing, laws, jet skis, FAQs & more

Boating License & Certification

Boating Course & Test Prep

Jet Ski & PWC Laws

Boating Laws & Safety Rules

Education FAQs & Edge Cases

Other Texas Boating

See How Recademics Stacks Up Against The Rest

Texas-Approved

Video

Interactive

Customer Support

Price

$ 44

Yes
Some
No
Mostly Self-Service

$ 39

Yes
Some
No
Yes

$ 54

Yes
No
Yes
Mostly Self-Service

TPWD requires all providers to collect a state fee of $ 10 in addition to the course fees listed here.

What Is In The Texas Boating Course?

Boating Terminology

Define and demonstrate knowledge of common nautical terms across all types of boating including vessel, port, starboard, bow, stern, stand-on, and give-way.

Boat Types and Characteristics

Understand various boat types and their limitations, calculate a boat’s capacity with or without a capacity plate, and explain proper loading techniques and gear securing on a boat.

Required Equipment

The essential equipment for safe boating, including flotation devices, required lights, sound signals and visual distress signals

Trip Planning and Preparation

Master thorough boat trip planning and safety, including regulations, weather, readiness, hazard recognition, float plans, maintenance, and decision-making.

Safe Boat Operation

Master safe boat operation, covering responsibilities, accident reporting, basic seamanship, and the dangers of boating under the influence.

Navigation

Learn navigation rules and responsibilities, understand homeland security measures, identify navigation aids, and recognize marker types and purposes.

Boating Emergencies

Learn emergency response, including assisting distressed individuals or boats, post-incident procedures, handling environmental stressors, storm response, carrying emergency devices, and effective communication with vessels and emergency hailing.

Texas Boating Laws and Regulations

Learn Texas boating laws, focusing on rules, registration, and safety. This knowledge is essential for responsible and enjoyable boating while preserving Texas waterways.

Recademics Course Features

Official
Certification

Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.

Affordable &
Aboveboard

Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!

Safety with a
Splash of Fun

This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click.

Live
Support

Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.

Boating in Texas

Texas offers a diverse range of boating experiences with over 7,000 lakes and reservoirs and 367 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Popular spots include Lake Travis, Lake Texoma, and the Texas Gulf Coast, where you can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports. The state’s warm climate makes it a year-round boating destination. To fully enjoy these opportunities, Texas requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, ensuring safe and responsible boating on its waters.

Texas Boating Course FAQs

What is the Texas boater safety course?

A Texas TPWD-approved boater safety course is designed to teach the fundamentals of safe boating. It covers navigation rules, federal and Texas boating laws, safety equipment, and responsible boating practices. The course aims to reduce boating incidents on Texas waterways.

Who needs to take the Texas boating course?

In Texas, if you were born on or after 9/1/1993 you must complete a boating safety course..

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department encourages all boaters get the Boater Education Card to stay familiar with Texas laws and regulations.

Is the Boater Education Card good in all states?

All states and Canada recognize the Texas Boater Education Card received from courses that are NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved. This is known as Reciprocity.

How Long is the Texas online boating course?

The Texas boating course typically takes 3-6 hours if taken online. The online format allows Texas users to complete it at their own pace, starting and stopping as needed. Set aside a weekend for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department sanctioned in-person courses.

What is the cost of the course?

The cost can vary depending on the course you choose. Most TPWD-approved courses are $35 – $60. The Recademics course for Texas is $29.99 and has a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you get your money back.

Can I take the Texas boater safety course online?

Yes, most states offer the option to take the boater safety course online, providing a convenient way to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

Is there an exam at the end of the boater safety course?

Yes, to receive a Texas Boater Education Card, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course.

How do I get my Texas boating certificate after completing the course?

After completing the course and passing the final exam, you will download a temporary TPWD boating certificate which is valid for 60 days. Within 21 days you will be able to download your permanent certification at this link: https://tpwd.elementlms.com/am-i-certified/

Does the boater safety certificate expire?

The Texas Boater Education Card does not expire and is valid for life.

Can I retake the boater safety course if I fail the exam?

Yes, most course providers in Texas allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. Recademics has a pass guarantee. You can retake the Texas boating exam and course for free if you fail the first time or get your money back.

What if I lose my boater safety certificate?

If you lose your Texas Boater Education Card, you should contact the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. There may be a process and fee for issuing a replacement.