Online Texas Boater
Safety Course
Get your official Texas Boater Education Card with a convenient, affordable online course. $29.99 + $10 TPWD Fee
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.
Website: tpwd.texas.gov
Address: 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744
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 (commonly referred to as the Texas Boating License).
Who Needs This 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
- Texas Boating License Guide
- Boating Laws in Texas
- BUI Laws in Texas
- Texas Life Jacket Laws
The Pathway to Safe and Certified Boating
Register
5 Minutes
Complete the Course
3 Hours
Instant Certificate
1 Minutes
Go Boating
Instantly
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What Is In The Texas Boating Course?
This section provides an overview of boating safety fundamentals, including why safety is critical, basic rules, and how to stay safe on the water. Perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher.
Learn key boating terms and phrases to communicate effectively on the water. This section ensures you understand the language of boating, from parts of a boat to navigation terms.
Discover the essential equipment required for safe boating, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and more. This section ensures you’re fully prepared and compliant with safety regulations.
Get step-by-step guidance on planning your boating trip, from checking the weather to inspecting your boat and packing the right gear. Preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience.
Learn how to handle emergencies on the water, including man-overboard situations, engine failure, and first aid. This section equips you with the knowledge to stay calm and act quickly.
Understand the “rules of the road” for boating, including right-of-way, speed limits, and how to avoid collisions. This section ensures you navigate safely and responsibly.
Explore the purpose and use of buoys, markers, and other navigation aids. This section helps you interpret these tools to stay on course and avoid hazards.
Learn how to safely coexist with other water activities like fishing, swimming, and water sports. This section covers etiquette and safety tips for shared waterways.
certifiedboater course features
Instant 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.
Texas Boating Course FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
The cost can vary depending on the course you choose. Most TPWD-approved courses are $35 – $60. The certifiedboater course for Texas is $29.99 and has a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you get your money back.
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.
Yes, to receive a Texas Boating Safety Education I.D. Card, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course.
The Texas Boater Education Card does not expire and is valid for life.
Yes, most course providers in Texas allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. certifiedboater 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.
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.
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.
Select the State to view resources
Alabama
Course approved by the Alabama Department of Natural Resources
Alaska
Course approved by the Alaska Office of Boating
Arizona
Course approved by the Arizona Game & Fish Department
New Hampshire
Official New Hampshire Marine Patrol boating license course
Colorado
Course approved by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Connecticut
Course approved by the Connecticut Dept of Energy & Environment
Delaware
Course approved by the Dept of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
Arkansas
Official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating license course
