Three Questions to See If the Rule Applies to You
If not, the Texas mandatory boater education law doesn’t apply to you. If so, keep going.
The rule covers motorboats with more than 15 horsepower, sailboats and other wind-powered vessels over 14 feet, and personal watercraft like jet skis.
Operators can be exempt when someone 18 or older, who is certified or exempt themselves, is physically on the vessel while it’s underway.
Answered yes, yes, and no? Then Texas Parks and Wildlife requires you to complete an approved boater education course and carry your certificate along with a photo ID whenever you’re at the helm.
A Few Details People Miss
- Operators must be at least 13 to run a jet ski or a boat over 15 horsepower alone
- Younger operators need a qualified adult on board, not watching from the dock
- Adults 18 and older can buy a one-time 15-day deferral in place of the course
Where Insurance Comes In
Handing the wheel to a guest on Lavon or Lewisville is common. If that person isn’t legally allowed to operate the vessel, any incident that follows can raise extra questions during a claim. Many policies also ask who regularly drives the boat, so keeping that list accurate matters. Parker Preferred Insurance encourages McKinney boat owners to confirm every regular operator meets the requirement before the season gets busy.
For more background, see our boat insurance FAQs. To review who’s listed on your policy and how your watercraft coverage is set up, reach out through Parker Preferred Insurance in McKinney, TX.
