Yes, in Texas, you need a boater’s license (officially referred to as a boater education card) to operate a jet ski, with certain exceptions based on age and circumstances.
Here are the main points regarding the requirements…
- Age Requirements
- Operators at least 13 years of age but under 18 must complete a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)-approved boater education course and have a boater education card to operate a jet ski.
- Operators 18 years and older are not required to have a boater education card, but a boater education course is highly recommended for safety.
- Course Requirements – The boater education course covers essential safety rules, regulations, and practices for operating watercraft, including jet skis. It can be taken online or in a classroom setting and typically includes a final exam.
- Temporary Boater Education Deferral
- If you are 18 or older, you can obtain a 15-day temporary boater education deferral from TPWD, which allows you to operate a jet ski while waiting to complete the boater education course.
- This deferral is available only once and is non-renewable.
- Reciprocity – Texas recognizes boater education cards from other states that meet the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) standards. If you have a valid boater’s education card from another state, it may be accepted in Texas.
- Exemptions – Certain individuals, such as those born before September 1, 1993, and persons operating a boat on private waters, may be exempt from the boater education requirements.
Check the latest regulations from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or consult their official website, as boating laws and requirements can be updated. A boater education course can enhance your safety and enjoyment while operating a jet ski, even if not legally required.
