TEXAS GAME WARDENS – Since 1895, Texas Game Wardens have continued to serve the citizens of Texas by providing professional law enforcement, search and rescue, and water safety while working to conserve and protect the natural resource of Texas.
Operation of Personal Watercraft
Personal watercraft (PWC) is defined as a type of motorboat which is specifically designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling ON the vessel rather than INSIDE the vessel. The term PWC includes jet skis, wet bikes, etc.
Required Safety Equipment for Personal Watercraft
Any person being towed by a PWC is considered an occupant of the PWC and is required to wear a life jacket.
Operational Rules for Personal Watercraft
All operational rules for regular motorboats also apply to PWC. In addition to those requirements, it is unlawful for any person to:
- Operate PWC at night (sunset until sunrise).
- Operate PWC within 50 feet of another PWC, motorboat, vessel, platform, person, object, or shore except at headway speed without creating a swell or wake. Headway speed is a slow, idle speed, or speed only fast enough to maintain steerage.
- Operate a PWC and jump the wake of another vessel recklessly or unnecessarily close.
Note: Children under 13 are specifically prohibited from operating a PWC unless accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age who can lawfully operate the PWC.
Mandatory Boater Education
Boater Education training is recommended for all boat operators and required for those born on or after September 1, 1993.
Successful completion of a TPWD-certified boater education course and possession of a valid photo I.D. are required for any person born on or after September 1, 1993 to operate:
- a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower; or
- a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
No person may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or motorboat powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower on public waters unless the person is at least 13 years of age and has successfully completed a Boater Education Course or is supervised by another person who:
- is at least 18 years of age
- can lawfully operate the motorboat
- is on board the motorboat when under way
Proof of completion of the requirements to obtain a vessel operator’s license issued by the USCG satisfies the requirement for completing a boater education course in this state.
A person guilty of one of the following (operating) violations, shall be required to successfully complete an approved boater education course and pay a fine. Failure to complete the boater education course within 90 days will result in the person committing an offense that is a Parks and Wildlife Class A misdemeanor.
- any personal watercraft (operating) violation
- reckless or negligent operation
- excessive speed
- reckless operation and excessive speed
- hazardous wake or wash
- circular course around any swimmer or occupant of a vessel engaged in water activities
- interference with markers or ramps
- obstructing passage
- operating boats in restricted areas
- operating vessels in scuba diving or snorkeling areas
- skiing during illegal hours
- skiing in a manner that endangers life or property
Boater education courses from other states are acceptable if approved by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators).
Required Safety Equipment
Operating vessels without required equipment is prohibited. No person may operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel that is not provided with the required safety equipment.
Game Wardens and other peace officers certified as marine safety enforcement officers by TPWD may stop, board, and inspect any vessel to determine compliance and ensure the safety of boat owners and passengers.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Fit and Size
Proper size is important when selecting a PFD. A PFD that is too small may not keep you afloat, and one that is too large may fall off on impact if you were suddenly thrown into the water.
PFDs should be snug around the torso. When lifting on the shoulder straps, they should not come past the bottom of the ears. PFDs are sized by weight and chest size. Try on a PFD before purchasing it to assure a proper fit.
Types of PFDs
Personal flotation devices (PFDs), or life jackets, come in several types and styles. Refer to the US Coast Guard label on the inside of each PFD for instructions and allowable use requirements for each PFD type.
Type I – Off-Shore Life Jacket
Type I PFDs are best for open, rough, or remote water where rescue may be slow in coming.
Minimum Buoyancy – Adult: 22 lbs.
Advantages – Floats you best; Turns most unconscious wearers face-up in the water; Highly visible color.
Disadvantages – Bulky
Type II – Near-Shore Buoyant Vest
Good for calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue.
Minimum Buoyancy – Adult: 15.5 lbs.
Advantages – Turns some unconscious wearers face-up in water. Less bulky, more comfortable than Type I PFD. Inexpensive.
Disadvantages – Not for long hours in the water. Will not turn some unconscious wearers face-up in water.
Type III – Flotation Aid
Good for calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue.
Minimum Buoyancy – Adult: 15.5 lbs.
Advantages – Generally the most comfortable Type for continuous wear. Freedom of movement for many active water sports. Available in many styles.
Disadvantages – Wearer may have to tilt head back to avoid going face-down. In rough water, a wearer’s face may often be covered by waves. Not for extended survival in rough water.
Type IV – Throwable Device
For calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always nearby.
Advantages – Can be thrown to someone. Good back-up to wearable PFDs. Some can be used as a seat cushion.
Disadvantages – Not for unconscious persons. Not for non-swimmers or children. Not for many hours in rough water.
Type V – Hybrid Device
Required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD.
Advantages – Least bulky of all Types. High flotation when inflated. Good for continuous wear.
Disadvantages – May not adequately float some wearers unless partially inflated. Requires active use and care of inflation chamber.
Fire Extinguisher Requirements and Types
Check fire extinguishers annually to assure that they are properly charged. All fire extinguishers must be readily accessible. They also must be in condition for immediate and effective use at all times.
Safety Requirements
Fire extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats that are:
- less than 26 feet in length,
- of open construction, AND
- not carrying passengers for hire are not required to carry fire extinguishers.
However, a fire extinguisher is required if one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored
- Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material
- Closed living spaces
- Closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored
- Permanently installed fuel tanks
- Inboard engines
US Coast Guard-approved Types
U.S. Coast Guard approved extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label: “Marine Type USCG approved, Size …. Type ::::, 162.028/…/”
Fire Extinguishers Approved for Motorboats
Fire extinguishers approved for motorboats are hand-portable and of either B or BC type classification. B type can extinguish for gasoline, oil, and grease fires. BC type can extinguish electrical fires in addition to gasoline, oil, and grease fires.
| Classification (Type-size) | Foam (min. gallons) | Dry Carbon-Dioxide (min. pounds) | Dry Chemical (min. pounds) | Halon (min. pounds) |
| B-1 | 1¼ gal. | 4 lbs | 2 lbs | 2½ lbs |
| B-2 | 2½ gal. | 15 lbs | 10 lbs | 10 lbs |
Number and Type of Fire Extinguishers Required
The number of approved fire extinguishers required depends upon:
- the class of the motorboat, and
- the presence of a fixed (built-in) fire extinguishing system of an approved type.
Information about approved fixed fire extinguishing systems can be found in §25.30-15 of the Water Safety Act PDF.
When the engine compartment of a motorboat is equipped with a fixed extinguishing system, one less B-1 extinguisher is required.
| Vessel Length | Without Fixed Extinguishing System in Machinery Space | With Fixed Extinguishing System in Machinery Space |
| less than 26 feet | One B-1 | None |
| 26 feet to less than 40 feet | Two B-1 OR One B-2 | One B-1 |
| 40 feet to 65 feet | Three B-1 OR One B-1 and One B-2 | Two B-1 OR One B-2 |
Powerboats 16 Feet but Less Than 26 Feet In Length: Required Safety Equipment
Title and Registration Numbers
Title and registration numbers are required.
Personal Flotation Devices
One US Coast Guard approved wearable device is required for each person on board. One US Coast Guard approved throwable device (Type IV) is required on board and readily accessible. Inflatable PFDs are authorized only when used according to the instructions on US Coast Guard approval labels.
Passengers under 13 years of age must wear a Type I, II, or III wearable PFD while the vessel is underway. Underway means not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.
Each wearable PFD should be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, and of the appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable devices should also be approved for the activity taking place and used according to the instructions on its label.
Fire Extinguishers
One US Coast Guard approved type B-1 marine-grade fire extinguisher is required except for on outboard motorboats that are:
- less than 26 feet in length,
- of “open construction”, and
- with no permanently mounted gas tanks.
If a vessel has a fixed fire extinguishing system, that will affect the number and type of fire extinguishers required.
The fire extinguisher must:
- Be readily accessible.
- Be in condition for immediate and effective use at all times.
Visual Distress Signals
Visual distress signals that are US Coast Guard-approved for day and night use are required if operating in coastal waters of the state. Visual distress signals must be readily accessible, in working condition, and unexpired (if expiration date is shown).
Sound-Producing Device
One whistle, horn or other sound-producing device capable of producing an efficient sound to signal intentions and position in periods of reduced visibility.
Lights
US Coast Guard-approved red and green side lights and a white all-around light are required when not at dock. White lights shall be visible at a distance of at least two (2) miles. Colored lights shall be visible at a distance of at least one (1) mile. “Visible” when applied to lights means visible on dark nights with clear atmosphere.
The required navigation lights must be equipped as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.
US Coast Guard-approved lights must be:
- serviceable,
- displayed from sunset to sunrise in all weather,
- displayed during restricted visibility, and
- visible all around the horizon.
Any other lights on the vessel:
- must not be exhibited in a way that may be mistaken for navigation lights;
- must not impair the visibility or distinctive characteristics of navigation lights; and
- must not interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout.
Ventilation
Ventilation systems are required of all vessels using liquid fuel that is volatile. Vessels that are of “open construction” are exempt. More information about ventilation requirements can be found in the Water Safety Act booklet.
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Backfire flame arrestors are required for gasoline engines installed in a vessel after April 25, 1940. Outboard motors are an exception to this requirement.
An acceptable means of backfire flame control must be suitably attached to the air intake with a flame tight connection. The device must be US Coast Guard-approved or comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards and be marked accordingly.
Exhaust Water Manifold
A motorboat must have an exhaust water manifold or a factory-type muffler installed on the engine.
Engine Cut-Off Switch Lanyard
An engine cut-off switch (ECOS) is an emergency switch installed on a motorboat that is designed to shut off the engine. The motorboat operator wears a lanyard attachment that will activate the ECOS if the operator falls overboard or moves beyond the length of the lanyard. The operator or passenger may also wear a wireless attachment that will activate the ECOS if the operator or passenger fall overboard and submerge the water-activated man-overboard wireless transmitter.
If a vessel is equipped, the cut-off switch, lanyard, or wireless device must be attached to operator, operator’s clothing, or operator’s PFD. It must be worn by the operator when a motorboat is at greater than headway speed. Headway speed means slow, idle speed or speed only fast enough to maintain steerage without creating a swell or wake. The operator must also verify that the ECOS system is fully functioning prior to operating the vessel on public water.
Texas law does not require the retrofitting of any vessel that has not come equipped with an ECOS. This does not allow for the removal of an ECOS from a vessel that was originally equipped.
Mirrors
A rearview mirror no less than four inches in width and height is required when towing a person.
A mirror is not required when towing a person if an observer is present who is:
- on board the motorboat,
- not the operator of the motorboat,
- 13 years of age or older, and
- acting in the capacity of an observer.
Vessels With No Motor or Sail: Required Safety Equipment
Title and Registration Numbers
Title and registration numbers not required.
Personal Flotation Devices
One US Coast Guard approved wearable device is required for each person on board. Inflatable PFDs are authorized only when used according to the instructions on US Coast Guard approval labels.
Passengers under 13 years of age must wear a Type I, II, or III wearable PFD while the vessel is underway. Underway means not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.
Each wearable PFD should be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, and of the appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable devices should also be approved for the activity taking place and used according to the instructions on its label.
Visual Distress Signals
For vessels under 16 feet in length, visual distress signals that are US Coast Guard-approved for night use are required if operating between sunset and sunrise in coastal waters of the state.
For vessels 16 feet and over in length, visual distress signals that are US Coast Guard-approved for day and night use are required if operating in coastal waters of the state.
Visual distress signals should be readily accessible, in working condition, and unexpired (if expiration date is shown).
Lights
At least one bright light, lantern, or flashlight of white color is required when not at dock. US Coast Guard-approved red and green side lights and a white all-around light may be exhibited.
In vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length, lights should be visible at the following distances. “Visible” when applied to lights means visible on dark nights with clear atmosphere.
- White lights shall be visible at a distance of at least two (2) miles.
- Colored lights shall be visible at a distance of at least one (1) mile.
US Coast Guard-approved lights must be:
- serviceable,
- displayed from sunset to sunrise in all weather,
- displayed during restricted visibility, and
- visible all around the horizon.
Any other lights on the vessel:
- must not be exhibited in a way that may be mistaken for navigation lights;
- must not impair the visibility or distinctive characteristics of navigation lights; and
- must not interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout.
For additional information please contact TPWD Headquarters which are located at:
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 389-4800 | (800) 792-1112