1. The Legal Requirements of Boating
Chapter Four
The Legal Requirements
of Boating 1

2. Key Topics Numbering and Documentation Hull Identification Number
Age and Education Requirements
Unlawful Operation
Alcohol and Drugs
Obstructing Navigation 2

3. Key Topics (cont.) Homeland Security Personal Flotation Devices
Fire Extinguishers
Flame Arrestors, Ventilation, and Mufflers
Navigation Lights
Sound-Producing Devices
Visual Distress Signals

4. Key Topics (cont.) Other Equipment and Regulations PWC Laws
Laws Relating to Towing Persons
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal
Protecting the Environment
Reporting Accidents
Penalties and Enforcement

5. Objectives know which vessels need to be registered and how to do so.
You should …
know which vessels need to be registered and how to do so.
be able to correctly place the Certificate of Number and validation decal on vessel.
know where to find the HIN number.
know the age and education restrictions for vessel operation. 5

6. Objectives (cont.)
be able to list reckless and illegal behaviors that should be avoided when operating a vessel.
be able to explain dangers of consuming alcohol or drugs while boating, and penalties for doing so.
know the laws pertaining to obstructing navigation.
know you role in keeping waterways safe and secure.

7. Objectives (cont.)
be able to identify classifications and uses of personal flotation devices and state legal requirements.
know legal requirements for fire extinguishers, flame arrestors, ventilation systems, and mufflers.
know legal navigation light requirements.
know legal requirements for visual distress signals and sound producing devices.

8. Objectives (cont.)
know the requirements for other equipment, such as diver-down and skier- down flags.
understand the legal requirements specific to PWCs.
know the legal requirements for towing a skier with a vessel.
understand how to properly dispose of waste, oil, and trash and properly use MSDs.
know when and how to report a boating accident.

9. Registration and Decal
You must have a Texas Certificate of Number and validation decals to operate a vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:
Sailboats under 14 feet long
Non-motorized vessels
Vessels registered in
other states using
Texas waters for 90
days or less. 9

10. Registration and Decal (cont.)
Certificate of Number and validation decals obtained by submitting proper applications, titles, and fees.
Certificate or a copy of it must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever vessel is operated.
If your vessel requires registration, illegal to operate it or allow others to operate it unless it is registered and numbered.

11. Registration and Decal (cont.)
Display number and decals as follows:
Number must be affixed to both sides of bow.
Number shall read from left to right.
Number must be at least 3" high BLOCK letters. 11

12. Registration and Decal (cont.)
Number’s color must contrast with background.
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen.
No other numbers can be displayed on either side of bow.
Decal must be affixed on both sides of bow 3" behind and in line with number.

13. Registration and Titling
Must obtain title for all outboard motors. Battery operated trolling motors are an exception.
Certificate of Number is valid for two years.
Owners must notify Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) within 15 days if:
Address changes
Vessel is abandoned or destroyed
If you lose or destroy Certificate of Number, must apply for duplicate. 13

14. Registration and Titling (cont.)
To apply for Certificate of Number and decal for homemade vessel, must submit, in addition to completed application forms and title fees:
Affidavit regarding origin of vessel and receipts for materials used
Inspection and certification by Texas game warden
Larger recreational vessels, owned by U.S. citizens, may be documented by the USCG.

15. Hull Identification Number
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit or 17-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972. 15

16. Hull Identification Number (cont.)
Hull Identification Numbers:
Distinguish one vessel from another.
Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate attached to the transom.
Should be recorded and put in a safe place other than the vessel. 16

17. Buying and Selling a Vessel
Seller completes appropriate application forms.
Buyer reviews and signs form(s).
If title(s) issued, seller assigns title(s) to purchaser.
Forms must be submitted to TPWD no later than 20 days from date of purchase to avoid penalty.
TPWD will send buyer new title and Certificate of Number in buyer’s name.

18. Who May Operate a Vessel
Operators must meet these age and boater education requirements in order to operate any of the following vessels legally in Texas:
A powerboat powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more or …
A personal watercraft or …
A windblown vessel over 14 feet in length. 18

19. Who May Operate a Vessel (cont.)
A person less than 13 may operate only if he or she is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 or older.
A person 13 through 17 may operate only if he or she:
Has passed a boater education course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or …
Is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 or older.

20. Who May Operate a Vessel (cont.)
All persons required to have passed a state-approved boater education course must carry with them on the vessel:
Photographic identification and …
A boater education certification card issued by TPWD upon successful completion of a boater education course.
Non-residents may fulfill the Texas boater education requirement by supplying proof that they have passed another state’s boater education course that is accepted by TPWD and is approved by NASBLA.

21. Party Boat Operator Licensing (New)
As of June 1, 2007, a Party Boat Operator License issued by the TPWD is required for operators of charter vessels, operating on inland waters, carrying more than six passengers and with a length exceeding 30 feet.
Only exemption is if the operator holds a current USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) License or higher level of Captain’s license issued by the USCG.
Inland charter or party boats must now also have annual inspections and post the annual inspection certificate on their boat.

22. Negligent and Reckless Operation
Negligent or Reckless Operation is failure to exercise care necessary to prevent endangerment of life, limb, or property of any person. Examples are:
Boating in restricted areas clearly marked by buoys or some other manner.
Allowing passengers to ride on bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, seats on raised decks, or any place where there is a chance of falling overboard. 22

23. Negligent / Reckless Operation (cont.)
Operating at speeds that are not reasonable and prudent based on boating traffic, weather conditions, visibility, or other potential hazards. If no limits posted, operate vessel so as not to endanger others and so it can be stopped safely.
Causing damage to person or property with vessel’s wake in posted “No Wake” areas. Operate vessel slowly enough so it does not throw a wake.
Encircling swimmers, divers, or boaters who are fishing, including vessels pulling water- skiers.

24. Alcohol and Drugs
Texas law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI). Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired
judgment, and slower
reaction times.
Alcohol is a major contributor
to boating accidents and
fatalities. 24

25. Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
Operators with a blood alcohol concentration of % or greater are considered intoxicated.

26. Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
Texas law establishes these penalties for BWI.
1st conviction: fine of up to $2,000 and/or jail time of up to 180 days
2nd conviction: fine of up to $4,000 and/or jail time of up to 1 year
3rd conviction: fine of up
to $10,000 and/or jail time
of 2-10 years

27. Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
By operating a vessel on Texas waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs if arrested.
Refusal to submit to testing
may result in suspension of
your vehicle driver’s license
for at least 180 days.

28. Obstructing Navigation
It is illegal to:
Operate in such a way that will interfere with safe navigation of other vessels.
Anchor in traveled portion of river or channel preventing or interfering with any vessel passing through area.
Moor or attach vessel to buoy, beacon, light, or any other navigational aid.
Move, displace, tamper with, damage, or destroy any navigational aid.
Obstruct a pier, wharf, boat ramp, or access to any facility. 28

29. Homeland Security
Do not approach within 100 yards and slow to minimum speed within 500 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel. If you need to pass within 100 yards of a U.S. Naval vessel for safe passage,
must contact the U.S. Naval vessel or
USCG escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16.

30. Homeland Security (cont.)
Observe and avoid all security zones. Avoid commercial port operation areas.
Observe and avoid other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc.
Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in channels.
Watch for anything that looks peculiar or unusual.
Report suspicious activities.

31. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
All vessels must be equipped with USCG– approved life jackets called personal flotation devices or PFDs.
Quantity and type depends on:
Length of vessel
Number of people on board and/or being towed
Each PFD must be:
In good condition and readily accessible
Proper size for the intended wearer
Boat operators should ask everyone to wear a PFD. 31

32. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type I: Offshore Life Jackets
For rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile.
Excellent for flotation— will turn most unconscious persons face up in water. 32

33. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type II: Near-Shore Vests
Good for calm waters and fast rescues.
May lack capacity to turn unconscious wearers face up. 33

34. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type III: Flotation Aids
Good for calm waters and fast rescues.
Will not turn most unconscious persons face up.
Some designed to inflate when you enter water. 34

35. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type IV: Throwable Devices
Cushions or ring buoys designed to be thrown to someone in trouble.
Not for long hours in rough waters, non- swimmers or the unconscious. 35

36. Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type V: Special-Use Devices
Designed for specific activities.
Some designed to inflate when you enter water.
To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label. 36

37. PFD Requirements
All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V wearable USCG–approved PFD for each person on board.
All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition, must be readily accessible, and must be of proper size for the intended wearer.
Texas law requires all children under 13 to wear a USCG–approved PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long. 37

38. PFD Requirements (cont.)
One Type IV throwable USCG–approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer and be readily accessible.
One Type V may be substituted for any other type if specifically approved by USCG for the activity at hand. Type V PFDs may not be used on children weighing less than 90 lbs.
Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a USCG– approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.

39. PFD Requirements (cont.)
An emergency situation (rough water, rapid onset of bad weather, or dangerous boating traffic) can occur suddenly—leaving little or no time to put on life jackets.
Life jackets are very difficult to
put on once you are in the water.
Be a smart boater, and have
everyone on board your vessel
wear their life jackets at all times.

40. Fire Extinguishers
Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol.
Number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher.
Letter indicates type of fire it will extinguish.
Type A:
Type B:
Type C:
fires of combustible solids like wood
fires of flammable liquids like gasoline or oil
electrical fires 40

41. Fire Extinguishers (cont.)
All vessels required to have Type B, USCG–approved fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:
Closed compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored
Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
Closed living spaces
Permanently installed fuel tanks

42. Fire Extinguishers (cont.)
Fire Extinguisher Requirements
Vessels less than 26 feet:
without fixed system: one B-I
with fixed system: none
Vessels 26 feet to less than 40 feet:
without fixed system: two B-I or one B-II
with fixed system: one B-I
Vessels 40 feet to less than 65 feet:
without fixed system: three B-I or one B-II and one B-I
with fixed system: two B-I or one B-II

43. Fire Extinguishers (cont.)
Approved fire extinguishers identified by “Marine Type USCG Approved” on the label, followed by size and type symbols and approval number.
Inspect extinguishers regularly.
Extinguishers should be readily accessible.
Know how to operate them.
On a PWC, fire extinguisher may not be easily accessible—should swim away quickly and use another operator’s extinguisher. 43

44. Backfire Flame Arrestors
Backfire flame arrestors must be:
In good and serviceable
condition
U.S. Coast Guard–approved
(must comply with
SAE J-1928 or UL 1111
standards)
Periodically clean and check for damage. 44

45. Ventilation Systems
The purpose of ventilation systems is to avoid explosions by removing flammable gases. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance of a life-threatening explosion. 45

46. Ventilation Systems (cont.)
All gas-powered vessels that would entrap fumes must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove the fumes.
If vessel is equipped with power ventilation system, turn on for at least 4 minutes after fueling, prior to starting engine.
If vessel not equipped with power ventilation system, open engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting engine.

47. Mufflers
Vessel operators may not hear sound signals or voices if the engine is not adequately muffled.
Motor-driven vessels must have a factory-type muffler or exhaust water manifold installed on the engine or another effective muffling system for noise reduction purposes. 47

48. Navigation Lights When away from dock between sunset and sunrise
Vessel operators must make sure vessels are equipped with proper navigation lights and use them:
When away from dock between sunset and sunrise
During periods of restricted visibility
No other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights may be exhibited.
Blue or red flashing lights restricted to use by law enforcement vessels.
The requirements for navigation lights differ depending on type and size of vessel. 48

49. Navigation Lights (cont.)
Power-Driven Vessels (including sailboats operating under power) less than 65.6 feet long when underway must exhibit:
Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night.
An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night.
The all-round white light (or masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights. 49

50. Navigation Lights (cont.)

51. Navigation Lights (cont.)
Unpowered Vessels less than 65.6 feet long must exhibit when underway:
Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away—
on dark, clear night.
Sternlight visible
from at least two
miles away. 51

52. Navigation Lights (cont.)
When underway, Unpowered Vessels less than 23 feet long should exhibit:
If practical, same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet in length.
If not practical, at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light. 52

53. Navigation Lights (cont.)
When not underway, All Vessels are required to exhibit a white light visible from all directions whenever moored or anchored away from dock between sunset and sunrise. 53

54. Visual Distress Signals
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency.
VDSs are classified as:
Day signals (visible in bright sunlight)
Night signals (visible at night)
Both day and night signals
Pyrotechnic (smoke and flames)
Non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible)
VDSs are either: 54

55. Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
If on federally controlled waters, vessel must be equipped with USCG–approved VDSs.
All vessels required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions are:
VDSs must be USCG–approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.
Recreational vessels less than 16 feet in length
Non-motorized open sailboats less than 26 feet in length
Manually propelled vessels 55

56. Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Day Signal
Day & Night Signal
Day & Night Signal
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Night Signal
Day Signal

57. Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, minimum of three must be on board—must be dated and not used past expiration date. Examples that satisfy USCG requirements are:
Prohibited to display visual distress signals except when assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board.
Three hand-held red flares
One hand-held red flare and two red meteors
One hand-held orange smoke signal, two floating orange smoke signals, and one electric light

58. Sound-Producing Devices
In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound-producing device is essential.
Vessels less than 65.6 feet long, including PWC, required to carry whistle or
horn, or some other means to make efficient sound signal audible for at
least one-half mile.
Vessels 65.6 feet or longer required
to carry a whistle or horn, and a bell
that are audible for at least one-half mile. 58

59. Other Equipment
Diver-Down Flags: Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that marks the diving area as required by the Texas Water Safety Act.
Vessels must stay at least 50 feet from the flag. If they have to approach the diving area, vessel operators must have permission from the person who placed the flag or the vessel displaying the flag.
Outside of 50 feet, vessel operators must operate at headway speed out to a distance of 150 feet away from the flag (except for patrol or rescue craft). 59

60. Other Equipment (cont.)
Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.
A rectangular red flag, at least
15 x 15", with a white diagonal stripe required on state waters.
A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) at least 3.3 feet high and visible from all directions, must be displayed on vessels on federally controlled waters. Flag indicates that vessel is involved in diving activity.

61. Other Equipment (cont.)
Trailers:
Trailers must be registered with county tax assessor.
If gross weight of vessel and trailer exceeds 4,500 lbs., trailer must be equipped with brakes.
Trailers must have proper lighting. Lights must be maintained in operable condition.
All towing vehicles must be connected to trailer by a set of safety chains or cable of sufficient strength to maintain connection under all conditions.

62. Other Equipment (cont.)
VHF Radio: Some vessels equipped with VHF radios required to have Ship Station License issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
As of 1996, most recreational vessels no longer need FCC license if operating domestically.
Recreational vessels still required to carry an FCC Ship Station License are powerboats over 65.6 feet long and vessels traveling internationally.

63. Other Equipment (cont.)
Marine Events: Although no state permit is needed to hold a race or regatta on Texas waters, always notify the controlling lake authority. Events held on federally controlled waters are granted a permit through USCG by applying at least 30 days in advance.
Local Regulations: Local waterways may have specific equipment and operational restrictions. Check for local regulations before boating.

64. Requirements Specific to PWC
PWC operators must obey these laws in addition to all other boating laws.
Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a USCG– approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
If PWC equipped with
lanyard-type ignition safety
switch, lanyard must be
attached to person, clothing,
or PFD of operator. 64

65. Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.)
Illegal to operate between sunset and sunrise.
PWC must maintain distance of at least 50 feet from another boat or PWC, person, stationary platform, or shoreline. Only exception is when PWC is maintaining
headway speed.
PWC should not be
operated in manner that
requires operator to
swerve at last possible
moment to avoid collision.

66. Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.)
PWC should not jump wake of another vessel recklessly or unnecessarily close to that vessel.
PWCs must be rated to
carry the number of
persons on board at
any time.
Illegal to chase, harass,
or disturb wildlife with
PWC.

67. Towing a Person Legally
Vessel operators towing person(s) on water skis, surfboards or similar devices must also obey these rules.
Illegal for operators of
boats to tow skiers,
skiboards, or any device
of this type, between
one-half hour after sunset
and one-half hour before
sunrise.
Illegal for operators of PWC to tow any device between sunset and sunrise.

68. Towing a Person Legally (cont.)
Vessels towing persons on water skis or similar devices must operate in a careful and prudent manner.
Reasonable distance from other vessels, people, and property must be
maintained.
Buzzing or spraying
another vessel or
swimmer is illegal.

69. Towing a Person Legally (cont.)
Every vessel towing person(s) on water skis or similar device must have:
An observer on board, other than operator, 13 or older or …
A rearview mirror no less than 4" from bottom to top and across from side to side. Should be mounted firmly to give operator complete view beyond rear of vessel at all times.

70. Towing a Person Legally (cont.)
PWC Rating Requirements:
PWC must be rated for at least two people when towing a person on water skis or similar device.
If an observer is used,
the PWC must be rated
for three people—the
operator, observer,
and skier.

71. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal
It is Illegal to discharge untreated waste, oil, or trash into any state or federally controlled waters.
Sewage carries disease and is harmful to people, aquatic plants, and animals.
Trash thrown into water can injure swimmers and wildlife and plug engine cooling water intakes.
Pollution is unsightly and takes away from enjoyment of the water.
The Refuse Act prohibits throwing, discharging, or depositing any refuse matter of any kind into U.S. waters. 71

72. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Discharge of Sewage and Waste
It is illegal in Texas to discharge sewage and recreational waste into or adjacent to any Texas waters.
All boats, including houseboats and floating cabins, equipped with a galley or toilet must have a waste-water holding system to prevent the discharge of waste products into surrounding waters.
If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board.

73. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Types I and II MSDs:
Usually found on large vessels.
Waste treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before waste is
discharged.
Have “Y” valves that direct
waste overboard which
must be secured so valve
cannot be opened.

74. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Type III MSDs:
Provide no treatment and are either holding tanks or portable toilets.
Collected waste should be taken ashore and disposed of in a pump- out station or onshore toilet.
Vessels 65 feet or less in length may use a Type I, II, or III MSD. Vessels over 65 feet in length must install a Type II or III MSD.
All installed devices must be USCG–certified.

75. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Discharge of Trash
It is illegal to dump garbage and plastics into federally controlled or state waters—litter can kill birds, fish, and marine mammals.
Store trash in a container on board, then place in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
On federal waters, display a 4"x 9" Garbage Disposal
Placard on any vessel 26 feet or longer to notify passengers and crew
about pollution restrictions. 75

76. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
Illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances.
Illegal to dump oil into bilge of vessel without means for proper disposal.
On recreational vessels,
bucket or bailer is adequate
for temporary storage prior
to disposing the oil waste at
approved facility. 76

77. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Must immediately notify the USCG if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in water.
Must also call Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission within 24 hours of discharge.
On federal waters, vessels 26 feet or longer must display a 5"x 8" placard near the bilge pump control station stating Federal Water
Pollution Control Act’s law. 77

78. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Waste Management Plan
Ocean-going vessels 40 feet or longer with cooking and sleeping facilities must have a written Waste Management Plan.
The captain of the vessel is responsible for implementing the plan.
The plan should identify the vessel’s name and home port. 78

79. Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal (cont.)
The Waste Management Plan should be posted and include directives to all passengers and/or crew about:
Discharge of sewage and hazardous substances
Discharge of garbage and other food waste
Disposal of plastics, bottles, and cans
Reading applicable placards for additional information
Advising captain in case of oily discharges or diesel spills 79

80. Protect Texas Seagrasses
Seagrasses are plants that live under water. Their canopy of leaves and net of roots create a stable and protected habitat for marine life. It is this habitat that helps make the fishing great.
Seagrass benefits the environment by providing habitat for young stages of fish, crustaceans, and shellfish, which are important to commercial and recreational industries.
Seagrass stabilizes bottom sediments and removes nutrients from the water, aiding the growth of the other marine life.

81. Protect Texas Seagrasses (cont.)
Seagrass loss in watersheds of estuarine and marine systems is caused by human activities such as dredge and fill activities, coastal development, nutrient pollution, degraded water,
and uprooting by propellers.

82. Protect Texas Seagrasses (cont.)
If boating in shallow areas or seagrass beds, you will see a mud trail in your wake where your propeller has churned up the bottom, clouded the water, and cut seagrass roots.
If you see this trail you should:
Lift. Stop your vessel. Tilt your motor out of the water.
Drift. Use the wind to drift to and through dense submerged vegetation.

83. Protect Texas Seagrasses (cont.)
Pole. Pole or walk your vessel out of the shallow area or seagrass bed.
Troll. Use a trolling motor to navigate the shallow waters.
In Redfish Bay State
Scientific Area it is
against the law to
uproot seagrasses
with a propeller.

84. Protect Texas Lakes
Managing non-native aquatic plants that have been introduced into Texas waterways costs millions of dollars annually. Non-native aquatic plants, such as common salvinia, giant salvinia, and alligator weed, can cause significant environmental harm.
Giant Salvinia Common Salvinia

85. Protect Texas Lakes (cont.)
These invasive aquatic plants can:
Overshadow beneficial native submersed plants and lower oxygen levels
Hamper the feeding of sport fish
Threaten human health by creating ideal mosquito breeding habitats
Restrict water flow, resulting in flooding
Increase the sediment in waterways
You are required by law to remove harmful plants and animals from your boat and trailer.

86. Protect Texas Lakes (cont.)
Before launching and before leaving a boat ramp, you must:
Remove aquatic plants from boat, motor, and trailer. Check all underwater fittings and equipment.
Dispose of vegetation properly. Empty your bait bucket on land.
Drain your equipment, including the motor, bilges, live wells, bait buckets, and cooler.
Rinse vessel, propeller, trailer, and equipment, using a high-pressure washer if available. Dry everything for at least five days.

87. Accidents and Casualties
An operator involved in a boating accident must:
Stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and …
Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would endanger his or her own vessel or passengers and …
Give in writing his or her name, address, and vessel identification to anyone injured and to the owner of any property damaged by the accident. 87

88. Accidents and Casualties (cont.)
Vessel operators involved in an accident must report accident by quickest means if resulted in:
Death or …
Disappearance of a person from a vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury or …
Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid or …
Property damage exceeding $500 to all vessels, docks, etc. involved in the accident.
Accident reports are confidential and not admissible in court as evidence.
Report forms available from TPWD.

89. Enforcement
Texas boating laws are enforced by Law Enforcement Division of TPWD and other marine safety enforcement officers. All marine safety enforcement officers and game wardens have authority to enforce boating laws.
They have the right to stop and board vessels to check for compliance with federal and state laws.
USCG has enforcement authority on federally controlled waters. 89

90. Enforcement (cont.)
Persons who violate or fail to comply with laws contained in the Water Safety Act are guilty of TPWD Code misdemeanor.
Those convicted of a misdemeanor must pay fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500. They may also be required to complete and pass an approved boater education course.