“Do you Need a License to Drive a boat?” & Other texas Boating Laws
Living near the Texas Gulf Coast means you have ample opportunity to get out on the water. If that means taking the boat out on one of our many bays for a weekend fishing trip or just cruising with your family, one of the last things anyone expects is for a perfect day on the water to end in an accident. In reality, that the waters of Texas can be unpredictable and boating collisions happen faster than most people realize. Threats can come from other boaters, hidden reefs, or sudden weather changes. It’s these factors that make prioritizing safety and situational awareness key. Being well versed in boating regulations and safety is the absolute best way to protect your crew.
A big part of staying safe is knowing the rules of the water and Texas has a few strict laws you absolutely need to respect. First, if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you are required by law to complete a boater education course to operate most motorized vessels. Without this, you’re not only in danger of receiving a citation, but making a technical mistake that could have been easily preventable. Likewise, the rules around alcohol are exactly the same on the water as they are on the highway—a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) and carries heavy penalties. Last, but certainly not least, you must have Coast Guard-approved, readily accessible life jackets for every single person on board your boat, and kids under 13 must be wearing theirs anytime the boat is underway. This is 100% non-negotiable.
To keep yourself and your passengers safe, make sure you have working lights, emergency flares, a first aid kit, and a full tank on gas before you hit the back bays. Even when you follow every rule and take proper precaution, you can't always control the actions of other, less responsible boaters. Go slow and give other boaters a wide berth (lots of space) when navigating main channels and waterways.
If the worst happens and you are injured out on the water, give us a call. Here at Locke Henry Law, we know how quickly a fun afternoon can turn into a stressful situation (we’ve been there), and we're here to help you in whatever way we can. So double-check your emergency gear, make sure everyone (even your dog!) has a properly fitted life vest, and stay safe out there, Corpus Christi!