January 16, 2012
Changes in Texas boating laws mean increasing numbers of the state’s million-plus recreational boaters will be required to take an approved boater education course, reports the Houston Chronicle. With the changes, Texas joins a growing number of states that have imposed boater education requirements on large numbers of recreational boaters.
Under the adopted changes, persons born on or after Sept. 1, 1993, who are operating a personal watercraft (a boat powered by a motor of more than 15-horsepower or a wind-blown vessel measuring more than 14 feet) must have passed a state-approved boater education course and carry identification and proof of having passed the boater education course while operating those boats.
Those falling under the new law have several options–a traditional classroom course, a home-study course, and an online boater education course–for meeting the requirement that they take and pass a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
All versions of the course cover basic boating laws, boating safety and boat handling.
Violation of the boater education requirement is a Class C misdemeanor carrying a potential penalty as much as a $500 fine.
Those charged with violating the boater education requirement can petition the court for a 90-day grace period during which, if the person successfully completes the course, the charges will be dismissed.
Have you or someone you know been injured in a Texas boat accident?
The Texas personal injury lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law may be able to help.
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