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.

Required Equipment Information

Required Equipment by Vessel Type

Powerboats

(Including electric motors)

Sailboats

(If any type of propulsion)

Manually Propelled

(Canoes, punts, rowboats, sailboats, rubber rafts, racing shells, rowing sculls, kayaks and other paddle craft)

Vessels with no motor or sail