Boating season is here, which means owners will need to make sure their rigs are legal before launching. In Texas, operators must have a certificate of registration on board. The certificate states the make, year model, serial number and numbers assigned to the vessel.

The passage of Memorial Day marked the official beginning of boating season. That in mind, it stands to reason fishermen, recreational boaters and personal watercraft enthusiasts will be out in force from now through summer to enjoy the water on lakes, rivers and coastal bays across the country.

But rest assured, they won’t be alone. State Game Wardens are likely to be on heavy patrol as well and they’ll be checking everything from fishing licenses to water safety devices to registration certificates to make sure everyone on the water is in compliance with the laws.

This is good.

Not only are game wardens the guardians of our resources, but they also police our woods and waters to enforce numerous laws intended to protect lives as well as our investments. Without them, it is doubtful Texas would be able to maintain the high-ranking and respect it has gained from fishermen, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts around the country.

In retrospect, recreational boaters of all kinds should view routine, on-the-water inspections by wardens as a service rather than a burden or hassle. It’s their job to keep our waters safe and clean. It’s your responsibility to do your part or suffer the consequences.

Boat operators and/or their vessels must meet several requirements in order to be put to use on specified waters. Here’s a checklist of those rules and regulations applicable to Texas waters.

LICENSE AND MINIMUM AGE

Currently there is no individual license or certification required to operate a motorboat in Texas, unless the operator is 13-years of age or under and the motor exceeds 15 horsepower. In that case, the operator must have passed a boater education course prescribed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or be accompanied by a person 16-years of age or older.

Operators of personal watercrafts (jet skis, wet bikes, ect…) must be 13-years of age or older unless accompanied by a person 17 years of age or older.

REGISTRATION, TITLE and NUMBERS

Texas currently ranks second only to Florida in the number of boats, motors, etc… stolen each year. That’s why authorities are really beginning to crack down on boat registration, title and number display laws.

Under these laws, all vessels, personal watercrafts and outboard motors must be registered and titled with the TPWD. Meanwhile, registration numbers and a validation sticker must be displayed on the bow of the boat for easy identification.

Also, a certificate of registration must be on board the vessel when it is in operation. This is the little card that states the make, model and serial number of the vessel as well as the TX number assigned to it. The card is issued by mail when the boat is registered with the state.

NOTE: All motorboats regardless of length or horsepower are required by law to be registered with the state. Exemptions to these rules include all canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared or windblown.

LIFESAVING DEVICES

State laws regarding the availability of personal flotation devices on board vary with the “Class” of motorboat up for discussion. There are four classes of motorboats: Class A – Boats less than 16 feet in length; Class 1 – Boats 16-26 feet in length; Class 2 – Boats 26 to 40 feet in length; Class 3 – Boats 40 feet and longer.

On Class 1, 2 and 3 motorboats, there must be one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II or V PFD on board for each person occupying the vessel. Class A motorboats, meanwhile, must have one “wearable” life preserver available for each person on board. The latter law corresponds with a federal regulation that went into effect May 1.

Something else to remember is that each child 13-years old or younger on board a Class A or Class 1 vessel must wear a PFD when the motorboat is underway.

This can at times be a problem with small children, because the PFD restricts movement and therefore might make a child feel confined.

Today’s youngsters are nuts over cartoon characters like Bert and Ernie, Barney and Lion King. And all their personalities have been imprinted on children’s lifejackets in bright, bold colors.

Take the child shopping so they can pick out their own life jacket and chances are good you won’t have a problem getting them to wear it.

Naturally, a life jacket must fit properly in order for it to be comfortable and function properly. Here are some tips parents should follow when outfitting a child with a life jacket:

• Life jackets come in child weight ranges of under 30 pounds, 30-50 pounds, 50-90 pounds and more than 90 pounds. Know the child’s weight and select a PFD accordingly.
• Chest size may be specified on some life jackets, so measure the child under the arms.
• Put the life jacket on, fasten it snugly and lift at the shoulders. If it gives more than three-inches, it is too big.
• Crotch straps keep the jacket in place. Use them.
• Consider a collared life jacket for a child who fears water.
• Let the child test the life jacket in shallow water. It is important for the child to get used to wearing it.
• Choose high-visibility colors.
• Life jackets are not baby sitters. Never leave a child alone in water.

MIRRORS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Every motorboat towing a water skier, tuber, etc… must have an observer (other than the driver) 13-years of age or older or a mounted rearview mirror measuring four inches by four inches top to bottom or side to side.

According to the Texas Water Safety Act, outboard motorboats 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 on such a vessel if one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored.
2. Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material.
3. Closed living spaces.
4. Closed storage compartments in which combustionable or flammable materials are stored.
5. Permanently installed fuel tanks.

Boaters should consult the Texas Water Safety Act to determine the classification and number of fire extinguishers required on boats larger than 26 feet. The digest also lists minimum lighting requirements for all classes of boats.

Anyone who fails to comply with these laws or any other provision under the Texas Water Safety act is guilty of a Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor, which is punishable.

Plus, if you get caught, you’ll have to undergo the embarrassment of appearing before a judge and explaining to him why you were not legal.