Sec. 31.110. EXEMPTION FROM BOATER EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENT; DEFERRAL PROGRAM. (a) A person is not required to comply with Section 31.109 if the person:
(1) holds a master's, mate's, or operator's license issued by the United States Coast Guard;
(2) is supervised by a person who is at least 18 years of age and who is otherwise exempt from the requirements of Section 31.109 or possesses a boater identification card as required by Section 31.109;
(3) is not a resident of this state and has proof that the person has successfully completed a boater education course or equivalency examination in another state that is approved by the department;
(4) is exempt by rule of the commission as a customer of a business engaged in renting, showing, demonstrating, or testing boats; or
(5) is exempt by rule of the commission.
(b) For purposes of this section, to be considered to be supervising the operator of a watercraft, the person must be on board the watercraft when under way.
(c) The commission by rule shall establish a boater education deferral program. The deferral program must be available at no cost to boat dealers, manufacturers, and distributors.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1363, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 269 (H.B. 1395), Sec. 4, eff. June 17, 2011.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subchapter D. Boating Regulations
Section 31.091. Uniformity of Boating Regulations
Section 31.092. Local Regulations
Section 31.093. Rules of the Road
Section 31.094. Reckless or Negligent Operation
Section 31.095. Excessive Speed
Section 31.096. Reckless Operation and Excessive Speed
Section 31.098. Hazardous Wake or Wash
Section 31.099. Prohibition on Circular Course Around Individuals Engaged in Water Activities
Section 31.100. Interference With Markers or Ramps
Section 31.101. Obstructing Passage
Section 31.102. Operating Boats in Restricted Areas
Section 31.1021. Operating Vessels in Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Areas
Section 31.103. Water Skis, Aquaplanes, Etc
Section 31.104. Accidents: Duty of Operators
Section 31.105. Accident Reports
Section 31.106. Personal Watercraft
Section 31.107. Operation of Motorboat
Section 31.1071. Operation of Motorboat With Emergency Engine Cutoff Switch
Section 31.108. Boater Education Program
Section 31.109. Boater Education Course Required for Certain Persons
Section 31.110. Exemption From Boater Education Course Requirement; Deferral Program