Jet Ski Help?

Question

I am 14 and I am going out to a lake in TX.... Ive driven jet skis on my own many times before, but i was just wondering how old you can be to drive a jet ski and if it really matters if i go and ride any way.... are there people patroling the lakes and should i be concerned about going out.

Answer 1

You need to complete a boating safety course. Here's what the TX parks and Wildlife has to say:

4. Who can operate a PWC?

NOTE: Children under 13 are specifically prohibited from operating a PWC unless accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age.

To operate a PWC, the operator must meet one of the following:

Born after September 1, 1984 and passed a boater education class or equivalency examination prescribed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, or

18 years of age or older or born before September 1, 1984, or,

Under 16 years of age and accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older, or

At least 13 years of age and have passed a boater education course or equivalency examination prescribed by the department

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The good thing (or bad, dependant upon your point of view) is that you may be able to take a home study course by going to :

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/boa...

We offer boating and jetski certification courses (aka boating license) in several states like New York, Connecticut and New Jersey but not in Texas. Good luck!

Captain Rich

Safe Boating America, Inc.

http://www.safeboatingamerica.com