All Getmyboat operators are required to and are responsible for operating legally within and fully compliant of local guidelines — this includes obtaining proper registrations, passes, permits, etc., meeting vessel and captain requirements, using the correct docks and boating areas for commercial activities, and any other stipulations by your local laws and facility regulations.
To help, we’ve gathered the following essential details for boating on Clear Lake.
Clear Lake, a 45,000-acre lake in southeast Texas, 25 miles south of Houston, is a popular spot for recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming, with some limited commercial boating. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulates Clear Lake boating, emphasizing no pollution, valid licenses, and proper safety gear on board.
Insurance:
To engage in the operation of a commercial boat on Clear Lake, it is imperative to secure the requisite commercial insurance coverage. This insurance is of paramount importance for ensuring passenger safety, safeguarding your business interests, and complying with legal and regulatory mandates.
Registration:
To register your boat, you will need to provide the following information:
Your name and address
The boat's hull identification number (HIN)
The boat's length
The type of motor(s) on the boat
The date of purchase
Here is a direct link to update or get a new Registration in the State of Texas
Party Boat Operator License:
To operate a charter vessel on inland waters, excluding sailboats, that accommodates more than six passengers and measures 30 feet or longer in length, a Party Boat Operator License is mandatory. The sole exemption is granted to individuals who possess a USCG OUPV License or a Captain's license of a higher level.
More information can be found here for the Party Boat License
USCG License:
You may consider working with a Getmyboat partner for assistance with obtaining the required license. Use the promo code GETMYBOAT10 for 10% off all products.
Pick Up / Drop off:
Multiple spots are available for dropping off and picking up boats for rental purposes. Here are a couple worth exploring that have a designated passenger pick up and drop off area.
- Clear Lake City Marina: 13995 FM 2769, Seabrook, TX 77586.
- Kemah Boardwalk:2000 Marina Bay Drive, Kemah, TX 77565.
It is also important to check with the marina or dock in advance to confirm their passenger pick up and drop off policies.
Helpful Information:
- A valid boater education certificate is mandatory, applying to individuals born after September 1, 1993, who operate motorized watercraft exceeding 15HP or wind-blown vessels measuring over 14ft in length.
- Boat titling and registration within Texas are obligatory for all motorized boats, regardless of their size. This requirement extends to sailboats measuring 14 feet or more in length and sailboats equipped with auxiliary engine(s). USCG Documented vessels must also undergo registration, with no issuance of titles.
- Your boat is required to be equipped with essential safety gear, including a life jacket for each individual on board, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and a sound-producing device.
- Adherence to all other applicable boating laws and regulations is imperative, encompassing rules regarding navigation, anchoring, and fishing.
- A party boat operator license is essential for any vessel (excluding sailboats) carrying more than six passengers and measuring 30 feet or more in length while operating on inland waters.
- Commercial vessels are restricted from operating within a distance of 100 feet from any public dock or pier, except during passenger pickup or drop-off activities, docking, or anchoring.
- All boats must adhere to zebra mussel prevention regulations, mandating the draining and drying of all watercraft and equipment before entering or departing from the lake.
Below, you'll find several useful links to assist you in getting started:
For more information on regulations on Clear Lake please visit TPWD and HCFCD
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