| (a) This subchapter applies to a party boat that operates
on inland waters of this state.
(b) The annual water safety inspection required by §55.405(a)
of this title (relating to Employer/Owner Responsibilities) is not
required for a vessel that:
(1) is carrying passengers for hire; and
(2) carries a valid and current certificate of inspection
issued pursuant to federal law.
(c) A person is not required to obtain a party boat
operator's license if that person possesses:
(1) a valid and current federal pilot's or captain's
license issued by the United States Coast Guard or other federal agency;
or
(2) a valid license, issued by a state that shares
a body of water with Texas, that is substantively similar in effect
and scope to the party boat operator license required by this subchapter,
provided:
(A) the issuing state allows Texas vessels to operate
in the shared waters under the same conditions; and
(B) the party boat is operated only in waters shared
by the issuing state and the state of Texas.
(d) This subchapter does not apply to:
(1) a boat that is less than 30 feet in length;
(2) a sailboat;
(3) a vessel rented out for profit under a written
contract by a vessel livery, as defined by Parks and Wildlife Code, §31.003(8),
where all responsibility and liability for operating and provisioning
the vessel is assumed by the party renting the vessel; or
(4) any vessel used for training or instructional purposes
while it is not being used as a party boat.
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