Grapevine Lake, located roughly 20 miles northwest of Dallas and northeast of Fort Worth, is a highly popular reservoir for boating, fishing, camping, and swimming. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Fort Worth District), the lake offers multiple public ramps and three marinas (Scott’s Landing, Silver Lake, Twin Coves) for both wet and dry storage.

As a Getmyboat operator, you must follow local, state, and federal rules — that means securing the right registrations, permits, and approvals, meeting vessel- and crew-related standards, and using the proper launch sites and docks.

Key Regulatory Requirements & Best Practices for Operators

1. Permitting & Authorization

  • To operate a rental, charter, or any fee-based boating business on Corps-managed property, you must obtain written permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District. This includes operations like boat rentals, watercraft tours, fee-charging events, races, or any vendor activity.
  • Advertising on Corps property (flyers, signs, banners, solicitation) also requires written approval from the District Commander.
  • There is a moratorium on new boathouse permits at Grapevine Lake. Existing boathouses may be bought and transferred, but new construction is not permitted.

2. Registration & Vessel Documentation

  • All boats must be registered with Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD).
  • When documenting your vessel (for registration or other purposes), be prepared with: name/address, vessel length, motor type, HIN, purchase date, etc.

3. Operator Licensing & Education

Boater Education

  • Under Texas law, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates:
  • To operate a personal watercraft (PWC), the operator must either:
    • have completed the boater education course; or
    • be at least 13 years old and be supervised by someone 18+ who is legally allowed to operate.
  • If you already have a USCG operator’s license (e.g., OUPV or Captain’s license), that satisfies Texas’s boater education requirement.

Party Boat Operator License

  • If you run a charter vessel (not a sailboat) that:
    1. carries more than six passengers, and
    2. is 30 feet or more in length,
      then you typically need a Party Boat Operator License from TPWD.
  • Exceptions: if you hold a USCG OUPV (6-pack) license or a higher-level U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license, you are exempt.
  • Requirements for the license: at least 21 years old, boater-education course, 4 hours of observation + 4 hours of supervised operation OR 25 hours of documented experience, plus passing a written exam.
  • License inspection required annually – TPWD requires a Party Boat annual safety inspection (form PWD 1208) unless you have a valid USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI).
  • Liability insurance: TPWD requires a minimum level of liability insurance for party boats.

4. Safety Requirements

  • Life jackets: Texas law requires a U.S. Coast Guard–approved wearable life jacket for each person on board. For vessels 16+ feet, a Type IV (throwable) flotation device is also required.
  • Children under 13: must wear a life jacket on boats under 26 ft while underway.
  • General water safety: The Corps of Engineers encourages wearing life vests, boating sober, swimming with a buddy, and keeping an eye on children.
  • Invasive Species Prevention: Boaters are required to drain all water from their boat, equipment, and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.

5. Operations & Behavior on the Lake

  • Boaters must follow all federal, state, and local rules, including speed limits, no-wake zones, and restricted areas managed by the Corps.
  • Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited (standard water-safety law).
  • Boaters should avoid certain areas, such as swimming zones or near shoreline structures, unless permitted.
  • Boathouse restrictions: As noted, no new boathouses are allowed; existing ones cannot be relocated.

6. Commercial Considerations for GetMyBoat Operators

  • Written Permit from USACE: Before running rentals or charters, make sure you’ve secured written permission. No ad-hoc operations allowed on Corps land without authorization.
  • Ramp Access & Locations: Use approved launch ramps — several are available around Grapevine Lake.
  • Insurance & Liability: Commercial boating operations should carry sufficient insurance to cover liability, especially when transporting passengers.
  • Safety Briefing: Ensure every passenger receives a safety orientation on life jacket use, no-wake behavior, and how to act on the lake.

7. Resources for Operators

Why These Updates Are Important

  • Regulatory compliance: Operating without the correct permits (especially on USACE property) can lead to fines or being shut down.
  • Liability protection: Proper licensing (Party Boat) and insurance helps protect your business and passengers.
  • Safety & stewardship: Following safety rules and invasive species protocols helps preserve Grapevine Lake’s environment and ensures a safe experience for everyone.
  • Professionalism: As a charter or rental operator, having proper licensing, permits, and procedures helps build trust with customers and regulators alike.