Free Georgia State Boating Safety Course
The BoatUS Foundation’s Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
State Approved
About the Course
What is the course about and why do I need it?
This free online course teaches you everything you need to operate a boat safely and legally in Georgia including navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies, and protecting the environment.
This course is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
2-4
Hours to Complete
5
Lessons
60
Final exam questions
Learn Online at your own pace
What is the format of the course?
You’ll learn through interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes, then pass a final exam to earn your state-approved boating safety certificate.
Complete the course at your own pace and gain the skills and confidence to get out on the water.
State Education Requirements
How do I get a Georgia boating safety education certificate?
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) specifies that an official Georgia boating safety education certificate may be obtained by completing an approved online boating safety course or passing an equivalent exam.
The BoatUS Foundation’s online course meets this requirement, and is recognized by the Georgia DNR as proof of education.
The certificate of Boating Safety Education issued by the Georgia DNR is valid for a lifetime and may not be revoked.
1
Enroll
2
Take course
3
Pass Exam
4
Print Certificate
Do I need to take this course? Age Requirements in Georgia
A certificate of boating safety education is required if:
Operators Under 12:
- May not operate any vessel over 16 feet in length.
- May legally operate a vessel under 16 feet in length which is either non-motorized or powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less only if they are accompanied by a competent adult.*
Operators aged 12 through 15:
- May not legally operate any vessel 16 feet in length or longer.
- May operate a personal watercraft or a vessel less than 16 feet long if he or she has passed a boating safety course approved by the Georgia DNR, OR accompanied by a competent adult.
Operators 16 and older:
- May operate any boat on the waters of Georgia if they have proper identification onboard.
All operators born after January 1, 1998 must have passed a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have a proof of completion on board to operate any vessel.
* A competent adult is defined as a person 18 years of age or older who is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and who is carrying proper identification such as a government issued ID that contains a photo, a description of the person and date of birth.
PWC Requirements in Georgia
Operators Under 12:
- Children under the age of 12 are legally prohibited from operating a PWC.
Operators aged 12 through 15:
- Children that are aged 12 to 15 may legally operate a PWC if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the Georgia DNR, or are accompanied by a competent adult.
Operators 16 and older:
- Persons 16 years of age or older may operate any PWC on the waters of Georgia if they carry aboard proper identification such as a government-issued ID containing a photo, a description of the person and date of birth.
Rental PWCs:
- A person must be at least 16 years of age in order to rent or lease a PWC.
All operators born after January 1, 1998 must have passed a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have a proof of completion on board to operate any vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
For all questions about your state’s Free Boating Safety Course, visit our Support Center.