Georgia

Boat Requirements:

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:

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.

1. After you complete the course you will be issued a printable copy of your certificate that you can print yourself and use immediately.

2. You will also have the option of ordering a Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved, waterproof plastic card for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your card to arrive.