Georgia State Specific Regulations

Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Each person, whether operator or passenger, riding on a PWC, must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device (PFD) that fits properly and is fastened. Inflatable Type IV PFDs are not approved to wear when riding on a PWC.

Every PWC operated in Georgia must be equipped with either, a fully functional safety device that reduces the engine to idle and steers it in a circle, or a lanyard type device that shuts off the engine when pulled out. If the PWC has an engine cut-off system, the lanyard must be firmly attached to the person (around the wrist), clothing or PFD of the operator.

PWCs may not be operated after sunset and before sunrise.

A PWC operating at a speed greater than idle, shall not come within 100 feet of another moving boat or PWC, unless it is overtaking the other boat or PWC in compliance with the rules for encountering other boats. When a PWC is overtaking another boat, it must not change course to ride or jump the wake of the boat being overtaken.

A PWC must be operated at idle speed if it comes within 100 feet of a non-moving, drifting, or anchored boat, dock, pier, bridge, swimmer, or person in the water. A PWC must operate at idle speed close to shore that is next to a residence, public park or beach, swimming area, marina, restaurant or other area of public use.

It is unlawful for an owner of a PWC to allow anyone to operate their PWC in such a manner that violates the laws contained in the Georgia Boat Safety Act.

It is unlawful for anyone to rent, lease or let for hire, any personal watercraft to a person under the age of 16 years.

Georgia Age of Operation

Personal Watercraft (PWC - commonly called jet skis)

Class A Vessels (Vessels less than 16 feet in length)

Class I, II, or III Vessels (Vessels 16 feet in length and over)

A person under 12 years old may not operate a PWC. They can operate a Class A vessel with a 30 horsepower or smaller motor if they are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older. They can not operate Class A vessels with a motor larger than 30 horsepower. They can not operate Class I, II, or III vessels.

12 - 13 year olds can operate a PWC if they meet any of the following conditions:

1. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; or

2. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

They can operate a Class A vessel with a 30 horsepower or smaller motor if they meet any of the following conditions:

1. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; or

2. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

They can not operate Class A vessels with a motor larger than 30 horsepower. They may not operate Class I, II, or III vessels.

14-15 year olds can operate a PWC if they meet any one of the following conditions:

1. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; or

2. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

They can operate any Class A vessel if they meet any one of the following conditions:

1. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; or

2. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

They can operate any Class I, II, or III vessel if they meet any one of the following conditions:

1. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; or

2. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

16 year olds and over may operate a PWC or any Class A, I, II, or III vessel, provided they are carrying proper identification.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

When preparing to go out on a boat or a PWC, the operator must check that the legally required equipment is onboard and in proper working order.

All boats must have at least one Type I, II, III or V wearable PFD that is U. S. Coast Guard approved, and of the proper size for each person onboard. The proper size for PFDs is based on the body weight and chest size of the intended wearer.

Georgia law requires that a U. S. Coast Guard approved, properly fitting, PFD be worn by all children under 10 years of age while onboard any moving boat. This law does not apply when the child is inside a fully enclosed cabin.

One Type IV U. S. Coast Guard approved (throwable) PFD must be onboard all boats (except PWCs) and readily accessible, in addition to the above requirements.

One Type V may be substituted for any other type if it is specifically approved by the U. S. Coast Guard for the activity at hand. Type V PFDs may not be substituted on children weighing less than 90 lbs.

Each person riding on or operating a Personal Water Craft on Georgia waters must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device. Inflatable Type V PFDs are not approved for use while operating or riding on a PWC.

All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition, without tears, rips, broken buckles or zippers, and must be readily accessible.

Unlawful and Dangerous Operation

Reckless operation of a boat or PWC is defined as, the disregard for the safety of persons or property. Examples of are:

• Water skiing or dropping water skiers, wake boarders, tubers, etc. close to any swimmers, boat launch ramps or other boaters

• Jumping the wake produced by another boat within 100 feet of that boat or 'buzzing' other boats or PWCs

• Causing property or shoreline damage from the wake produced by your boat

"Improper Distance" is not maintaining a safe distance from others while operating a boat or PWC, or while towing a person on water skis, wakeboards, tubes, or any similar device. It is illegal to:

• Operate a boat or PWC or tow a person on water skis, tube, wakeboard, or any similar device at a speed greater than idle, within 100 feet of any:

• Boat that is moored, anchored or adrift whether occupied or not.

• Dock, pier or bridge

• Person(s) in the water, including those swimming or floating

• Shoreline adjacent to a full - or part-time residence

• Public Park, swimming area, beach, marina, restaurant or other public use area

• Circle or come within 100 feet of another boat at greater than idle speed, unless you are in an overtaking situation or meeting the other boat in compliance with navigation rules.

• Follow close behind another boat or PWC, jump the wake produced by another boat or change your course or direction of your boat or PWC in order to jump a wake produced by another boat.

"Idle Speed" means to operate your boat or PWC at the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering control.

"Failure to Regulate Speed" is operating a boat or PWC at a speed that may cause danger, injury, unnecessary inconvenience or damage, either directly or by the effect your boat's wake, to any persons or property. It is illegal to:

• Fail to regulate your speed near swimming areas, docks, moored boats and boats engaged in fishing

• Operate a boat or PWC faster than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions such as: weather, boat traffic, visibility, etc.

"Overloading" is loading the boat or PWC with persons or gear, beyond the recommended capacity as shown on the capacity plate installed by the boat manufacturer. It is dangerous and illegal to overload a vessel.

Riding on the bow or gunwale, while the vessel is underway, is illegal if the boat is not equipped with a substantial railing or some other form of retaining device. As the boat operator, you are prohibited from allowing passengers to ride on the bow or gunwale of your boat while underway.

Obstructing Navigation

It is illegal to:

• Anchor a boat in the normal traveled portion of a river or designated channel that will obstruct or interfere with safe passage of any other boat.

• Moor, tie or attach a boat to any speed or danger buoy, beacon, light, or any other official navigational aid placed on public waters by proper authorities. Also, it is illegal to move, drag, displace, tamper with, remove, damage, cover, or destroy any navigational aid placed by proper authorities.

• Anchor or moor your vessel in a manner so as to obstruct access to any pier, wharf, boat ramp, or other facility.

Towing People

It is illegal for boats or PWCs to tow water skiers, persons on wakeboards, tubes, or any similar device, after sunset and before sunrise.

It is illegal for the operator of the towing vessel, or person(s) being towed, to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A PWC or boat, shall not tow water skiers, wakeboarders, persons on tubes or any similar device, within 100 feet of a non-moving, drifting, or anchored boat, dock, pier, bridge, swimmer, or person in the water. A PWC must operate at idle speed close to any shore that is next to a residence, public park, marina, beach, swimming area, restaurant or other public area.

The person being towed by a boat or PWC must wear a ski-belt, ski-jacket or Type I, Type II or Type III U. S. Coast Guard approved PFD that is in good condition and fits the wearer properly.

Every boat or PWC, towing a person or persons on water skis, wakeboards, tubes, or similar devices must have:

• A person, in addition to the boat operator, who is in a position and capable of observing the towed person or persons at all times, or

• The boat must be equipped with a wide-angle rearview mirror mounted in such a position, that the operator can observe the person or persons being towed at all times

This wide-angle mirror may not replace an observer or "spotter" on PWC. It must have onboard an operator and an additional person in a position and capable of observing person or persons being towed.

Every PWC towing a person(s) on water skis, wakeboards, tubes or similar device, must be rated to carry three or more persons by the manufacturer.

Required Equipment Checklist

All PWCs, Class A and Class 1 powerboats and their operators must possess the following:

• Boater Safety Certification Card (for operators between the ages of 12 and 15)

• Certificate of Boat Registration

• Validation Decal Displayed

• PFDs: Type I, II, III or V (anyone on a PWC must wear a PFD at all times. Children under the age of 10 must wear a PFD at all times when underway on Class A and Class 1 boats)

• Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher

• Flame Arrestor (required on inboard and stern drives only)

• Ventilation System

• Muffler

In addition, PWCs must also have an Ignition Safety Switch (also known as a safety lanyard). Class A and Class 1 boats must also have a Type IV PFD, a Night Time Visual Distress System and Navigation Lights. Night time PWC operation in Georgia is prohibited. Class 1 boats must have a Daytime Visual Distress System.

Outboard Motor Restrictions:

• No motor in excess of 9.9 hp may be operated on the Ogeechee River upstream of State Hwy 119

• No motor in excess of 25 hp may be operated on Lake Juliette

All vessels must be equipped with wearable personal flotation devices (PFD) for each person aboard. PFDs must be readily accessible to all occupants, in good and serviceable condition, legibly marked with the US Coast Guard approved number, and of appropriate size for the intended wearer. Also, one Type IV throwable device must be on board. A variety of PFD models are available for all ages and boating activities.

No vessel may operate over idle speed within 100 feet of any moored or anchored vessel, vessel adrift, or any wharf, pier, piling, or persons in the water, or shoreline next to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.

Children under age 10 must wear an appropriately sized PFD when the vessel is under way, unless the child is within a fully enclosed, roofed cabin.

PFDs must be worn by each person aboard when operating a vessel in an area marked as "hazardous area."

Personal watercraft cannot be operated in excess of 5 mph when within 100 feet of any moored or anchored vessel, shore, dock, pier, wharf, piling, bridge, or person in the water.

Georgia honors all other states' registrations, provided the boat is not used in excess of 60 consecutive days in Georgia.

Almost one-half of the boating accidents in Georgia are caused by collision with another boat or object. Practically all boating accidents occur because of carelessness, inexperience or ignorance of safe boating practices.

Alcohol and Drugs

Just remember this simple rule: Don't drink and boat!

The Georgia Boat Safety Act prohibits anyone from operating any boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, water skis, sailboard, wakeboard or similar device while under the influence.

It is also unlawful for the owner of any boat or PWC to allow another person to operate their boat or PWC while that person is under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.

Georgia boating law states:

It is illegal for those under the age of 21 years to operate a boat or PWC if their blood alcohol level is 0.02 or greater. Those 21 years of age or older are considered to be boating under the influence (BUI), and may not operate a boat or PWC, if their blood alcohol level is 0.08 or more or if drugs are detected.

Penalties for water violations under the Georgia Boat Safety Act:

Persons arrested for BUI on Georgia waters may lose their privilege to operate a boat or PWC until they successfully complete the Georgia Department of Human Resources, DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program. Persons arrested for BUI on Georgia waters, will also be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a $1000 fine. If you operate a boat or PWC on Georgia waters, you consent to be tested for alcohol or drugs if requested by a law enforcement officer or official. You will lose your privilege to operate a boat or PWC for up to one year if you refuse to be tested, and your refusal might be offered into evidence against you at trial. If a child under the age of 14 years is onboard, while a person is operating a boat or PWC under the influence, the operator is also guilty of a separate charge of endangering a child.

Booze and boats do not mix! It is unlawful to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Accidents and Casualties

If you are involved in a boating accident, you first must stop and render whatever assistance is necessary to any person involved in the accident, unless by doing this, it would endanger you, your boat, or your passengers. If you render assistance in good faith and in a prudent manner, to any injured person, you cannot be held liable for any civil damages. Boat operators involved in an accident must report the accident, by the fastest means possible if there is:

• A person(s) disappears as a result of the boating accident

• A person dies at the accident scene or within 24 hours following the accident

• Injury requiring first aid or medical attention at the scene or at a medical facility, or is disabled more than 24 hrs

• Property damage exceeding $2,000 to all boats, docks, etc. involved in the accident

• The operator or owner of any vessel involved in a reportable accident must file an accident report on a form supplied by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

• Accident reports must be made within 5 days of the accident, except in the following circumstances, these reports must be made within 48 hours:

• A person, involved in the accident, who dies at the accident scene, or within 24 hours following the accident

• Person is disabled longer than 24 hours from injuries sustained in the accident

• Person requires medical treatment for injuries other than minor first aid at the scene

• Any person involved in the accident disappears as a result of the accident

• The operator of any boat involved in an accident must give his/her name, address and Certificate of Boat Registration information in writing to person injured, and to the owner of any damaged property involved in the accident.

Enforcement

The primary responsibility for enforcement of boating laws under the Georgia Boat Safety Act is the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Conservation Rangers. In addition, all peace officers of Georgia are authorized to enforce the boating laws.

Diver Down Flags

SCUBA divers or snorkelers should display a "Diver Down" flag that marks the diving area:

The Diver Down Flag is a rectangular red flag, at least 15 inch by 15 inch, with a white diagonal stripe and is required on state waters. If the SCUBA divers or snorkelers are in federal waters a blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alpha flag) is required.

Vessels must remain at least 100 feet away from the diver in the water.

Hazardous Areas

Certain areas have been designated and marked as "hazardous areas" because of conditions which create a danger to the safety and welfare of boaters operating in such areas. When operating within a designated "hazardous area," all passengers in the boat must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, which fits the wearer and is properly fastened.

Georgia Boating Safety Zone

The following areas are designated, in Georgia, as boating safety zones. It is unlawful to operate a powerboat or PWC between the dates of May 1st and September 30th within the following areas:

• Jekyll Island - from the north end to the south end of Jekyll Beach, offshore 1,000 feet from the beach's high watermark

• Tybee Island - from the north to the south end of Tybee Beach, offshore 1000 feet from the beach's high watermark.

• St. Simons Island - from the north to the south end of the Island, offshore 1000 feet from the island's high watermark.

• Sea Island - from the north to the south end of the island, offshore 1000 feet from the island's high water mark.

In Georgia it is unlawful to operate any type of boat at anytime within:

• The marked boundary or limits of any designated swimming area.

• The upstream or downstream area of any dam, designated by the Commissioner, and marked with signs and/or buoys.

• It is unlawful to operate any boat with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower on the Ogeechee River upstream from the Georgia Highway 119 Bridge.

• It is unlawful to operate any boat (including houseboats) that are equipped with a marine toilet, galley or sleeping quarters on the following lakes-- Lake Oconee, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Bull Sluice Lake, Goat Rock Lake, Lake Harding, North Highlands Lake, Lake Oliver, Seed Lake, Lake Jackson, Tallulah Falls Lake, Tugalo Lake, and Yonah Lake.

Discharge Laws

The Discharge of Waste

All boats, houseboats, floating cabins, or any type of vessel that is equipped with, or has a marine toilet or MSD installed, must have a holding system, which is designed to prevent the discharge of waste or waste-water products into the waters of Georgia.

A marine toilet or MSD, is considered to be any equipment that's fastened or installed onboard any boat, or vessel, houseboat or floating cabin, which is designed to receive, treat, discharge, or retain sewage onboard the vessel. Georgia does not consider a "porta-potty" to be a marine toilet or MSD.

Any vessel in Georgia waters shall not pump out, or cause to be pumped out, any sewage from a waste-water holding system, portable toilet or marine sanitation device into surrounding waters. Boaters may only use an approved pump-out facility or discharge sewage into a sewer system located on dry land.

All boats equipped with a marine toilet must have a Marine Toilet Certificate decal, issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This decal must be affixed to the hull, adjacent to the boats registration number. There is a one-time certification fee of $5.00. No renewal of the certificate is required and it is transferable to any subsequent owner of the boat.

Boats Equipped with a Marine Toilet:

The vessel must have the marine toilet or MSD attached to a holding tank. This holding tank must be designed so it can only be emptied by being pumped out. Over the side discharge valves or "Y valves" are not allowed. This law is in effect for the following Georgia lakes: Lake Allatoona, Blackshear, Walter F. George Reservoir, Blue Ridge, Clarks Hill, Lake Hartwell, West Point, Sinclair Russell, Seminole, or Sidney Lanier.

If the vessel was built before January 1, 1978, it may be equipped with its original, fully operable U.S. Coast Guard certified Marine Sanitation Device.

The owner or operator of a vessel equipped with a marine toilet must maintain a pump-out record, back one year from the current date. This record must include the name and location of the pump-out facility you used to empty your holding system, and the date of each use.

The Discharge of Oil And Other Hazardous Substances

It is illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances. You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the boat without means for proper disposal. You must discharge oil waste to a reception facility. On recreational boats, a bucket or bailer is adequate.

If your boat is 26 feet or longer you must display a 5 inch by 8 inch placard near the bilge pump switch stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Acts law.

If your boat discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water, immediately call the U. S. Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802. In addition, you must call the Georgia Environmental Protection Division at 1-800-241-4113 within 24 hours of the discharge.

Registering Your Boat or PWC

All boats that carry any means of mechanical propulsion and all sailboats 12 feet and longer must be registered. A boat registration application can be obtained from any office of the Wildlife Resources Division, from most marine dealers and marinas, or by writing to:

Georgia DNR, License & Boat Registration Unit
2065 U.S. Highway
278 SE Social Circle,
Atlanta, GA 30025


Or go online to: www.goboatgeorgia.com

Send your registration application (and fee) to:

Georgia DNR, License & Boat Registration Unit
P.O. Box 105310
Atlanta, GA 30348-5310


All boat operators are required to obey laws that regulate your boat's registration, operation and boater education.

You must have a valid Georgia state decal, and a valid Certificate of Boat Registration to operate your boat or PWC on public waters in the State of Georgia. The following are the only exceptions allowed:

• Boats such as canoes, kayaks, prams, etc. that do not have a mechanical form of propulsion (i.e., human powered by oars, paddles, etc. or is windblown)

• Sailboats which are less than 12 feet in length

• Boats that are only operated on private lakes or ponds

The boat registration certificate (pocket-sized plastic card) must be onboard the registered vessel and available for inspection by any Georgia law enforcement officer whenever the boat or PWC is operated.

The registration number and validation decal must be displayed in the following manner:

• Number must be affixed to both sides of the bow either by painting, a secure decal, or other secure method.

• The registration number must be able to be read from left to right on both sides of the bow of the vessel.

• Number must be written in block letters at least 3 inches-high.

• The color of the numbers and letters, must contrast with its background when attached to the vessel

• Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: "GA 3689 AB" or "GA-3689-AB"

• No other numbers may be displayed or affixed in the area of the registration numbers

• The validation Decal must be displayed, before the prefix letters "GA", of the registration number on each side of the bow

Other Facts About Registering Your Boat or PWC

• The boat owner must notify the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Boat Registration Office by mail or phone, if they change their mailing or legal address.

• You must send your Certificate of Boat Registration, and notify the DNR Boat Registration Office within 15 days if you abandoned or destroy your boat.

• If you lose or your Certificate of Boat Registration is destroyed, you must apply for a duplicate Georgia State registration certificate by submitting a registration application form to the Georgia DNR Boat Registration Office.

• Boats using Georgia Public Waters, bearing valid registration from another state, or country, need not be re-registered in Georgia unless they are used in Georgia for a period longer than 60 consecutive days.

• If a recreational boat is owned by a U. S. citizen, the owner may (but is not required to), apply to the U. S. Coast Guard and have the vessel documented if it weighs 5 net tons or more. Call the USCG Office of Vessel Documentation at 1-800-799-8362 or the U.S. Coast Guard web site for more information on documentation.