Georgia boating laws and information

GA
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SI Bio '.2002--
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Georgia Boating Laws and Information

. IT IS ILLEGAL TO OPERATE A BOAT UNDER THE INFLUENCE --

" 100-FOOT LAW" APPLIES TO EVERYONE ON THE WATER

You might want to think tvvice before operating a boat

The "100-foot law" includes all vessels - not just personal

under the influence of alcohol this summer. Penalties for people watercraft. This law p rohibits people from operating all vessels

arrested for boating under the influence (BUI) became stricter in at a speed greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel

1998.

w hich is moored, anchored or adrift outside normal traffic chan-

People who are convicted of BU! wi!I lose their privilege to nels, or within 100 feet of any Vvharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge

operate a boat Boat operator p rivileges are not reinstated until structure.or abutment, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent

the successful completion of a Driving Under the Influence

to a full-time or part-time residence, pubTic park, public beach,

Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program approved by the

public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other p ub lic use

GA Dept. of Human Resources. They also will be charged with area. This law also makes it illegal for boat operators to:

a misdemeanor which is punishable w ith up to a $1,000 fine

jump the wake of another boat w ithin 100 feet and to

and/or up to twelve months in prison.

buzz other boats.

The BUI law establishes a "zero tolerance" blood alcohol

operate around or w ithin 100 feet of another vessel

level of .02 for people under age 21 who are caught operating

faster than idle speed unless he or she is overtaking or

a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Minors who are

meeting the other vessel in compliance with the rules of

arrested for BUI may face misdemeanor charges.

the road for boat operation.

The law also creates misdemeanor offenses for "endanger- follow closely behind another

ing a child" if a boat operator transports a child under age 14

vessel, jump the wake o f another

while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

vessel, or change or reverse his or

This law also allows for the revocation of boat operator

her course of direction in order to

privileges for people who refuse a sobriety test when suspect-

ride or jump in the wake of

ed of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and/or

another vessel.

people w hose blood, b reath or urine test shows the presence

of illegal drugs or an alcohol level of .10 or higher.





MINIMUM AGE REQUIRED

FOR BOAT OPERATORS

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

You should always check that the following are on board your boat before heading out on the water for the day: current boat registration life jackets for everyone on board (Remember, children
under the age of ten must wear a life jacket at al! times Vvhen the boat is moving.) cell phone (Cingular customerscan call *DNR to report an

Before you let children und er the age o f 16 operate a boat this summer, make sure you know the lavVS. Georgia lw requires a minimum age to operate boats and personal watercraft on the state's waterways. The requirements are based on the age of the boat operator and the size of the vessel. The minimum age requirements are outlined on the chart on the opposite side.

acccident.)

fire extinguisher visual distress signals horn or whistle paddle or oar

BOAT OPERATOR PRIVILEGES SUSPENDED? Think Twice Before Heading Out

navigation lights

BOAT OPERATORS NEED TO CARRY

On the Water
FIRST OFFENSEi Anyone who is caught operating a boat or personal watercraft while their privileges are suspended

IDENTIFICATION WHEN ON THE WATER

will be charged with a misdemeanor, will face a minimum fine of $500 and have their privileges suspended for 6

Boat and personal watercraft (PWC) operators age 16 and

additional months.

o lder are required to carry identification on board as well as tre

SECOND OFFENSE (within a 5 year period)t ,'\nyone

required safety equipment and boat registration. Acceptable

convicted of a second offense o f operating a boat or per-

types of identification include a driver's license (or legib le copy

sonal watercraft white their privileges are suspended will be

of driver's license) or any government issued identification that

charged with a misdemeanor o f a high and aggravated

contains a description of the person, a photograph and birth-

nature, will face a minimum fine of $1000 and have their

date. Birth certificates and traffic citations are not acceptable as

boat operator prMleges suspended for 6 additional

proper identification.

months.

Minimum Age Requirements for Boat Operation in Georgia

Under 12

Pe rsona l W atercraft

Class A Vessels

Class I, II, or Ill

( PWC)

(Vessel s less than 16 feet

(commonly called Je:t s ki s )

In length)

Vessels (Vessels 16 feet

in length and over)

I I I MAY NOT operate a PWC MAY operate a Class A vessel

MAY NOT operate Class 1,

with a 30 horsepa-.ver or smaller 11, or Ill vessels.

motor if they are accompanted by a

sober adult age 18 or older.

12 ~ 13

M A Y operate a PWC if they
meet ~ of the following conditions: 1. /Ve accompanied by a sober adu lt age 18 or older; OR 2. Have completed a DNRapproved boating safety
course; OR 3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adutt age 18 or older.

14 - 15

MAY operate a PWC if they
meet ~ of the following conditions,
1. Ne accompanied by a
sober adult age 18 or older;
OR
2. Have completed a DNR-
approved boating safety
course; OR 3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 O{ older.

MAY HOT operate Gass A vessels v.ith a motor larger than 30 horsepower.

M AY operate a Gass Avessel with a 30 horsepovver or smaller
motor if they meet !!ri of the following conditions, 1. Ale accompanied by a sober
adult age 18 or older; OR 2. Have completed a DNRapproved boating safety course; OR 3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

MAY HOT operate Class I, 11, .or Ill vessels.

MAY NOT operate Class A vessels wiU1 ct motor lar,91::1 lhctn 30
hor.;epower.

\f61M-ai"WEart

MAY operate any Class A vessel ff they meet~ of the following conditions, 1. Ale accompanied by a sober
adult age 18 or older; O R 2. Have completed a DNRapproved boating safety course;
OR 3. /Ve under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

MAY operate~ Class I, 11, or Ill vessel if they meet any of the following conditions, 1. Ne accompanfed 'at a sober adult age 18 or older; OR 2. Have completed a DNR-
approved boating safety course; OR 3. Ne under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

16 and
Over

MAY operate a PWC provided they are carrying proper identification.

MAY operate any Class A vessel provided they are carrying proper identificaHon.

MAY operate any Oass I, I~ or Ill vessel provided they are carrying proper identification.

QUICK & EASY BOAT REGISTRATION AT www.goboatgeorgia.com

3 EAS.Y WAYS TO TAKE A BOATING EDUCATION COURSE
IN GEORGIA
1. Classroom Courses: call the local DNR law
Enforcement Office or call (770) 784~3068. 2. Home Study Internet Courses : go to
boat-ed.com ($15) or www.boatus.com (free). 3. Home Study Video Courses: go to
boat-ed.com or call (800) 460-9698 to ord er vid eo ($24.95). 'I..

QUESTIONS A BOUT GEORGIA'S BOATING SAFETY LAWS?
Go t o www.goboatgeorg ia.com or call the local DNR Off ice:

Calhoun (770) 769-9680

Gainesville (770) 535-5499

Thomson (706) 595-4211

Manchester (706) 846-8448

Albany (229) 430-4252

Metter

(912) 685-2145

Bruns\Mck (912) 264- 7237

Macon (478) 751 -6415

FISHING AND BOATING CONNECTS FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Purchase a fishing llcense at over 1,000 sporting goods stores,
call 1-888-748-6887
or go to www.gofishgeorg ia.com
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