GA t/ 200.G2.. SI Bio '.2002-- G R - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ;JI'" 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 /4,~ w,,.A-/4,- ~T