Georgia boating laws and information

BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Think twice before operating a boat under the influence of alcohol this summer.
People convicted of BUI lose their privilege to operate a boat. Boat operator privileges are not reinstated until the successful completion of a Driving Under the Influence Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program approved by the Georgia Department of Human Resources. They also will be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable with up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 12 months in prison.
The BUI law establishes a "zero tolerance" blood alcohol level of .02 for people under age 21 who are caught operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Minors who are arrested for BUI may face misdemeanor charges.
The law also creates misdemeanor offenses for "endangering a child" if a boat operator transports a child under age 14 while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Boat operator privileges can be revoked for people who refuse a sobriety test when suspected of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and/or people whose blood, breath or urine test shows the presence of illegal drugs or an alcohol level of .10 or higher.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
You should always check that the following are on board your boat before heading out on the water:
* current vessel registration in your name * life jackets for everyone on board
(Remember, children under the age of 10 must wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is moving) * cell phone * fire extinguisher * visual distress signals * horn or whistle * paddle or oar * navigation lights
CARRY IDENTIFICATION ON THE WATER
Boat and personal watercraft (PWC) operators age 16 and older are required to carry identification on board as well as the required safety equipment and boat registration. Acceptable types of identification include a driver's license (or legible copy of driver's license) or any government-issued identification that contains a description of the person, a photograph and birthdate. Birth certificates and traffic citations are not acceptable as proper identification.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIRED FOR BOAT OPERATORS
Before you let children under the age of 16 operate a boat this summer, make sure you know the laws. Georgia law 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.

Boating Laws
& Information
"100-FOOT LAW" APPLIES TO EVERYONE ON WATER
The "100-foot law" includes all vessels, not just personal watercraft. This law prohibits people from operating any vessel at a speed greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel which is moored, anchored or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or within 100 feet of any wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure or abutment, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.
It is illegal for boat operators to: * jump the wake of another boat within 100 feet and to
buzz other boats. * operate around or within 100 feet of another vessel
faster than idle speed unless he/she is overtaking or meeting the other vessel in compliance with the rules of the road for boat operation. * follow closely behind another vessel, jump the wake of another vessel, or change or reverse his/her course of direction in order to ride or jump in the wake of another vessel.
BOAT OPERATOR PRIVILEGES SUSPENDED? THINK TWICE BEFORE HEADING OUT ON THE WATER
FIRST OFFENSE: Anyone caught operating a boat or personal watercraft while their privileges are suspended will be charged with a misdemeanor, will face a minimum fine of $500 and have their privileges suspended for six additional months.
SECOND OFFENSE (within a five-year period): Anyone convicted of a second offense of operating a boat or personal watercraft while their privileges are suspended will be charged with a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, will face a minimum fine of $1,000 and have their boat operator privileges suspended for six additional months.

QUESTIONS ABOUT GEORGIA'S BOATING LAWS?

w w w. g o b o a t g e o r g i a . c o m

Region Office Numbers

Northwest GA 770-769-9680

Northeast GA 770-535-5499

Central East GA 706-595-4211

Central West GA 478-751-6415

Southwest GA 229-430-4252

Southeast GA 912-685-2145

Coastal GA

912-264-7237

VESSEL REGISTRATION
Registration is required for ALL mechanically propelled vessels AND sailboats over 12 feet in length that are used on waters of this state. Registration is NOT required for 1) sailboats less than 12 ft. in length with no mechanical propulsion; 2) canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rubber rafts that have no mechanical propulsion; and 3) boats operated exclusively on private ponds or lakes.
Vessels never registered in Georgia and transfer of ownership for Georgia registered vessels can be accomplished using a mailed application or by telephone at 1-800-366-2661. Owners can renew existing registrations online or by telephone, or renewal coupons mailed out 60 days from expiration can be returned.
Persons purchasing a used vessel must obtain bills of sale back to the person that last registered the vessel, and obtain the original title if coming from a state that titles vessels. Owners must notify DNR within 15 days of vessel sale, transfer, theft, or other change in status.
Visit www.goboatgeorgia.com to print a Vessel Registration Application or renew online.

HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
All vessels built after 1972 must have a complete Hull Identification Number before the registration can be processed. The HIN consists of 12 continuous characters at least one-quarter of an inch in height. The HIN will be carved, burned, stamped, embossed, molded, bonded, or otherwise permanently affixed to the back of the vessel.
Homemade vessels must be inspected by a DNR Ranger and assigned a state-issued HIN. To view the monthly schedule of vessel inspection times and locations, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com/boating/registration (click "Hull Identification Number"). Registration must be paid before vessel is inspected.
BOATING EDUCATION COURSES
Three Easy Ways Classroom * Online * Home Study
www.goboatgeorgia.com

Minimum Age Requirements for Boat Operation in Georgia

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)

Under MAY NOT operate a PWC. 12

MAY operate a Class A vessel with a 30 horsepower or smaller motor if they are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older.

MAY NOT operate Class I, II, or III vessels.

12 - 13

MAY operate a PWC if they meet any of the following conditions: 1. Are 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.

14 - 15

MAY operate a PWC if they meet any of the following conditions: 1. Are 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.

16 and Over

MAY operate a PWC provided they are carrying proper identification.

MAY NOT operate Class A vessels with a motor larger than 30 horsepower.

MAY operate a Class A vessel with a 30 horsepower or smaller motor if they meet any of the following conditions: 1. Are 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 or older.

MAY NOT operate Class I, II, or III vessels.

MAY NOT operate Class A vessels with a motor larger than 30 horsepower.

MAY operate any Class A vessel if they meet any of the following conditions: 1. Are 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 or older.

MAY operate any Class I, II, or III vessel if they meet any of the following conditions: 1. Are 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 operate any Class A vessel provided they are carrying proper identification.

MAY operate any Class I, II, or III vessel provided they are carrying proper identification.

Revised May 2012