Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate A Boat
Persons less than 12 years of age:
- May not legally operate any boat 16 feet in length or longer or a vessel under 16 feet that is powered by a motor of more than 30 horsepower.
- May legally operate a boat less than 16 feet long that is either non-motorized or powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less only if they are accompanied by a competent adult.
Persons 12 or 13 years of age:
- May not legally operate any boat 16 feet in length or longer or a vessel under 16 feet that is powered by a motor of more than 30 horsepower.
- May legally operate a non-motorized boat less than 16 feet long without restrictions.
- May legally operate a boat less than 16 feet long that is powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less only if they:
- Have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources or …
- Are accompanied by a competent adult or…
- Are under the direct supervision of a competent adult.
Persons 14 or 15 years of age:
- May legally operate a non-motorized boat less than 16 feet long without restrictions.
- May legally operate any other boat only if they:
- Have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources or …
- Are accompanied by a competent adult or …
- Are under the direct supervision of a competent adult.
Persons 16 years of age or older may operate any boat on the waters of Georgia if they have proper identification on board.
Who May Operate A PWC
Persons less than 12 years of age may not legally operate a PWC.
Persons 12 to 15 years of age may legally operate a PWC only if they:
- Have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources or…
- Are accompanied by a competent adult or…
- Are under the direct supervision of a competent adult.
Persons 16 years of age or older may operate a PWC on the waters of Georgia if they have proper identification on board.
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