Georgia Boating Regulations and Laws

The Georgia boater certification card (commonly known as a Georgia boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

Georgia law places restrictions on boat and PWC operation for those under 16 years of age. In some cases, passing an approved boating safety course allows youth to operate without being under direct adult supervision. The Boat Georgia course meets these requirements and is the same course taught in Georgia classrooms.

Even if not required by law to get the Georgia boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Georgia a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Georgia course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Georgia?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the Georgia online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boater certification card issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is mailed to your home.
• Video at Home: Study at home with the Georgia video home-study course. Then take the Certification Exam at home and mail it in for grading and certification.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat Georgia online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater certification card is available for free online. Please visit our Georgia safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Georgia boater certification card ?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Georgia boater's license;
• Contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Georgia boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a Georgia boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater certification card ?

Georgia's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.