Welcome Georgia Boaters!

This handbook is published by Boat Ed, the official provider of Georgia's boating safety course. Although this handbook is a convenient reference tool, students wanting to receive official Georgia boating safety certification would benefit from studying Boat Ed's comprehensive boat safety course.

All boating safety course material has been developed in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and is the same material used in their classroom courses. Take the official Georgia boating safety course.

Boater Education Law: Georgia law places restrictions on the operation of boats and/or personal watercraft for those younger than 16 years of age. Learn more in this handbook.

In This Handbook

Boating Basics includes: vessel length and capacity, fueling, float plans, navigational rules, U.S. Aids to Navigation, weather and other boating emergencies, and personal watercraft (PWCs) basics.

It's the Law includes: registering information, registration fees, display of numbers, legal operating age, required equipment, unlawful operation, boating under the influence, reporting accidents, enforcement, environmental restrictions, and laws governing PWCs and vessels towing skiers.

Georgia enforcement officers patrol our waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the suggestions outlined in this manual as well as the rules of common courtesy while operating your boat.

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