Mandatory Boater Education

As of July 1, 2014, all persons born on or after January 1, 1998 that operate any motorized vessel on the waters of the state must have completed a boat education course approved by the department prior to such operation.  A person is exempt if he or she is:

  • a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel;
  • a person operating on a private lake or pond;
  • a non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA approved boater education course or equivalency examination from another state.

 

Click here to view boat education courses approved by Georgia DNR.