Boating in Georgia
Boats Docked at Lake Lanier
Outboard Motor Restrictions:
· No motor in excess of 9.9 hp may be operated
on the Ogeechee River upstream of State Hwy 119
· No motor in excess of 25 hp may be operated on
Lake Juliette
All boats that carry any means of mechanical propulsion
and all sailboats 12 feet and longer must be registered.
A boat registration application can be obtained from any
office of the Wildlife Resources Division, from most marine
dealers and marinas or by writing to:
Georgia DNR, License & Boat Registration Unit
2189 Northlake Parkway
Building 10, Suite 108
Tucker, Georgia 30084
All vessels must be equipped with wearable personal flotation
devices (PFD) for each person aboard. PFDs must be readily
accessible to all occupants, in good and serviceable condition,
legibly marked with the US Coast Guard approved number,
and of appropriate size for the occupants. Also, one Type
IV throwable device must be on board. Models are available
for all ages and boating activities.
All vessels cannot be operated over idle speed within 100
feet of any moored or anchored vessel, vessel adrift, or
any wharf, pier, piling, or persons in the  water,
or shoreline next to a full-time or part-time residence,
public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina,
restaurant, or other public use area.
Children under age 10 must wear an appropriately sized
PFD when the vessel is under way, unless the child is within
a fully enclosed, roofed cabin.
PFDs must be worn by each person aboard when operating
a vessel in an area marked as "hazardous area".
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) cannot be operated in excess
of 5 mph when within 100 feet of any moored or anchored
vessel, shore, dock, pier, wharf, piling, bridge, or person
in the water.
Georgia honors all other states' registrations, provided
the boat is not used in excess of 60 consecutive days.
Almost one-half of the boating accidents in Georgia are
caused by collision with another boat or an object. Practically
all boating accidents occur because of carelessness, inexperience
or ignorance of safe boating practices.
Booze and boats do not mix! It is unlawful to operate a
boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To learn
more about requirements for operating your boat obtain "Georgia
Safe Boating Guide" from any WRD law enforcement office.
To learn about a boating safety course contact any WRD
law enforcement office.
Boat docked photo by Savannah Grandfather
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