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Boating

Boat Registration

  • All boats that carry any means of mechanical propulsion (electric trolling motor and/or gas motor) and all sailboats 12 feet and longer must be registered.
  • You may register or renew online at GoBoatGeorgia.com
  • A Boat Registration Application by mail can be obtained from GoBoatGeorgia.com
  • Register or renew by phone at 800-366-2661.
  • Georgia honors all other states’ registrations, provided the boat is not used in excess of 60 consecutive days in Georgia.

Personal Flotation Devices

  • A wearable personal flotation device (PFD) is required for each person aboard a vessel. 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. One Type IV throwable device must also be on board all vessels except Class A vessels (boats less than 15’ 11” which also includes personal-watercraft, canoes and kayaks).
  • Children under age 13 must wear a PFD when the vessel is under way, unless the child is within a fully enclosed cabin.
  • PFDs must be worn by each person aboard a vessel in an area marked as “hazardous area.”

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 or Lake Tugalo.
  • Georgia State Park lakes often have boat and motor restrictions. Check with the Park Office at each park for details.

Boating Safety

  • No vessel may be operated above 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 or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other public use area.
  • Tybee, Sea, St. Simons, and Jekyll Islands have temporal (May 1 - Sept. 30) 1,000 ft. safety zones.
  • It is unlawful to operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • To learn about boating education please visit GoBoatGeorgia.com
  • Visit GoBoatGeorgia.com for complete boating regulations.
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