Minimum Age Requirement for Boat Operators Under the Age of 16

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) reminds boaters under the age of 16 that there is a minimum age requirement to operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) on public lakes and waterways. Young boaters can satisfy the requirements of this law either by taking a boating safety course or by operating a boat under the supervision of an adult or accompanied by an adult.

“It is important that all boat operators, not just people under the age of 16, become familiar with Georgia’s boating laws and practice safe boating at all times,” says Lt. Col. Terry West, Georgia State Boating Administrator. “We don’t want to take the fun out of being on the water, but we do want people to be safe so conservation rangers will be strictly enforcing the minimum age law this summer.”

There are three ways boat operators can take a boating safety course in Georgia to satisfy the requirements of the minimum age law. The classroom course is a free, six-hour class, taught by WRD conservation rangers and volunteers, that covers the basics of boating. Contact the local WRD Law Enforcement Office for a list of classes.

Boat operators also can go to boat-ed.com ($15) or boatus.com on the Internet to take a boating safety course. Another option for boat operators is the home study course. Boaters can receive a “Boat Georgia” manual and a boating safety video by ordering it on the Internet at boat-ed.com or by calling 1-800-460-9698.

Minimum boat operator age requirements are based on the age of the boat operator and the size of the vessel. The minimum age requirements are as follows:

Minimum Age Requirements for Boat Operation in Georgia

Personal Watercraft (PWC)(commonly called jet skis) Class A Vessels(Vessels less than 16 feet in length) Class I, II, or III Vessels(Vessels 16 feet in length and over)

Under 12 May not operate a PWC. May operate a Class A vessel with a 30 horsepower or smaller motor if they are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older.May not operate Class A vessels with a motor larger than 30 horsepower. May not operate Class I, II, or III vessels.

12- 13 May operate a PWC if they meet any of the following conditions:1. Are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older; OR2. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; OR3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older. May operate a Class A vessel with a 30 horsepower or smaller motor if they meet any of the following conditions:1. Are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older; OR2. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; OR3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.May not operate Class A vessels with a motor larger than 30 horsepower. May not operate Class I, II, or III vessels.

14-15 May operate a PWC if they meet any of the following conditions:1. Are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older; OR2. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; OR3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older. May operate any Class A vessel if they meet any of the following conditions:1. Are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older; OR2. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; OR3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older. May operate any Class I, II, or III vessel if they meet any of the following conditions:1. Are accompanied by a sober adult age 18 or older; OR2. Have completed a DNR-approved boating safety course; OR3. Are under the direct supervision of a sober adult age 18 or older.

16 and Over May operate a PWC provided they are carrying proper identification. May operate any Class A vessel provided they are carrying proper identification. May operate any Class I, II, or III vessel provided they are carrying proper identification.