DO I NEED A LICENSE TO RENT A BOAT IN GEORGIA? Boat operators in Georgia are required to be at least 16 years of age to rent a boat within the state. Additionally, operators who were born on or after July 1, 2014 are required to obtain a Georgia Boater Education Card to legally operate a boat within the state.
Rental Boat Education Law On or after July 1, 2014, a person 16 years of age or older may rent or lease any vessel ten horsepower or more if such person has completed a boating education course approved by the department.
Georgia Boating Laws and Regulations Any person born on or after January 1, 1998, operating a motorized vessel is required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. Persons under 12 years of age: May not legally operate a PWC or any vessel 16 feet in length or longer.
It is unlawful for an owner of a PWC to allow anyone else to operate their PWC in such a way that it violates the Georgia Boat Safety Act. It is illegal to rent, lease or let for hire a PWC to a person under the age of 16 years.
Boat operators can operate a boat without a Boater Card if they meet one one of the listed exemptions, which includes being supervised on board by an adult at least 18 years of age who is in possession of a California Boater Card as required by California law. Violating these provisions constitutes an infraction.
Operating a boat recreationally without a boater's license can lead to tickets and fines — never a pleasant experience. However, an even more serious concern is liability. If you're involved in an incident while boating without a license, you can face more serious legal repercussions.
Boat operators in Georgia are required to be at least 16 years of age to rent a boat within the state. Additionally, operators who were born on or after July 1, 2014 are required to obtain a Georgia Boater Education Card to legally operate a boat within the state.
Persons 16 years of age or older may legally operate any boat or PWC on Georgia state waters if they have a proper identification card, such as a driver's license (or legible copy) or any other government-issued identification that contains a description of the person, a photograph, and the date of birth, on board.
Age Requirements: To rent a jet ski, you must be at least 18 years old; however, 16 and 17-year-olds can drive solo but will require a legal guardian to be present to rent the watercraft and sign liability forms.