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Program

Georgia

The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

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approved boating safety course

Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA and your state boating license agency.


How To Get Started:

First, Click Education Requirements above to verify state requirements and then click Certificate/Card Info to learn what options are available for your state.

For a brief tutorial and getting familiar with our new system click here.


Education Requirements:


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Boat Requirements:

Operators Under 12:

  • May not operate any vessel over 16 feet in length.
  • May legally operate a vessel under 16 feet in length which is either non-motorized or powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less only if they are accompanied by a competent adult.*

Operators aged 12 through 15:

  • May not legally operate any vessel 16 feet in length or longer.
  • May operate a personal watercraft or a vessel less than 16 feet long if he or she has passed a boating safety course approved by the Georgia DNR, OR accompanied by a competent adult.

Operators 16 and older:

  • May operate any boat on the waters of Georgia if they have proper identification onboard.

All operators born after January 1, 1998 must have passed a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have a proof of completion on board to operate any vessel.

* A competent adult is defined as a person 18 years of age or older who is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and who is carrying proper identification such as a government issued ID that contains a photo, a description of the person and date of birth.

PWC Requirements:

Operators Under 12:

  • Children under the age of 12 are legally prohibited from operating a PWC.

Operators aged 12 through 15:

  • Children that are aged 12 to 15 may legally operate a PWC if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the Georgia DNR, or are accompanied by a competent adult.

Operators 16 and older:

  • Persons 16 years of age or older may operate any PWC on the waters of Georgia if they carry aboard proper identification such as a government-issued ID containing a photo, a description of the person and date of birth.

Rental PWCs:

  • A person must be at least 16 years of age in order to rent or lease a PWC.

All operators born after January 1, 1998 must have passed a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have a proof of completion on board to operate any vessel.


How Do I Get My Certificate?


boating card

1. After you complete the course you will be issued a printable copy of your certificate that you can print yourself and use immediately.

2. You will also have the option of ordering a Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved, waterproof plastic card for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your card to arrive.


Complete the Course in Three Easy Steps:

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Enroll yourself in a Boating Safety Course from the Course Catalog

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Study and pass the FREE Boating Safety Course.

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Print out your certificate of completion yourself for free


Get Started Today! Start Now →

Course Information:


4 - 8 Hours

Estimated Course Time

6 Lessons

Each Contains a 10 Question Quiz

Final Exam

60 Questions Pulled Randomly

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Complete the Course at Your Own Pace

Choose when and where to take your course.
In our new online learning system, take it on any device with an internet connection and automatically have your progress saved when the window is closed.*

*You must be registed in our new system at courses.boatus.org and not have previously registered or started at elearning.boatus.org.


Get Started Now →

Online Course Video:



Testimonials


  • Great course, and so much more convenient than going at night for several nights... Keep up the great work, and see you on the water.

    Gene
  • Thank you so much! This was a great course and I learned so much. Hope you have a great weekend!

    Lindsay
  • Thank you. The information that you gave me allowed me to complete the course. Your assistance was very much appreciated.

    D. White
  • Thank you so much! You folks are so kind. Good luck with the updates and have safe boating fun this summer!

    Brennan