As of July 1, 2014, all persons born on or after January 1, 1998 that operate any motorized vessel on the waters of the state must have completed a boat education course approved by the department prior to such operation.  A person is exempt if he or she is:

• a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel;
• a person operating on a private lake or pond;
• a non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA approved boater education course or equivalency examination from another state.

Click here to view boat education courses approved by Georgia DNR.