Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Other Equipment
Diver-Down Flag
Scuba divers or snorkelers must display a diver-down flag that marks the diving area. Vessels must remain at least 100 feet away from the person in the water. Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.
- A rectangular red flag, at least 15 inches by 15 inches, with a white diagonal stripe is required on state waters.
- A blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag) is required on federally controlled and international waters. This flag indicates that the vessel is involved in a diving activity.
DIvers Flag
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Alfa Flag
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Scuba divers and snorkelers should not place a flag in an area already occupied by other boaters or where their diving operation will impede the normal flow of waterway traffic. Divers also should follow all of the water safety rules themselves. |
Marine Events
Permits for events held on state-controlled waters are required and are granted through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources by applying at least 30 days in advance of the event. If the event is likely to attract 10,000 or more persons, the request must be made 90 days in advance.
 Hazardous Areas
Certain areas have been designated and marked as “hazardous areas” because of conditions that create a threat to the safety and welfare of boaters. When operating within a “hazardous area,” all passengers in a vessel must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device that is properly fitted and fastened.
Georgia Boating Safety Zones
Certain areas are designated as “boating safety zones” and have special restrictions.
- It is unlawful to operate a powerboat between May 1 and September 30 within the areas of:
- Jekyll Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark on Jekyll Island Beach from the north end to the south end of the island
- Tybee Island Beach, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark on Tybee Island Beach from the north end to the south end of the island
- St. Simons Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark from the north end to the south end of the island
- Sea Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark from the north end to the south end of the island
- It is unlawful to operate any type of boat during any time of the year within the:
- Marked boundary of any marked swimming area
- Upstream or downstream area of any dam designated by the Commissioner (these areas will be marked with signs and/or buoys)
- It is unlawful to operate a boat with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower on the Ogeechee River from the bridge at Georgia Highway 119 upstream.
- It is unlawful to operate any boat with a marine toilet, galley, or sleeping quarters (including houseboats) on Bull Sluice Lake, Lake Burton, Goat Rock Lake, Lake Harding, Lake Jackson, North Highlands Lake, Lake Oconee, Lake Oliver, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake, Tallulah Falls Lake, Tugalo Lake, and Yonah Lake.
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