Welcome from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

The Law Enforcement Section of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is responsible for protecting Georgia’s natural resources. Some of the Law Enforcement Section’s many boating responsibilities are to:

• Enforce all laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to the Georgia Boat Safety Act as well as the protection and conservation of the natural resources of Georgia.
• Administer the mandatory State Boater Safety Education Program.
• Enforce laws pertaining to the protection of all coastal resources.
• Provide enforcement support to the Environmental Protection Division by investigating and reporting pollution of water, air, and land areas of Georgia.
• Conduct boating safety programs for schools, civic clubs, and other interested agencies and persons.
• Investigate and submit reports on all boating accidents.
• Perform rescue-and-recovery operations for lost persons and drowning victims.
• Present programs and exhibits on departmental activities to schools and churches, civic clubs, and sportsmen clubs.
• Regulate marine events on the public waters of Georgia.

Courtesy Boat Inspection

The Georgia DNR Rangers offer a boat inspection service to all Georgia boaters free of charge!

Call your regional Georgia DNR office to find out where and when the next courtesy boat inspection will be held in your area. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a Georgia DNR Ranger examine your boat to:

• Check that you have all of the safety equipment required by Georgia law on board and…
• Recommend optional equipment that will make your boating experience safer and more comfortable and…
• Check that you have the proper registration for your boat.

Having this inspection done before you launch your boat will help ensure your family’s safety and boating enjoyment. This service is offered as a courtesy—you will not be penalized for any violations that may be found at the time of the free inspection.

A complete list of Georgia DNR Regional Offices with addresses and phone numbers can be found on the back cover of this manual.

The TIP Program is a way for you to assist the Law Enforcement Section in protecting Georgia’s valuable wildlife resources.

TURN IN POACHERS (TIP) AND POLLUTERS
Toll Free: 1-800-241-4113
Atlanta: 404-656-4863

Violators of game and fish laws are thieves who steal from you. Help ensure the future of fishing and hunting. Turn in poachers and polluters anytime you see a suspicious activity. You can remain anonymous. Project TIP offers rewards of $100 - $500 to anyone who provides information that results in the arrest of violators of certain game laws.