Georgia Boating Handbook Table of Contents

• Home Page
• Boater Education

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Additional Safety Procedures for PWCs
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan

Boating Basics: On the Water

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Navigation Rules
• Encountering Vessels at Night
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
• Lateral Markers
• Intracoastal Waterway System
• Non-Lateral Markers
• Weather Emergencies
• Other Boating Emergencies
• Hypothermia
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Boating Basics: Specifically For PWCs

• Fueling a PWC ... Safely!
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Steering and Stopping a PWC
• Ignition Safety Switches
• Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Courtesy When Encountering Other Vessels
• Environmental Considerations
• Other PWC Considerations

It's the Law!

It's The Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Vessel
• Other Facts About Registering Your Vessel
• How to Apply For or Renew Your Vessel's Registration
• Registration Fees for the Three-Year Boat Registration
• Buying and Selling a Vessel
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Boat

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers
• Georgia Required Equipment Checklist

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
• Alcohol and Drugs ... Zero Tolerance!
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Boating Accidents
• Enforcement
• Diver-Down Flags
• Marine Events
• Hazardous Areas
• Georgia Boating Safety Zones
• Discharge of Waste
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

It's The Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Who May Operate a PWC
• Requirements Specific to PWCs
• Sharing Your PWC ... Safely!

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Helpful Information

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• Georgia Boating Handbook PDF Version (prints well)